Filming and photography
You may require a permit to film or take photographs on public land in the Surf Coast Shire. This includes for television shows, feature films, advertising and television commercials, documentaries and music videos.
Exceptions are for filming of news/current affairs pieces, and for personal filming/photography (including filming for private events that occur on public land).
The permits are to ensure your activity complies with our regulations and doesn't cause any safety issues for members of the public.
Please note Council now has new fees and charges for applications see details below.
Which land manager should I apply to?
Council is not the only organisation responsible for the management of areas around the shire, where you might want to film. For example, if you would like to film or photograph at Torquay beach, you would need to contact the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority for your permit and you would not need to contact the Surf Coast Shire Council.
Listed below are some popular areas for filming to help you find the right people to contact for your permit, or you can view the map showing land management responsibility for coastal beaches(PDF, 10MB) (note this doesn't include inland areas):
- Beaches and coastline along the Surf Coast Shire.
- Phone: 03 5220 5055
- The balance of our coastline (except Bells Beach Surfing Reserve). Phone: 03 5220 2002
Department of Transport and Planning
- The Great Ocean Road and other major roads in the shire are managed by Department of Transport and Planning.
Surf Coast Shire Council
- Council managed roads
- Towns in the Surf Coast Shire (but excluding the beaches)
Contact us as soon as you think you might want to use a Council controlled location, regardless of the size and nature of your proposed project. Early contact to confirm who is the land manager can save delays later.
If you're still unsure who to contact about your permit, you can fill in our filming and photography enquiry form and we can point you in the right direction.
How to apply for a filming or photography permit
To apply for a permit, please complete and submit this film permit application form. For fees and permit charges see the fees tab.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed within five business days. However, if your filming activity is complex, it may take longer to issue a permit and fees and charges may apply.
If you're unsure whether you need to apply for a permit, please fill out this filming and photography enquiry form.
Film and photography permit fees
Council now has fees and charges for film and photography applications:
- All student applications are free of charge.
- Once your film permit is approved by our assessment team, a film permit fee of $200/hour (capped at $1,500/day) will be charged.
Filming with Remote Piloted Aircraft (Drones)
Council does not have any specific local laws about flying drones, however the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines do apply. If you are flying for commercial purposes, you might need a film permit from Council or another authority like the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, depending on the location (please see 'Which land manager should I apply to?').
View Drones Guidelines
* Approval is generally linked to an approved model flying association and its members.
For more information, please contact:
Community Facilities, Projects and Partnerships
Surf Coast Shire Council
PO Box 350 Torquay
Vic 3228
Telephone: 03 5261 0600
info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au