Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the Booking System
For some of our most popular parks and open spaces, you'll need to book if you're:
- A commercial picnic operator
- A fitness trainer or group fitness provider
- A professional dog walker
- A non-government school, college or other educational institution
You'll also need to make a booking if you're planning:
- A wedding, commitment ceremony or gender reveal event for more than 15 people
- A gathering of more than 21 people
No, you do not need to make a booking for a casual picnic of 1 to 21 people, unless you intend to use a paid service provider, such as a caterer, entertainer, picnic operator or similar. If a paid service provider is used, a booking is required (no fees payable) and the service provider must provide a current Certificate of Currency covering $20 million at the time of booking.
If your picnic is for 22 or more people, it will be considered a Large Private Gathering, so a booking is required and applicable fees will apply.
- Small ceremonies, including weddings, commitments, gender reveals and similar activities, do not require a booking where the gathering is limited to a maximum of 15 people and no paid service provider is used and no set up is required.
- Private gatherings of 1 to 21 people do not require a booking, provided there is no exclusive use of the space and no paid service provider is used.
A service provider is a business, organisation, coach, instructor, contractor, or individual who provides a service, activity, or program.
Examples of service providers include:
- Celebrant
- Photographer
- Musician
- Videographer
- Stylist
- Caterer
- Entertainer
If your booking or private event will have an external service provider, you will need to provide their details within the booking system.
Booking fees help us look after our parks and open spaces and provide the services needed to manage bookings. They also help ensure that people using these spaces for organised activities contribute to their ongoing care and administration.
Yes, booking fees do not apply to activities taking place between 1 October 2026 and 31 December 2026. However, customers must still make bookings in accordance with the new group size limits and pay any applicable compulsory items, such as public liability insurance, litter bins and bonds where required. Booking fees will apply to activities held on or after 1 January 2027.
Getting Started
To make a booking, visit the online booking portal and create an account as either an individual or an organisation. You can then search for a park or open space, select your activity and enter the expected number of participants.
The system will guide you through the application process and let you know what information, documents or approvals may be required for your booking. Once you've completed the required steps, simply submit your application for assessment.
Yes. Your account gives you one convenient place to submit applications, follow their progress, manage invoices, request changes and view your bookings.
We recommend applying as early as you can. Ceremonies and large gatherings need at least one month's notice.
Any outstanding documents, including service provider forms and Certificates of Currency, must be submitted before the event date so Council can review and finalise the booking.
After you submit your application, our Customer Service team will review it before it can be approved. This is especially important where permits, insurance or special conditions apply.
We usually respond within 3 to 5 business days, and you can track progress online and receive email updates along the way.
Insurance and Documentation
Public liability insurance helps protect you and others if something goes wrong during your activity.
All hirers must have public liability insurance. If your booking is on behalf of a company or organisation, you must provide a Certificate of Currency with the application. The Certificate of Currency must show a minimum public liability cover of $20 million and include the insurer, name of insured, policy number, expiry date, sum insured and area of cover.
For individual casual bookings, the Casual Public Liability Insurance fee is compulsory where a payable booking fee applies. If the booking is free, such as a ceremony with 1 to 15 people, the Casual Public Liability Insurance fee does not apply.
Don't worry. Insurance requirements depend on your activity and whether you're booking as an individual or an organisation. The online booking process will let you know what insurance is needed and what options may be available.
Commercial operators must provide a Certificate of Currency showing public liability insurance of at least $20 million. Once the application is approved, they must pay any applicable annual permit fees before booking their requested spaces.
If your booking is on behalf of an individual and you do not have your own public liability insurance, you will need to pay Council's casual Public Liability Insurance fee, which will be compulsory.
Yes. Any paid service provider engaged for your booking, such as a celebrant, caterer, photographer, musician, amusement device operator or similar provider, must complete the service provider indemnity form and provide a Certificate of Currency.
The Certificate of Currency must show public liability cover of at least $20 million. If there are several providers in one group and they are not covered by a group policy, each provider must complete a separate form.
Public Liability Insurance helps protect you, your guests and the wider community if someone is injured or property is damaged during your booking.
