DJI's GEO zone database lists 465 drone zones in Australia, 459 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Restricted | 459 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
| 🟨 Warning | 6 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Brisbane International Airport | 4.4 km |
| Sydney Airport | 3.1 km |
| Avalon Airport Australia | 2.9 km |
| Medouneu Airport | 2.7 km |
| Perth Airport | 2.5 km |
| RAAF Base Curtin Airport | 2.4 km |
| Learmonth Airport | 2.4 km |
| Alice Springs Airport | 2.1 km |
| Canberra International Airport | 2.0 km |
| Hobart International Airport | 1.9 km |
| RAAF Base Amberley | 1.9 km |
| Defence Science and Technology Organisation | 1.9 km |
| Adelaide International Airport | 1.8 km |
| Darwin International Airport | 1.8 km |
| RAAF Base East Sale Airport | 1.8 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
Drone rules in Australia at a glance
- Aviation authority: Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Drones flown for business or work must be registered with CASA, whatever their weight; drones flown only for sport or recreation do not need registration. Official page
- Official map: CASA-verified drone safety apps
- Fly only in daylight and within visual line of sight, at least 30 m from other people.
- States and territories have their own rules for parks and reserves.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (CASA) before you fly.
- Check your location in a CASA-verified drone safety app before flying. Official page
- Drones over 250 g must not fly within 5.5 km of a controlled airport without approval; drones of 250 g or less may fly there up to 45 m, but not over approach paths or inside the airport boundary. Official page
- Holders of a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC) can get automated authorisation near selected controlled airports and Sydney Harbour through a participating app. Official page
- Otherwise the ReOC holder applies to CASA with form 101-09; assessment can take up to 70 days. Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with DJI's colours, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in Australia?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 459 restricted zones in Australia; the official map is CASA-verified drone safety apps. Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in Australia?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in Australia?
Up to 120 m (400 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. The binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (official map: CASA-verified drone safety apps).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.