Commercial Filming and Photography
Our Harbour Trust sites are magnificent locations on Sydney Harbour that contain historic buildings and areas of natural vegetation. There are more than 408 buildings, many of which still remain vacant, while the Harbour Trust prepares a plan for their long-term use. The sites are in quiet locations close to the CBD making them ideal for filming or photography. We have already hosted many exciting projects including major blockbuster films, advertisements, reality TV shows and fashion photography.
Our experienced staff can advise on suitable locations and will ensure that your shoot runs smoothly. When processing your booking our Licensing Officer will advise of any scheduling conflicts, both public events and private functions.
Rates
| Filming | High intensity | Medium intensity | Low intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full day (10 hours) | From $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Half day (5 hours) | From $3,500 | $2,500 | $1,750 |
| Night Location (7pm - 12pm) | From $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Photography | High intensity | Medium intensity | Low intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full day (10 hours, daylight only) | From $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,250 |
| Three days plus | POA | POA | POA |
| Overtime | $500 per hour |
Note: all fees are per day and inclusive of GST
Definitions
Low: publicly accessible areas only, with minimal set up
Medium: publicly accessible areas, with access to one back-of-house location per day
High: Access to three back-of-house locations per day, with set up (Cockatoo Island, vehicle access)
Contact
To find out more about locations, or to check availability and location fees, please contact the Licensing Officer by emailing licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au or phone (02) 8969 2100.
To apply for filming on Harbour Trust sites, download the forms below, complete and fax to the Licensing Officer on (02) 8969 2120 or:
Filming and Photography Application Form [PDF - 463KB]
Wedding Photography
Wedding photography does not incur a fee, though a charge is made for all other commercial photography. However, wedding photographers should note that other activities such as booked wedding ceremonies, tours, private events and public access have precedence and photographers must not disturb these activities in any way. We also host a number of public events on our sites throughout the year which may hinder wedding photography so it is advisable to also refer to our Events Calendar in the lead up to your wedding to check if there are any major events scheduled on your date. These may impact on access to particular locations.
Photography for Personal Use
The Harbour Trust is happy for visitors to take personal photographs at our sites. Just bring your camera and enjoy the unique views and features. But remember to take care to observe safety advice and respect the privacy of other visitors.
Please remember that our sites are public spaces and while personal photography is welcomed, this does not permit any set up, plugging into power or access beyond security fencing. Photography is permitted in publicly accessible locations only and you cannot restrict access to other members of the public. The Harbour Trust reserves the right to hire venues to users and restrict access without notice.
Use of Trust lands as a backdrop for other filming or photography purposes is classed as commercial activity requiring prior consent and the payment of a licence fee. Examples of this use include teaching photography, taking photos for publications, public display or sale, creation of filming/photography portfolios, photoshoots and the making of short films.
Student Photography
The Harbour Trust permits low impact photography or short-film making without a fee by enrolled students for the sole purpose of completing an education assignment set by an accredited secondary or tertiary education provider. For any other activity a fee is payable, including uses such as teaching photography, creation of professional portfolios or photography/filming for future commercial gain.
Students must note that other activities such as private events, tours and public exhibitions take precedence and students may not disturb or restrict these activities in any way. The Harbour Trust also reserves the right to limit or change areas of public access to visitors without prior notice. Students may not access areas beyond security fencing or restrict public access in any way, nor use amplification equipment, plug into power, attach props or theming to any fixtures. The use of hand-held equipment, props and costumes which have no risk of causing offence or alarm to members of the public is permitted.
Before undertaking student photography, enrolled students must submit the attached declaration to the Harbour Trust's Head Ranger.
Download a student declaration [PDF - 34KB]
Teachers wishing to organise a school photography excursion, please call the Trust on 8969 2100 to make a booking.
More information
Check out locations by visiting the Photo Gallery
