Commercial Activity Permits for protected areas, recreation areas and forests
Permitting hub
Online Services is the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation's permitting system for permits and authorities issued on Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service managed areas.
Permit and authority holders, and applicants can use Online Services to:
- manage your authority
- submit an application for a new authority
- submit renewals, amendments and returns
- access all your documents in 1 place.
To conduct business or fundraising activities in a national park or other protected area, you must apply for a Commercial Activity Permit (CAP).
CAPs are legally required if you want to operate in the following types of protected areas in Queensland:
- state forests and forest reserves including plantation forests
- national parks
- conservation parks
- resources reserves
- recreation areas, including
- Moreton Island Recreation Area
- Minjerribah Recreation Area
- Bribie Island Recreation Area
- Fraser Island Recreation Area
- Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area
- Cooloola Recreation Area
- Green Island Recreation Area.
Commercial permissions also apply to marine parks. Learn more about marine park permits.
This guide explains how to apply for a CAP, and what you need to do to comply once you have a permit or agreement.
Permit requirements for protected areas, recreation areas and forests
You need to apply and be approved for a Commercial Activity Permit (CAP) to conduct activities for commercial gain in a national park or other protected area in Queensland. If your activity is designed to make a profit, gain or benefit, this includes some fundraising activities by not-for-profit organisations.
A CAP can be offered for a minimum of 3 months or up to a maximum of 5 years. The holder of the CAP can apply to have it renewed through Online Services.
Activities requiring a CAP
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) uses the following criteria to assess whether you need a permit. You will need a CAP if the:
- primary purpose of the activity is to make a profit
- activity, tour, course or transport is provided free of charge, but in conjunction with another commercial product or service
- service is being provided by someone who is being compensated or paid a fee (e.g. a tour guide or group leader)
- activity is ongoing or regular
- entry or participation fee is being collected over and above those costs associated with conducting the activity
- activity is open to the general public as well as a specific membership group.
To help you determine if your proposed activity is a commercial activity requiring a CAP, read the Operational Policy – Commercial tourism and recreation activities in QPWS managed areas (PDF, 349KB).
Examples of activities requiring a CAP include:
- guided tours
- events
- filming and photography
- canoeing, rafting or kayaking
- fundraising and charitable events
- hang-gliding or paragliding
- scenic flights
- vending (e.g. mobile food vending)
- scuba diving
- motorised activities.
Learn more about applying for a CAP in national parks and protected areas.
Great Barrier Reef – Roving Commercial Activity Permit
This authority offers a quicker assessment to a large number and a wide range of island national parks within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, with specific conditions relating to some of these national parks, for example seasonal restrictions, group size limits and booking requirements.
Read the sample Roving Commercial Activity Permit (PDF, 910KB) carefully and familiarise yourself with the nature of the access before lodging the completed application.
Commercial permissions also apply to marine parks. Learn more about marine park permits.
State plantation forests
If you only want to operate in a state plantation forest, you should apply to HQPlantations for a permit.
If you want to operate in a state plantation forest and a national park, state forest or recreation area, you only need to apply to QPWS.
Public transport services
A CAP is not required for a public transport service, with regular routes and timetables or where passengers pay individual fares, that travels through a national park or other protected area.
Recreation activities
Private groups and individuals involved in recreational or educational activities, other than for commercial purposes, do not require a CAP. Examples include bushwalking or nature study, group activities, recreational hang-gliding, weddings, public meetings or research activities. However, you may require an organised event permit.
Learn more about recreational activities in national parks and protected areas.
Education groups – no daily site fees
Commercial tour operators taking an approved educational group, including school groups, on a commercial tour are exempt from paying daily per person fees for their educational group clients.
Legal considerations
The following laws and regulations apply to commercial activities in protected areas.
- Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2024
- Recreation Areas Management Act 2006
- Forestry Act 1959
Also consider...
- Learn more about marine park permits.
- Find permit details for commercial filming and photography in national parks, conservation parks, recreation areas and forests.
- Learn how to complete a biosecurity management plan for island national parks.
Applying for a Commercial Activity Permit
To conduct commercial activities in national parks, conservation parks, resources reserves, recreation areas and forests, you must apply and be approved for a Commercial Activity Permit (CAP).
You can apply for a CAP for a term of up to 3 months, 1 year, 2 years or 5 years.
You must submit the CAP application and fees to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) through Online Services.
You can use a single application to apply for more than 1 activity or to operate in multiple locations such as in a national park, conservation park, resources reserve, recreation area or forest.
Before you apply
Book a free pre-lodgement meeting
You can request a free pre-lodgement meeting to:
- learn about the application process and time frames
- ensure your proposed application contains adequate information
- provide your draft supporting information for the proposed application for a general review against legislative application requirements
- check on jurisdictions of proposed locations
- be informed about legislative and policy constraints
- check on required fees
- learn about your rights under principles of natural justice.
