Filming and photography with Sydney Trains

All amateur filmmakers and photographers must obtain permission from Sydney Trains to conduct any filming/photography on our premises.

While we welcome enquiries from individuals wishing to film or take photos on rail property, there are restrictions that need to be followed to safeguard:

• their safety as well as that of our customers and staff
• the efficient operation of stations and trains
• the integrity of security systems and essential equipment.

Generally, for photography requests from hobbyists and students, we require they contact the station where they wish to film or take photos.

Station staff can assess the impact the activity will have on our operations. While they will do their best to accommodate such requests, they reserve the right to refuse permission to film or take photographs.

If permission is obtained, hobbyists and amateur photographers should note that entry to any rail property, including stations, is at their own risk. While on rail property, they must comply with the directions given by station staff or transport officers to ensure they do not put their personal safety or that of others at risk.

While on our property, you must NOT:

• enter areas that are not accessible to the public
• climb on or obstruct signals equipment or signs
• take images that identify people
• cross or allow your equipment to cross the yellow line
• obstruct the flow of people on and off trains and through the station
• obstruct tactile pathways
• direct lights or camera flashes in the direction of oncoming trains
• film or photograph surveillance cameras, security equipment or graffiti
• take films or photos which depict unsafe or criminal behaviour.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities and not-for-profit groups wishing to film or photograph or carry out activities at any stations should contact: commercialfilming@transport.nsw.gov.au.

While we are keen to support the community, all requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account:

• the safety of our customers and staff
• the efficient operation of stations and trains
• the integrity of security systems and essential equipment.

All news/media outlets wishing to broadcast from any of our premises should contact the media branch directly on media@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Professional filmmakers and photographers must obtain permission from Sydney Trains to conduct any filming/photography on our premises.

Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Sydney Trains reserves the right to refuse any filming and photography requests. 

Requirements:

• Applicants are required to submit an application – fees apply.
• A minimum of 10 business days’ notice is required to process applications.
• Applicants must obtain Public Liability Insurance for the sum of a minimum of $20 million.
• The crew may be required to meet on site prior to filming with a Safety Officer for a briefing (call-out fee will apply).

Hourly fees apply at four-hourly increments based on time of arrival on site until completion.

• WEEKEND Fees (non-refundable, inclusive of GST)
  $400 per hour minimum*
• WEEKDAY Fees (non-refundable, inclusive of GST, *conditions apply)
  $570 per hour minimum*
• Legal assessment processing fee, mandatory supervision by a safety/liaison officer
  *Charged at 4-hour increments
• Late fee (at the discretion of Sydney Trains – should an application be approved within the 10 business days period)
  $550

Prices are subject to change based on the details of the application. Additional fees may apply for medium- to high-impact film shoots based on the scope of the request.

• Complete all fields with specific details on the Filming/Photography application form (PDF, 180.09 KB)

Ensure you have the completed form along with all other required documents listed below:

• Entire Script/Scenes/Storyboards with highlighted scenes you intend to film on our premises
• Certificate of Public Liability Insurance ($20 Million)
• Any other additional material to support your application

Forward all the documents to CommercialFilming@transport.nsw.gov.au who will endeavour to respond within two business days.

No filming is allowed at the following locations:

• Central Platforms 26 & 27 (Ghost Platforms) – No longer accessible due to Sydney Metro works
• Newtown Tram sheds – inaccessible due to its derelict state
• St James Station – awaiting the completion of numerous works

Locations that are accessible but subject to a case-by-case review include the following:

• Central Service Tunnels – Access is subject to availability from Sydney Metro
• North Eveleigh Warehouse - Building is derelict, certain safety requirements will need to be met
• Regent Street/Mortuary Station – Now occupied by Sydney Metro works. 

Green Square, Mascot, Domestic Airport and International Airport stations are not operated by Sydney Trains. Should your application include any of these stations, you will need to seek approval from Airport Link Company Pty Ltd before submitting your application.

For Olympic Park Station, you will need to seek approval from Sydney Olympic Park Authority before submitting your application.