If you’re visiting Perth for the first time or you’ve lived here for many years and are looking for new locations to shoot then you’ve come to the right place.
Living in Perth for six years has been a whirlwind of discovery, especially through the lens of my trusty drone.
Join me as I spill the precious beans on the best spots for drone photography Perth.
The Best Spots for Drone Photography Perth – Waterfalls
Perth is home to many waterfalls which make a great location for getting some nice drone photos. The waterfalls are dried up during the hot summer months. The best time to visit Perth waterfalls is during winter June to August. Here is a list of the best waterfalls in Perth.
Lesmurdie Falls
Nestled in the hills of Perth, Lesmurdie Falls offers two waterfalls for a stunning backdrop for aerial photos and videos. The surrounding flora and fauna enhance the picturesque setting.
Visit during the golden hour for optimal lighting. Easily accessible by car with various hiking trails for exploration.
John Forest
John Forrest National Park located in the hills is a favourite among nature enthusiasts in Perth due to its stunning natural landscape, including waterfalls and rocky outcrops.
There are two waterfalls one being Hovea Falls and the other known as the National Park Falls.
Bells Rapids Waterfall
Surrounded by stunning scenery, Bells Rapids Waterfall is a prime location for drone enthusiasts.
It can be difficult to find and access. You can get there by parking at Bells Rapids car park then walking up through the train tunnel and turning left.
The Best Spots for Drone Photography Perth – Beaches
No drone photography experience in Perth would be complete without a visit to the stunning beaches that dot Perth’s coastline. Let’s dive into the best beaches in Perth to fly your drone.
Cottesloe Beach
With its crystal-clear waters and white sand, Cottesloe Beach provides a stunning backdrop for aerial shots.
Cottesloe Beach features a groin, shark net, and a restaurant overlooking the beach which all add to the unique picturesque look that Cottesloe Beach has to offer.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is an ideal spot for capturing aerial views of the surfers.
Home to an amphitheatre on the beach and one of the most popular spots for surfing with its big waves. Making it one of the best spots to fly a drone in Perth. This is a great spot to watch the sunset.
Coogee Beach
Located south of Fremantle, Coogee Beach has a shipwreck known as the Omeo Wreck which provides an exceptional spot for drone footage, it’s a great spot for a hyperlapse.
Coogee Beach also features a couple of piers and pontoons which people jump from into the water.
Yanchep Lagoon
Located about 45 minutes north of Perth, Yanchep Lagoon is home to a beautiful reef on the beach, making it a great unique spot for drone photography in WA.
Port Beach
Port Beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of Fremantle’s bustling port and its surroundings.
Its spacious layout is ideal for launching and landing drones. On a windy day, you will most likely find people kite surfing here which makes for great aerial photos.
Whitfords Beach
With its turquoise waters and white sandy beach, Whitfords Beach offers a stunning location for aerial photography. Head here at the weekend if you want to film people on jet skis and boats.
Bonus Location: Point Walter Sandbar
A unique strip of sand heads out into the Swan River with the backdrop of Perth city skyline in the background.
What is Required to Fly Drones in Perth
Before flying drones in Australia, familiarize yourself with local regulations. You don’t need a licence if you are just flying for fun. However, you do need a remote pilot licence when flying commercially.
Rules and Regulations for Drone Flying in Perth
Before taking flight in Perth, it’s crucial to adhere to the rules and regulations for drone flying. This includes registering your drone with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), flying below 120 meters, maintaining visual contact with the drone, and avoiding restricted zones.
Do I Need a Licence to Fly a Drone in Perth?
To fly your drone commercially in Australia you need a remote pilot licence, this includes offering any drone photography services that make money like drone real estate photography. You don’t need a drone licence if you are just flying for fun.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates drone operations in Australia. CASA offers the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), aeronautical radio operators certificate(AROC) and Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) for drone pilots. Flying without the necessary licence can lead to fines and penalties.
There are many ways to make money with drones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some Great Tips For Flying Drones in Australia?
Here are 8 essential tips for flying drones. I have curated a full article going in-depth on how to fly drones and things you should and shouldn’t do.
1. Set your return to home altitude to above 100m so the drone doesn’t fly into any obstacles
2. Always check your batteries and controller are charged
3. Always check you have space on your SD card before leaving to fly
4. You can charge your smartphone from the controller
5. Add grids to your screen to improve symmetry
6. Download your shots when your smartphone is connected to the controller after the flight
7. Don’t let your batteries get to 0-20% to preserve battery life
8. Check your propellers are attached properly
Which Drone Editing Software to Use?
After capturing stunning drone photographs of the beautiful locations in Perth, it’s time to enhance them and make them even more captivating. Use professional photography editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, to adjust the exposure, contrast, and saturation of your images, making the colours pop.
For video production, I have used Adobe Premiere Pro for years and love using it. It’s one of the most popular video editors for drone footage on the market.
Experiment with cropping and composition to create a more impactful image, highlighting the beauty of Perth captured through aerial photography.
What are the Best Drones for Beginners?
Looking for the best drones for beginners? Consider the DJI Mini 4 Pro or the DJI Mini 3 Pro, a compact and user-friendly option that offers simple and convenient controls whilst producing high quality images, great aerial video with a long flight time.
Don’t forget to prioritize safety features like obstacle avoidance and GPS tracking.
If you want a drone with more power, range and don’t mind spending the extra cash then the DJI Mavic 3(on sale)would be suitable for you.
- 4K 60fps video
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
- 20km range
- 45 min flight time
- 4K 60fps video
- Forward, backwards, downward sensors
- 34 min flight time
- 12km range
How do I get Into Drone Photography?
To get started in drone photography, follow these steps:
- Research and understand the regulations and requirements set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia.
- Invest in a beginner-friendly drone that suits your needs, like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Mini 3 Pro or the DJI Mavic 3(on sale).
- Practice flying your drone in open areas to improve your piloting skills.
- Explore different photography techniques and angles to capture unique aerial shots.
- Learn how to edit your drone photos using professional editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Premiere Pro to enhance the colours, exposure, and composition.
- Share your stunning drone photographs with others by creating an online portfolio or sharing them on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube
- Continuously improve your skills by attending workshops, joining photography communities, and seeking feedback from other experienced drone photographers.
- Stay updated with the latest drone technology advancements and regulations to ensure safe and legal flying.
- Have fun and enjoy the process of capturing breathtaking images from a whole
Which Drone Accessories Should I Get?
The fly more kit is a great accessory to get with your drone as it contains 2 extra batteries, nd filters, a carry bag, and extra propellers.
Another essential drone accessory is the 65W car charger to charge your drone whilst on road trips.
Conclusion
The drone photography Perth has to offer is endless, there are many breathtaking locations for drone operators to capture stunning aerial shots. From the majestic Lesmurdie Falls to the serene beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough, there are plenty of spots to explore and showcase the beauty of this city from above.
It’s important to remember that flying drones in Perth comes with rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure safety and legality. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these guidelines before taking flight.
So grab your drone, head out to these amazing spots, and capture the magic of Perth from a whole new perspective. Happy flying!
I'm Matt, a writer and drone photographer with over 6 years in the field. I specialize in all things drones – from buying guides and editing tips to monetization strategies. My goal is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the exciting world of aerial photography and videography, sharing insights that turn drone passion into expertise and opportunity.
