Teaching Yoga in Sydney’s Public Parks

It was a fresh winter morning in Sydney East this morning. The waves were roaring; the sun was still trying to crack the clouds open when I was doing my own practice, facing due East in Bronte.

Although I was trying to stay focused and with my attention on my breath and body, I couldn’t help noticing a group of about nine mats near me—a slim and tall leader with a beanie leading the sequence.

Then, I noticed some disruption to their practice. Two rangers came politely to ask for her permit.

She claimed they were friends, but I couldn’t help sensing frustration in her tone. The exchange lasted just over seven minutes, disturbing theirs and my practice.

Later that day, I decided to look into this in detail.

What are the terms and conditions of teaching yoga or pilates in an outdoor public space in Sydney? Do you need insurance?

All local, state, and federal-managed green spaces require an application or licence to conduct yoga in the park. You could be fined for non-compliance if you don’t follow their approval processes.

Most councils need insurance, a first aid certificate, and council authorisation.

Some areas are restricted, and there is usually a code of conduct we must review and agree to.

Every council is different, so it is best to double-check with your local council. Just search for ‘council name outdoor fitness training’.

You need to get park permits from your local council. They may require you to submit PL insurance and a mini-risk plan. All details should be on the council’s website.

You should always have insurance and get clients to sign waivers.

Some councils may require you to be registered with a body such as AusActive. They should be able to document all of their requirements for you.

Some are free to a certain number, but you must register, and some are paid.

Rules and fees vary by council and are reviewed periodically, so click through to each council’s page for the current rules before you rely on the figures below. Sutherland Shire charged a flat $265/year for its fitness and sports training permit; a 2023 council proposal (reported by the 2GB) would restructure this to $450/year for not-for-profits, $1,250/year for commercial groups of up to six, and $4,500/year for groups of 7–18 — check the council’s current fees and charges schedule to see which structure now applies. Randwick Council operates a permit system and requires trainers to hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate plus public liability insurance indemnifying the council to a minimum of $20 million. North Sydney Council requires compliance with its outdoor fitness Code of Conduct, including restrictions on where you can train. The Gold Coast doesn’t require a permit for not-for-profit health and fitness activities, but commercial trainers need a permit, a current first aid certificate, a Working with Children (Blue) Card if training under-18s, and public liability insurance of at least $10 million.

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