When and where fees apply
| Activity type | When fees apply | How fees are structured |
|---|---|---|
| Casual park use | No fee | Free |
| Small gatherings (one to 21 people, no booking) | No fee | Free |
| Small ceremonies (one to 15 people, no setup) | No fee | Free |
| Businesses (e.g. fitness trainers, dog walkers, commercial operators) | When operating in parks | Application fee, annual permit and/or per-session fee |
| Commercial picnics | When provided as a paid service | Per person fee (varies by park category) |
| Weddings and ceremonies (16 to 60 people) | When booking space or holding organised event | Fee based on size, type and park category |
| Large private gatherings (22 or more people) | When space is booked or reserved | Flat booking fee (varies by park category) |
| Non-government schools | When using parks for regular activities | Annual permit and usage fees |
| Community events (e.g. North Sydney Park Run) | No fee | Exempt |
Park categories
Parks are grouped based on demand and location:
- Category 1 – most popular parks (accordion?)
- Category 2 – well-used parks
- Category 3 – lower demand parks
Fees vary depending on the category.
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Blues Point Reserve | Anderson Park | Sawmillers Reserve |
| Bradfield Park (South) | Balls Head Reserve | Forsyth Park |
| Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve | Berry Island | St Leonards Park |
| Clark Park | Carradah Park | Ted Mack Reserve |
| Cope Lookout | Hodgson Lookout | Tunks Park |
| Cremorne Point Reserve West | Kesterton Park | |
| Dr Mary Booth Reserve | Kurraba Reserve | |
| Henry Lawson Reserve | Milson Park | |
| Quibaree Park (Lavender Bay) |
View a map of our parks and reserves.
A refundable bond may be required for certain activities
Other parks and reserves
Other parks and reserves not listed above do not require a permit or fees for groups under 60 people, except Wendy Whitley’s Secret Garden.
For groups of 60 or more, please contact our bookings team for more information.
View our Fees and Charges Schedule 2026-2027 for more information.
View the Commercial and Group Use of Open Space, Fees, and Charges - post-exhibition report.