Permits for activities in NSW state forests

Permits are required in order to undertake some activities in NSW state forests. Read the frequently asked questions about permits.

Organised events

Special Purpose Permits are required for all organised events and activities (including fossicking) in State forests.  

See information about holding organised events. 

Download & complete the following forms:

• Medical evacuation templates  26.3 KB
  
• Site safety plan  19.9 KB
  
• Special Purpose Permit and Occupation Permit - Incident Report Form  55.9 KB
  
• Special Purposes Permit application form  20.4 KB
  
• Standard conditions  38.2 KB
  

Note: a copy of your public liability insurance will also be required. Additional information may be requested by the regional office. Additional conditions may be placed on your permit.

• Apply for a permit with the Forests NSW regional office located in Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Bombala, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Tumut and Wauchope.
• Forests NSW Recreation and Tourism Policy 2010-2014.
• Forests NSW Recreation and Tourism Policy Fee Structure.

Forests excluded from events

Some forests are not available for organised events and tours due to forestry operations. Download a map here for forests in Macquarie Region (central west NSW) that are excluded from events for 2010-2011. For information which forests are excluded in other regions please contact the relevant Forests NSW regional office located in Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Bombala, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Tumut and Wauchope.

• Map - Blenheim, Hampton, Jenolan State Forests 1.3Mb

Conducting research

• Apply for a special purpose permit.

Collecting firewood

• Apply for a firewood collection permit Online | or at a Forests NSW regional office located in Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Bombala, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Tumut and Wauchope
• See information about collecting firewood in a state forest.

Grazing cattle

• Apply for a 'graziers permit' with the local region - find your nearest Forests NSW regional office located in Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Bombala, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Tumut and Wauchope.

Keeping bees

• Apply for an 'apiary permit' with the local region - find your nearest Forests NSW regional office located in Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Bombala, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Tumut and Wauchope.

Hunting

• Authorised hunting in declared NSW state forests now occurs under a special licensing system administered through the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002. See information about hunting in NSW state forests.

Fossicking

Fossicking requires a Special Purpose Permit for organised events and activities. See information at the top of this page to download an application form, find information on the fee structure and where to apply.