Uluru: no. The Great Barrier Reef: in some places, with care. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a Commonwealth national park, jointly managed with its Anangu traditional owners, and drones are prohibited there. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a different case: CASA's drone rules apply, and flying is possible in parts of the reef, but island national parks like the Whitsundays, wildlife protections and crowded tour sites limit where you can launch.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta
Parks Australia says drones and other remote-controlled devices are prohibited in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, and penalties apply for unauthorized use. The reasons behind the ban:
- Culture. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are sacred to the Anangu, and some sites must not be photographed at all.
- Visitors. Sunrise and sunset viewing areas are crowded.
- Scenic flights. Helicopters and light aircraft fly over the park all day.
Commercial photos and video of the park need a Parks Australia media permit, but that doesn't make a drone legal there. Don't fly from just outside the boundary into the park either. Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara has its own rules and an airport nearby. Ask before flying there.
The Great Barrier Reef
The reef is a marine park managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, with many islands under Queensland national park rules. If you fly:
- Follow CASA's rules: below 120 m, in daylight, in sight, 30 m from people, never over crowds, and 5.5 km from controlled airports.
- Stay away from wildlife. Whales, dolphins, turtles and seabird nesting islands are protected. Australian guidelines set minimum approach distances for drones near whales.
- Check island rules. Many reef islands are national parks, and Queensland parks have their own drone conditions. Ask before launching.
- Commercial use in the marine park needs permission from the authority, as well as CASA requirements.
Flying from a moving boat is hard; launch and land on a stable deck only with the skipper's permission.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven is in Whitsunday Islands National Park, run by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Contact the park before flying, and expect limits. Even where flying is allowed, the beach and Hill Inlet lookout are crowded with tour groups, and seaplanes and helicopters land or fly low nearby. The 30 m rule from people rules out most of the main beach in the middle of the day.
CASA basics
Recreational pilots in Australia don't need a licence, but must follow CASA's standard rules. Registration and accreditation apply when you fly for business. Use a CASA-verified drone safety app before every flight. See drone laws in Australia and the CASA drone pages.
Heat, wind and salt
Outback heat can push batteries past safe temperatures, and reef wind over open water is strong. Keep batteries shaded, fly early, keep a 30% reserve, and wipe salt off after reef flights.
Which drone
The 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro has a 1-inch sensor for reef color and red-rock light and packs small. Plan battery carriage with traveling with a drone.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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