- If you're booking on behalf of a business, organisation or incorporated group, you'll need to provide a current Certificate of Currency when you submit your application.
- If you're booking as an individual, Council can arrange Public Liability Insurance for you for an additional fee, which will be added to your booking.
Changes, Cancellations and Wet Weather
Yes. You can request a change through your online account. We'll review your request based on availability and let you know if further approval is needed.
Yes. You can submit a cancellation request through the online portal.
No refund will be provided for large private gatherings cancelled within 24 hours of the booking date, or for ceremonies cancelled within one month of the booking date. All other cancellation and refund requests will be reviewed by the Customer Service team.
If a refund is approved, Council will retain a $50.00 administration fee.
Approved refunds may be kept as credit in your online account for future bookings or refunded to the original payment method, such as the credit card used for payment.
Please contact us on the day of your activity so we can discuss your options. Conditions and processing fees may apply.
When booking a date, please consider seasonal conditions and the possibility of wet weather. Refunds are not generally provided for weather impacts; however, Council may consider a refund where there are extenuating circumstances.
Our parks and reserves remain open for everyone to enjoy, so other visitors may share the area during your activity.
For certain bookings, exclusive or reserved use of the approved area may apply. Where this is confirmed, an A-frame sign will be placed near the booking area with details such as the booking name, date and time, so the public and other relevant parties are aware that the space has been booked.
This information will be provided once your space is booked and in your booking confirmation letter.
Larger Bookings and Special Requirements
Yes. To help keep parks safe and enjoyable, some items and activities are not permitted or need approval.
Prohibited items and activities include amplification devices, microphones, live bands, fireworks, jumping castles, hot air balloons, tents, marquees, structures, signage, roping off or barricading an area, driving vehicles onto parks, drones without the required permit, synthetic petals, confetti, rice, glitter, sprays, poppers, streamers, coloured powders, powder cannons and smoke bombs or blasters.
Some items, such as alcohol, portable gas barbeques, tables, chairs, carpet runners, arches placed directly on the ground, natural petals, bubbles and flameless LED candles may be permitted subject to conditions.
Read the terms and conditions for more information.
For larger bookings, Council may require additional information, compulsory items and documents.
Large private gatherings and ceremonies will require compulsory public liability insurance, litter bins if food or drinks are served, and a bond where applicable.
Litter bins are required as a guide at one bin per 30 guests when serving food or drinks, at a cost of $88.00 per bin.
Ceremonies with 16 to 60 people serving food and drinks also require a refundable bond of $1,000.00.
The parks and reserves in this booking system have a maximum capacity of 60 people, including guests and service providers such as photographers, celebrants, entertainers and catering staff.
Planning a larger event? North Sydney has a range of parks and reserves that can accommodate bigger groups. You'll still need a permit and Public Liability Insurance, but our team can help you find the right location for your event.
If you need assistance, please contact Council. We're happy to help.
Fees and Payments
You can pay online through your account or by using the payment link we provide. Other approved payment options may also be available, depending on your booking.
Litter bins are essential if you are serving food or drinks.
As a guide, one bin is required for every 30 guests at a cost of $88.00 per bin. Additional litter removal costs may apply if the area is left in an untidy state.
Yes. From 1 January 2027, commercial fitness trainers, commercial picnic operators and commercial dog walkers will be required to pay a one-off application fee of $50.00 and an annual licence fee of $300.00.
Additional booking fees will apply if commercial fitness trainers or commercial picnic operators book specific open space locations within a bookable category.
These additional booking fees do not apply to commercial dog walkers.
Need Help?
We're here to help. If you need assistance using the online booking system, please contact Council and our team will help you through the process. Details are below.
During the early stages of our new booking system, a dedicated concierge service will be available to support users. A Customer Service Officer will be out in North Sydney's parks and open spaces to answer questions, provide guidance and help people navigate the booking process.
Whether you're making your first booking or managing multiple bookings, our team is here to help make the experience as simple and smooth as possible.
North Sydney Council Customer Service
Call us
(02) 9936 8100
Our Customer Service Officers are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (closed on public holidays).
Email us
council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
Visit us
Customer Service Centre
North Sydney Council
200 Miller Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Additional information