We do not refund application fees if your application is refused, so this meeting could save you time and money.
Take out insurance and indemnity
You will not be issued with a CAP unless you have all of the following types of insurance cover, and maintain this cover for the duration of the permit:
- workers' compensation insurance – required under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013 to cover workers, eligible individuals, self-employed contractors, directors, trustees and partners
- public liability insurance – the government's standard $20 million arising from any 1 event resulting in the death or injury of persons, or loss or damage to property
- any other QPWS insurance and indemnity requirements – which will depend on the type of activity you are proposing.
Calculate fees
You must pay the relevant fees when you apply, including application fees and permit fees. Your application is not considered valid until fees and all the relevant questions have been completed.
There are also ongoing fees related to conducting a commercial activity in QPWS managed areas which vary depending on the nature of the activity and location. For example, guided tour groups can incur a fee charged per person per day. It is important to familiarise yourself with potential ongoing costs before applying.
Learn more about fees for CAPs.
Lodge your application via Online Services
To apply for a CAP, register for Online Services or log in to Online Services if already registered.
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- The application can only be submitted online using an internet connection. You cannot print and submit this form by post or email.
- You can save a partially completed form and submit it at a later date.
- If you have trouble with completing the form, contact us at parkaccess@qld.gov.au.
- Choose your authority type or choose the existing Authority to action. This will dynamically change the following form questions about your proposed authority.
- Provide the following:
- applicant details, including an email address
- details about the activities you plan to conduct, including attachments of supporting information such as maps, brochures or photographs if available.
- Ensure that you have appropriate insurance, where required, according to departmental policy prior to commencing the authorised activity. Read the Operational policy – Insurance and indemnity requirements for QPWS authorities (PDF, 200KB).
- Pay the relevant application and permit fees (if applicable). You can pay online using Visa or MasterCard.
- Your application will be submitted for assessment.
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Attach a statement to include any additional information not already provided that will assist in assessing your application. Your application will be assessed against a range of matters required by the relevant legislation including those listed below.
For activities in protected areas (for example, national parks)
- The chief executive cannot grant an activity authority for a protected area that is inconsistent with the management principles for the area; or the interim or declared management intent, or management plan, for the area
- The effect the grant of the authority will have on the fair and equitable access to nature, having regard to, in particular, the ecologically sustainable use of protected areas or wildlife
- Any contribution the applicant proposes to make to the conservation of nature
- Any relevant Australian or international code, instrument, protocol or standard or any relevant intergovernmental agreement
- The precautionary principle, public health and safety and the public interest
- Whether the applicant is a suitable person to hold the authority
- Any recovery plan for wildlife to which the authority applies
- Any other matter stated in a management instrument as a matter the chief executive must have regard to when considering an application for the authority
- For an application for a relevant authority for an Aboriginal land protected area – the indigenous management agreement for the protected area
- For an application for a relevant authority for a protected area, other than an Aboriginal land protected area, in the Cape York Peninsula Region – any indigenous land use agreement for the area
- The impact the activities may have on the character and amenity of the area and adjacent areas
- The likely cumulative effect of the proposed use and other uses on the area
- The orderly and proper management of the area
- Anything else the chief executive considers appropriate to achieve the object of the Act.
For further information, refer to the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2024.
For activities in State forests
- The chief executive must ensure each State forest is used and managed in the way the chief executive considers appropriate to achieve the purposes of the Forestry Act 1959 having regard to the benefits of permitting grazing in the area; the desirability of conservation of soil and the environment and of protection of water quality; and the possibility of applying the area to recreational purposes.
- No permit, license, lease, authority, agreement or contract may be granted if it is inconsistent with any existing permit, license, lease, other authority, or agreement or contract granted or made in respect of the same land.
For further information, refer to the Forestry Act 1959.
CAP applications can either be granted with conditions or refused based on legislative or policy reasons. For authorities issued with conditions, it is the authority holder's responsibility to have read the terms and conditions.
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The Department is collecting the information on the application form to assess your application for an authority. Depending on the authority applied for, the information is required under our relevant authorising legislation:
- Nature Conservation Act 1992
- Recreation Areas Management Act 2006
- Forestry Act 1959
- Marine Parks Act 2004.
The department may have entered into an indigenous management agreement relating to this managed area(s) or the area may be subject to joint management. If so, the completed application form and relevant supporting documentation may be disclosed to the relevant indigenous organisation(s) (including to any relevant Native Title Body Corporates) for the purpose of the department consulting with or seeking the consent of that organisation.
Depending on the permit you are applying for, the department may also need to consult with other government agencies, councils and other relevant entities where applicable and necessary to appropriately assess your application. For example, under section 69T of the Forestry Act 1959, the department is required to consult with a plantation licensee and any plantation sub-licensee before granting a lease, license, permit, agreement, authority or contract. Your personal information will not be otherwise disclosed by the department to any other parties without your consent unless authorised or required by law, further information about privacy is available.
