On this page:
To run commercial tours and recreational activities on public land within Victoria’s alpine resorts, you must be licensed by Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) as the responsible land manager.
Licensing provides:
- legal access to use public land for business
- protection of natural and cultural values and visitor enjoyment through managed access and use
- improved visitor safety through specified safety standards, insurance coverage and risk management.
We issue tour operator licences directly.
Who needs a tour operator licence
A person or business that conducts an organised tour or recreational activity for profit on public land within Victoria’s alpine resorts must hold a tour operator licence.
When a licence is required
You need a licence if the tour or activity has commercial gain and is regular or repeated. If the activity is a one‑off event, you will usually need an event permit.
Contact us if you are unsure. We can advise whether you need a licence, an event permit or another type of approval.
Commercial recreational activities could be activities such as:
- trail rides
- mountain bike tours
- bush walking
- sled tours
- organised wellness and fitness activities.
Commercial activity includes circumstances where a service is provided by a guide or leader, and they are being paid, or where an entry or membership fee is collected beyond the costs of running the activity. This applies regardless of whether the organisation is not‑for‑profit.
How to apply for a licence
Before applying, please email us at property@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au to confirm availability and applicable terms and conditions for the proposed activity.
The decision to grant a commercial operator licence, its duration and conditions remains within the discretion of ARV.
Operator licence application form
More information on requirements, time frames and fee schedules found in the application form:
Start your operator licence application
Fees
We follow the fee guidelines from DEECA, however in some instances with large commercial operations, a bespoke fee structure is negotiated. All other fee structures are listed below.
| Category | Fee for 2025–26 |
|---|---|
| Annual fee - standard 1 year licence | $349.30 |
| Use fee - adult | $2.40 |
| Use fee - child (16 years and under) and school student | $1.60 |
| Use fee cap | $17,125.00 |
Help and resources
- For more information on licencing and requirements within the alpine resorts, email us at property@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au.
- For general information on tour operator licencing on public land in Victoria, including legislation and policy, please visit Tour operators.
Page last updated: 23/04/26