Apply for a busking permit

What you need to do

1. Complete the busking permit application form

   • Download the busking permit application form.
   • If you’re a group act, each member must submit a separate application.
   • If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must complete and sign part 4 of the application form and be present when you apply for your permit.

2. If you perform a high impact act

   • If you perform a high impact act you must attend a high impact assessment before you can apply for a permit.
   • High impact assessments are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of each month. To make an appointment, email [email protected] by the Friday before the review takes place.
   • You also need to do this if you are on probation following a breach of the policy or Sydney busking code.
   • Refer to the “Busking permit categories” section below for definitions and other details.

3. Lodge your application in person

   Lodge your application at one of our customer service centres. Bring with you:

   • your completed application form
   • proof of identity
   • proof of a high impact assessment (if applicable).

   We’ll take a photo of you for your permit (except under special circumstances) and permits will be issued over the counter the same day you apply.

Permit costs

Busking permits are available for 3 months (quarterly) or for 12 months (yearly). The 3 month permit is $13. The 12 month permit is $47.

Busking permit categories

Before you start

Local approvals policy

All buskers must read our local approvals policy for busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice before you submit your application.

Land managed by other agencies

This application process doesn’t apply to land managed by other agencies, including:

• Centennial Parklands
• Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and The Rocks (Property NSW)
• Sydney Opera House
• The Royal Botanic Garden (includes The Domain)
• UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation.

You’ll need to contact these agencies for details about their busking policies.

Other information

Areas where buskers can perform

Buskers can perform in permitted areas provided they adhere to the City of Sydney Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice policy and the Sydney busking code.

Special busking sites have additional conditions – refer to the Sydney busking code.

Hyde Park north

• Archibald Fountain
• St James station entrance, corner Elizabeth and Market streets
• intersection of Park and Elizabeth streets.

Martin Place

• intersection of Pitt Street and Martin Place, east of the Lloyd Rees Fountain
• other Martin Place busking locations are currently affected by road and building works.

Pitt Street Mall

• north (near King Street intersection)
• central (near MidCity Centre)
• south (near Market Street intersection).

QVB forecourt

• southern forecourt only.

Busking times

Except where otherwise permitted under the Sydney busking code, holders of a busking permit may perform:

• 8am to 10pm, Sunday to Thursday
• 8am to midnight, Friday and Saturday

Busking etiquette

You can read tips for good busking and learn more about what is expected of buskers in the city by downloading the Sydney busking code.

When performing in public places buskers must make sure their act:

• does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic and entrances to shops or buildings
• is not excessively loud
• does not include animals
• does not vilify or abuse any member of the community
• complies with the conditions of special busking sites, as outlined in the Sydney busking code.

Non-compliance can be reported to us any day, anytime. Our staff will investigate each complaint received and take appropriate action.