Best Places to Fly a Drone in Melbourne  

Melbourne is a prominent tourist destination in Australia for drone lovers due to its lenient drone laws, breathtaking landscapes, and numerous drone-friendly locations.

Whether you are headed to Melbourne for a vacation or moving there for work, there are many places to fly your drone as long as you comply with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) laws and regulations.

Read on to learn the rules and regulations about drone use in Melbourne, as well as the best places to use your drone in this Australian Mecca.

What are the general rules on drones in Melbourne? #

While drones are legal in Melbourne, and you can fly a drone during your vacation, owners have specific responsibilities to protect themselves, others, and their property.

Below are the rules and regulations of drone use in Melbourne, according to the CASA[1].

• Don’t fly drones more than 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground
• Avoid using your drone in a populated area –drone operators must maintain a least 30 meters distance from people
• Ensure the drone is within your visual line-of-site
• Fly one drone at a time
• Never fly drones over homes and other private property
• Fly drones during daylight hours and permitting weather, not at night or during adverse weather
• Promote personal privacy when using drones –get people’s consent before photographing them
• Don’t operate drones in a way that jeopardizes the safety of people and property
• Refrain from drone use that affects public safety, such as over or near emergency and police operations, firefighting efforts, car crashes, and search and rescue.
• Keep drones weighing more than 250 grams away from controlled airports and seaplane bases- at least 5.5km away. Be wary of manned aircraft, give way, and land your drone rapidly.
• Never fly drones in restricted areas like military facilities and government premises.
• While you don’t need a license to fly a drone for recreation, you need a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation for commercial drone use.
• Failure to adhere to drone rules attracts fines, penalties, and even jail term.

Once you familiarize yourself with drone use rules in Melbourne, you can use your drone for recreation and fun.

When you visit Melbourne, here are the best places to fly your drone for stunning shots and an unforgettable experience.

1. Bells Beach #

Address: Jarosite Road, Bells Beach, Victoria, 3228Airspace Map: Aloft

Situated 100km southwest of Melbourne, Bells Beach is among the best places to fly your drone in Melbourne.

You get an excellent view of the beach with a drone, from the amphitheater-like coast to the glorious cliff face, local wildlife, and lush temperate forest.

The beach is a world-famous surfing destination, and you enjoy seeing surfers navigate the legendary swells of the Southern Ocean.

The waves are picture-perfect, and the beach’s environment is friendly and laid back for a memorable drone experience.

2. Mornington Peninsula #

Address: 2 Queen St, Mornington VIC 3931, AustraliaWebsite: visitmorningtonpeninsula.orgAirspace Map: Aloft

Flying a drone in the Mornington Peninsula offers a clear and close view of scenic beaches, vineyard-dotted hills, and dramatic wilderness.

You marvel at the calm waters at the golden bay beach or the turbulent water at the ocean coastline.

When you need something a little different, use your drone to explore the enormous maze gardens of the Mornington Peninsula.

From the Boneo Maze to the Ashcombe Maze and Enchanted Adventure Garden, your drone captures amazing videos of world-acclaimed themed gardens, tons of plant species, and adventure zones through media.

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastal escape for both you and your drone. As your drone captures beautiful views, you soak into the gorgeous blend of seaside charm and stunning coastline views.

When tired of your drone, you can indulge in a plethora of activities, including golf, water sports, and hot springs.

» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone in Exmouth (Australia)?

3. St Kilda Pier #

Address: Pier Road, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182, AustraliaAirspace Map: Aloft

Although there are many things to do when visiting Melbourne, watching the sunset should be at the top of your list.

Sunset views with your drone at St Kilda Pier are to die for and a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

One thing that makes St Kilda Pier a standout is that you can get a good spot to fly your drone without distracting other people while complying with drone rules of keeping a 30 meters distance from them.

Drone operators get panoramic views of the waterfront at Port Philip Bay and the Melbourne skyline.

If you love aquatic life, consider taking a video of the penguin colony at the St Kilda Breakwater. After a long day of droning, enjoy a snack, stroll, cycle, or fish at the pier.

4. Westgate Park #

Address: Todd Road, Port Melbourne, Victoria, 3207, AustraliaWebsite: Westgate ParkAirspace Map: Aloft

At the heart of industrial Melbourne is Westgate Park, famous for its attractions and activities. The park’s salt lake occasionally turns pink and is ideal for flying your drone.

The lake is several minutes away from the bustling city and stands out with its bubblegum pink-colored waters.

With a drone, you get spectacular views of the pink lake, native birds like ibises, swans, spoonbills, and surrounding forested areas.

The pink lake is the ultimate Instagram backdrop, and you will be surprised to discover that the lake turns pink due to algae combinations, high salt concentrations, and excessive sunlight.

5. Great Ocean Road #

Address: Torquay to AllansfordAirspace Map: Aloft

Roadways make excellent and memorable drone images. The great ocean road is a good place to fly a drone in Melbourne as you capture its meanders and experience a scenic coastal drive.

Get up close with native wildlife, lush rainforest, waterbodies, and beautiful landscapes.

A drone experience at the great ocean road is memorable due to the commanding views of river estuaries, breathtaking headlands, sandy beaches, and sheer cliffs.

Drone pilots report falling in love with the stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay due to the panoramic images obtained from the swelling ocean tides, charming towns, vegetation, and rock formations.

6. Castlemaine #

Address: Castlemaine, Victoria 3450, AustraliaAirspace Map: Aloft

The countryside has numerous features, such as farms, fields, and wineries, that appeal to drone enthusiasts.

When visiting Melbourne, Castlemaine is a popular destination for flying drones to get clean, symmetric, and visually appealing footage.

The town is prominent for its rich history, vibrant arts, and quality food.

You get an opportunity to capture botanical gardens, indigenous trees, rotundas, heritage streetscapes, and century-old buildings and stores.

However, since Melbourne restricts flying drones over private property, seek owners’ permission before taking photos or videos of their houses, ranches, and farms.

» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone in Kings Park?

7. Brighton Beach #

Address: Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186, AustraliaAirspace Map: Aloft

Whether you are traveling to Melbourne for recreation or business, the famous Brighton Beach is a must-visit attraction.

You can operate your drone at the beach as long as you are mindful of other people’s privacy and safety. Use your drone to explore the stunning seaside and calm bay waters.

With a drone, you get a birds-eye view of the beautiful, classic, and Victorian-era bathing boxes. Explore their colorful embellishments, sturdy framings, and unique architectural features that make Brighton Beach renowned worldwide.

Do not forget to take shots of the boxes; they are excellent backdrops for Instagram. Also, explore the surrounding forested area as well as the beachside suburb.

References:1. CASA (link)