Small Business Development Corporation
TOURISM INDUSTRY LICENCES
Most businesses need to comply with various government regulations to operate in Western
Australia. For example, if you want to conduct tours in a national park you will need a licence
from the Department of Environment and Conservation.
There are a wide range of licences, permits and regulations that apply to the tourism
industry, which are issued through either:
o local councils or
o state and federal government departments.
The big question is...how do you find out which licences your business needs without
approaching each agency individually?
We have detailed some of the most common tourism industry licences below and which
agencies issue them. For more detailed information and to create a licence search tailored
to your business go to the Business Licence Finder .
LICENCES FOR LAND BASED ACTIVITIES
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has the responsibility of managing
Western Australia’s national and marine parks, regional parks and state forest recreation
areas. If you conduct or are planning to conduct a commercial tourist activity on lands or
waters managed by DEC, you will need a permit.
Activities which may be conducted on DEC managed land or water include:
o vehicle tours and safari tours
o guided tours
o adventure activities such as abseiling and rock climbing
o minor facilities and services such as souvenir and food outlets
It is important to obtain permission in writing prior to accessing any property, whether
visiting attractions or conducting an activity on private or public land.
Activity on Aboriginal land requires an entry permit from the Department of Indigenous
Affairs (DIA).
LICENCES FOR WATER BASED ACTIVITIES
Licences for water based activities are commonly issued by the Department of Transport,
Marine division. There are two general classifications of water related tourism businesses Hire Drive Operations and Passenger Carrying Vessels.
There are three classifications of hire-and-drive operations:
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SITE HIRE:
Where the vessels are hired and operated from a local government authority approved hire
site on a foreshore.
TRAILERISED HIRE :
Where the vessels are hired from a business premises and may be operated, within
prescribed limits, on navigable waters throughout the state.
ITINERANT HIRE :
Where the vessel is hired as part of and in conjunction with a tour operation.
The Department of Department of Environment and Conservation have produced a Marine
Tour Operators Handbook which details activities which can be carried out in a marine park.
TOUR OPERATION LICENCES
The Department of Transport Passenger Services division is responsible for licensing all
transport and tour operations and have classified these into the categories below.
TOUR AND CHARTER
12 or more passenger seats. Enables the operator to undertake both tours and charters.
Safari Tour and Charter
Available to vehicles that undertake operations in remote and particular off-road areas.
NOVELTY TOUR VEHICLES – MOTORCYCLE, TUK-TUK OR HOT ROD
Issued to passenger tours and/or charters using specialised novelty vehicles with particular
limitations or requirements, such as motorbikes
TOURISM TRANSFER
Tourism transfer is a passenger tour that uses a vehicle with fewer than 12 passenger seats
and where the transport provided is part of a tourism business, but is not the primary focus
of the business
REGULAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT - BUS SERVICES
Available for vehicles that operate a regular passenger transport service on an identified
route with established pick-up and drop-off points. Applications will be assessed against
established government provided or supported services.
SHUTTLE SERVICE LICENCES
12 or more passenger seats. Provide a regular service with either a pre-defined origin or
destination and a general geographical area of coverage for the opposite end of the service.
They may also undertake the reverse trip.
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Small Business Development Corporation
SMALL CHARTER VEHICLE
Small charter vehicles (SCV) are usually luxury passenger cars that are capable of carrying
fewer than 12 passengers. They must be used solely for charter, with journeys commencing
within the Perth metropolitan area.
COUNTRY CHARTER VEHICLES – PRIVATE TAXIS
Private taxis are usually luxury passenger cars that are capable of carrying fewer than 12
passengers. They must be used solely for charter, with journeys commencing outside the
Perth metropolitan area.
©2012 Small Business Development Corporation(All Rights Reserved)