Filming and photography
The CityRail and CountryLink networks have long been a popular destination for amateur and professional filmmakers and photographers.
While RailCorp welcomes enquiries from individuals and groups wishing to film or take photos on rail property, we impose restrictions designed to safeguard:
- your 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.
You must obtain permission from RailCorp before undertaking any filming or photography, for any purpose, on our property.
Please note: we are unable to accommodate filming and photography during peak periods: 4.00am to 10.00am and 2.00pm to 8.00pm Monday to Friday.
Hobbyists
If you are a hobbyist, contact the station where you wish to film or take photos.
- Telephone numbers for CityRail stations can be found in the station details section of the CityRail website
- For CountryLink stations, call the CountryLink call centre on 13 22 32.
Station staff will assess the impact that your activities will have on our operations and reserve the right to refuse permission to film or take photographs.
Your responsibilities
Entry to any RailCorp property, including stations, is at your own risk.
While on RailCorp property, you must comply with the same rules as our customers and any directions given by station staff or transit officers.
You must be in possession of a valid ticket to enter the paid area of the station.
While on RailCorp property, you must not:
- enter areas not accessible to the public
- climb on or obstruct signals, equipment or signs
- 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.
Other filmmakers and photographers, including students
RailCorp is committed to the NSW Government's Film Friendly Principles. We welcome enquiries from the film and television industry.
In consultation with Screen NSW, we have developed guidelines for filmmakers wanting to access our properties. These are designed to meet the needs of the film and television industry while ensuring the safety of our customers, staff and your crew.
Applications
All other filmmakers and photographers, including students are required to submit an application for assessment by RailCorp.
Applicants will require public liability insurance for the sum of $20 million. Students requests will also need to provide a letter from their institution, stating the filming forms part of their studies.
- Applications for use of stations and trains require 10 business days to process
- Applications for exclusive use of a train require a minimum of eight weeks to process.
Applications will firstly be reviewed by RailCorp's Special Events Unit. If your application is declined at this stage, no fees apply.
If you request is to be processed and sent for further review, a processing fee as listed below will apply. This fee must be paid in advance and is non-refundable.
Filming and photography - application form (PDF 350KB)
Fees and charges
For cost-recovery purposes, the following processing fees and charges apply to all applications for filming and photography.
Costs for productions involving extended exclusive use of trains and platforms will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
| Commercial shoots processing fee (non-refundable) | |
|---|---|
| Low impact (1-25 people) | $550 |
| Medium impact (26-50 people) | $1,100 |
| High impact (more than 50 people) | $1,650 |
| Student shoots processing fee (non-refundable) | |
| Low impact (1-6 people) | $110 |
| Medium impact (7-15 people) | $275 |
| High impact (Commercial rates apply) | See above |
| Other fees | |
| Site inspection with RailCorp employee | $110 per hour or part thereof |
| Supervision by RailCorp safety/liaison officer or other staff (mandatory) Minimum eight hours. Maximum 12 hours in any one shift due to fatigue management requirements. |
$110 per hour per staff member |
| Electricity (three-phase) The production company must supply its own power including all electrical cables, fittings and cable ramps. |
$110 per hour |
| Late Notice fee for applications submitted with less than 10 business days advanced notice | $550 |
| Application to waiver of fees | $550 |
Please note: The level of impact will be determined at the absolute discretion of RailCorp. It will be based on other RailCorp activities, the number of people, the day, the location and the time of filming/photography.
Parking
RailCorp is not able to provide parking at Central and Sydney CBD stations. Where possible, RailCorp will facilitate parking of essential vehicles at no additional cost.
News and current affairs
If you are a representative of the news media, contact RailCorp's Public Affairs Unit to arrange access.
Airport Link stations
Green Square, Mascot, Domestic Airport and International Airport stations are not operated by RailCorp. Permission to film or take photos at these stations must be sought from Airport Link Company Pty Ltd.
Olympic Park Station
Permission to film or take photos at Olympic Park Station must be sought from the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
Contact us
RailCorp's Special Events Unit provides a single point of contact for filmmakers and photographers. Initial enquiries or applications can be sent to us by:
E-mail: special.events@railcorp.nsw.gov.au
Fax: 8922 4448