This will allow the department to fully assess the application and meet obligations to third parties set down in various agreements, for example with HQPlantations and First Nations People.
Camping fees
If your proposed commercial activity involves overnight camping in a national park, conservation park, resources reserve, forest or recreation area, you will need to book and pay camping fees.
Learn more about camping bookings.
Penalties for operating without a permit
It is an offence to conduct a commercial activity in a national park, conservation park, resources reserve, forest or recreation area without approval from the department.
If you or your business is found to be conducting a commercial activity in a national park, conservation park, resources reserve, forest or recreation area without a CAP, you may be issued with an infringement notice or prosecuted through the court system.
Also consider...
- Learn more about commercial filming and photography in national parks, conservation parks, recreation areas or forests.
- Read about marine park permits.
Complying with Commercial Activity Permit conditions
When you receive your Commercial Activity Permit (CAP), you must read and comply with the terms and conditions of your permit. Ensure that you and any employee, agent or contractors are familiar with these conditions.
CAP holders are required to submit a return of operations on a regular basis, your returns will appear in Online Services after your authority has been granted.
Return of operations
You must submit a return of operations within 20 business days of the end of each prescribed period, including a 'NIL' return if no activity occurred during the reporting period. Quarterly cycles end on the last day of March, June, September and December each year.
Failure to submit return of operations may result in suspension, or cancellation of your CAP.
Returns can now be submitted through your account in Online Services. Similar to the previous returns, you will still be able to pay up front or request an invoice.
If you request an invoice, this will appear in Online Services under 'invoice'. When payments are received, a copy of your receipt will also appear here.
Learn more about how to create parks and forest tours and complete returns (PDF, 2MB).
Submitting a notification
Some permit conditions may require the holder to notify departmental staff before a visit. This does not apply to all permits, so check your permit conditions to see if this is a requirement.
Advice on complying with conditions
For more information on meeting the conditions of your CAP, email Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at parkaccess@qld.gov.au
Also consider...
Renewing a Commercial Activity Permit
If you have a current Commercial Activity Permit (CAP), you can apply through Online Services to have it reissued to support your continuing activities in Queensland national parks and forests. The online permit system will send you 2 notifications – one letting you know your authority is about to expire and one after it expires.
Reduced application fee
If your permit details are substantially the same, you may be eligible for a reduced application fee. The reduced application fee will automatically be applied, depending on your response to the relevant renewal questions.
The full application fee is payable if you request significant changes on the re-issued permit—such as access to extra locations or new capacity.
Learn more about forms and fees for CAPs.
Continuing to operate
You must apply for a CAP before the expiry date to continue operating in national parks and forests authorised under your current CAP.
Applying before the expiry date
If we receive your application before the expiry date, your existing permit will continue in effect until your:
- renewal request is decided
- existing permit has continued for 3 months after the expiry date (if this happens earlier than a decision)
- or
- application is withdrawn.
Applying after the expiry date
If you submit your application after the expiry date, you will have to stop all commercial activities to avoid penalties or prosecution until there is an outcome on your new application.
However, you may still be able to pay a reduced application fee for up to 3 months after expiry if your commercial activity details remain the same.
Applying for review of a Commercial Activity Permit decision
When a Commercial Activity Permit (CAP) application has been assessed, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will either:
- approve and issue your CAP – by sending you the permit with an information notice. Ensure you read your permit carefully as it may include additional special conditions
- or
- refuse part, or all of your application – by sending you an information notice stating the reasons for refusal.
If you are dissatisfied with your permit conditions, or with having your permit application refused, you can apply for a review of this decision.
QPWS is then required by law to conduct an internal review. If you are still dissatisfied with the decision, you may request an external review by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
Review process
You must seek an internal QPWS review before you take your concerns to QCAT or the courts.
Step 1 – Apply for a QPWS review
You can apply for an internal review of the decision within 20 business days of receiving your information notice. QPWS must review the decision within 28 days of receiving your application.
Step 2 – Apply for QCAT review
If you are dissatisfied with findings from the internal QPWS review, you can file an application for QCAT to review a decision within 28 days of receiving the QPWS internal review notice.
Step 3 – Apply to the court for a statutory order
If you are dissatisfied with QCATs review, you can apply for a statutory order of review.
You can apply to the court for a statutory order of review if you are aggrieved by:
- a decision about your CAP application
- the conduct of the person who made the decision
- failure to make a decision.
Legal considerations
QPWS is required to conduct an internal review or participate in an external review under the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2024 and the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006.
Decisions about applications for CAPs for a state forest are subject to appeal under the Judicial Review Act 1991.
Also consider...
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