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North Sydney’s parks and open spaces are for everyone to enjoy.
Most everyday use of parks will continue to be free.
Following Council's decision on 29 June 2026, new fees and charges will apply to some organised, commercial or larger group activities.
This page explains what’s changing, when it starts, and what it means for you.
What’s changing
Council is introducing a booking and permit system for some types of organised use of parks.
This applies to activities such as:
- Running a business in a park (e.g. fitness training, dog walking, commercial picnics)
- Holding organised events (e.g. weddings and ceremonies)
- Large group gatherings
- Regular organised use by non‑government schools and some organisations
Why Council is making these changes
North Sydney's parks are highly valued and increasingly in demand.
These changes are designed to:
- Keep everyday use free for the community
- Manage demand in the busiest parks
- Ensure fair access for all users
- Support maintenance and upkeep
Community feedback showed:
- Strong support for keeping casual use free
- Broad support for a user-pays approach for commercial activities
Everyday use is not changing
You can still enjoy parks for:
- Walking, exercising and relaxing
- Meeting friends or family
- Informal picnics and small gatherings
When this starts
- From 1 October 2026
A new booking system will be available - From 1 January 2027
Fees and charges will apply (where relevant)
Contact Council
Our Customer Service Centre operates from 9am to 5pm. Our Council Rangers are on duty and contactable seven days a week from 5.30am to midnight.
Address:Permits and bookings
Do I need to pay?
Most people will not need to pay. Parks will remain free to use for:
- Casual visits (walks, exercise, relaxing)
- Informal picnics and small gatherings
- Small ceremonies (one to 15 people, no setup)
- Community events such as North Sydney Park Run
You may need to book and/or pay a fee if:
- You are running a business in a park (e.g. fitness training, dog walking, commercial picnics)
- You are charging customers or clients
- You are reserving space for a group or event
- Your gathering is large (22 or more people)
- Your activity includes equipment, catering or event set up
- You are a non‑government school or organisation using parks for regular activities
Non-government schools
Non‑government schools using parks for regular activities will require a permit and may be charged fees. This reflects:
- Regular, ongoing use of public space
- Use of parks as an extension of facilities
Weddings and ceremonies
Fees are based on the size and impact of the event:
- Low impact (one to 15 people, no setup) → Free
- Medium events (16 to 60 people) → Booking and fee required
- Larger events or those with catering → Fees apply
Large private gatherings
- One to 21 people → Free
- 22 or more people → Booking and fee required
Simple guide
Bookings open from 1 October 2026.
| If your activity is… | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Casual and informal | Nothing – it's free |
| Small group, no booking | Nothing – it's free |
| Organised event or large group | Booking required |
| Business activity | Permit and fees apply |
| Regular use by a non-government school | Permit and fees apply |
Commercial activities in parks
What types of activities are affected?
Businesses operating in parks
Examples include:
- Personal trainers
- Dog walking or training businesses
- Commercial picnic and event operators
These activities require approval and include fees.
Commercial picnics
For businesses providing picnic setups or event services:
- Fees may apply based on the number of people
- Fees will vary depending on the park location
How much are the fees?
Fees vary depending on:
- The type of activity
- The size of the group
- Whether it is commercial or private use
- The park location (category)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The fees ensure these users contribute to the management and upkeep of parks.
North Sydneys parks are highly valued and increasingly in demand.
These changes are designed to:
- Keep everyday use free for the community
- Manage demand in the busiest parks
- Ensure fair access for all users
- Support maintenance and upkeep
Community feedback showed:
- Strong support for keeping casual use free
- Broad support for a user-pays approach for commercial activities
Revenue from fees will be used to:
- Maintain parks and facilities
- Manage cleaning and wear and tear
- Fund upgrades and improvements
Non-government schools may use parks regularly as part of their operations.
The permit system helps manage this use and ensure contributions reflect ongoing use of public space.
No, not for small informal gatherings.
You may need a booking if:
- Your group is large, or
- You want to reserve space
No. Community-based events such as North Sydney Parkrun are exempt from fees.
Many councils charge for commercial and organised use of parks.
This framework formalises how these activities are managed locally.
No.
The aim is to:
- Balance different uses
- Reduce overcrowding in popular areas
- Maintain access for the community
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