Photographs
The High Court permits members of the public to take photographs inside the Court building and courtrooms, and outside the building in the Court precinct, during non-sitting periods for private purposes.
A person shall not use a camera for commercial purposes within the building without the permission of the Chief Executive or a person authorised by the Chief Executive. If photographs are taken in public areas of the Court and precinct for commercial purposes, permission may be granted on the basis that the Court receives an unlimited irrevocable and worldwide licence to reproduce the images for the Court's purposes.
Photographs may not be taken in any sitting courtroom without the permission of the Justices of the Court. Permission may be granted on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances, such as when a Justice retires and another is sworn in at a ceremonial sitting.
Audio and film recording – sitting courtrooms
Cameras, radios, pagers, tape players, tape recorders, mobile phones and any other electronic equipment are required to be surrendered at the door of a sitting courtroom, and a receipt is given. No audio recordings of proceedings are permitted by anyone other than Court staff. Transcripts of hearings are available within a day or two of most hearings, and where citations are referred to, the relevant extracts are included in the transcript.
On rare occasions, the Court permits film crews to film the commencement of a sitting, i.e. the arrival of the Justices and them sitting at the bench, the Court staff positioned in the Court, and the barristers and solicitors at their tables in the courtroom. Permission may be granted on condition that the footage is shared with other television networks and a copy given to the Court with an unlimited irrevocable worldwide licence to use the footage.
Audio and film recording - public areas of the Court and precinct other than sitting courtrooms
The High Court considers request for commercial and private filming inside the public areas of the Court on a case by case basis. No filming for commercial purposes may occur within the building without the permission of the Chief Executive or a person authorised by the Chief Executive.
The Court permits filming and photography in the precinct outside the building provided the footage or images are not intended to be used for extremist or unlawful purposes.
Audio and film recording – private areas of the Court building
It is up to individual Justices as to whether filming may occur in their chambers.
Filming is not permitted in other private areas of the Court for security reasons.
Booking a tour of the High Court of Australia
School Tours
Bookings for all school tours are essential and free of charge.
Book your free tour at Book Canberra Excursions.
Please let us know at the time of booking or before your arrival of any access and inclusion requirements we can provide to support participants.
Public Tours
General visitors and groups less than 10 people are welcome to self-guide throughout the building, with Court Guides on hand at open courtrooms to answer your questions.
A free public tour for social groups of more than 10 participants is available at 10:45am and bookings are essential.
Book your free tour at Book Canberra Excursions.
If you have any queries, or require assistance, please contact the bookings coordinator by emailing
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or phone (02) 6270 6998.
Cancellation policy
Once you have made a booking it is your responsibility to make sure that you check the booking confirmation sent to you. If you need to cancel your booking at any stage, please use the cancellation link provided in the confirmation email.
Public liability certificates and risk assessment statements
To assist with planning group visits you may wish to consult the High Court's public liability certificates and risk assessment statement:
Conservation Management Plan
The High Court of Australia is included in the National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists for its outstanding heritage value to the nation and for its significant heritage value. The High Court of Australia has prepared a Conservation Management Plan, consistent with section 341S(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, to protect and manage the National and Commonwealth Heritage values of the place.
The Conservation Management Plan can be accessed from the link below.
Comments concerning the Conservation Management Plan should be sent to:
Manager Corporate Services
High Court of Australia
PO Box 6309
Kingston ACT 2604
Or by email to:
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Conservation Management Plan (PDF 14.4M) (RTF 39.4M) Heritage Register (PDF 26k) (RTF 96k)
All oral arguments in the High Court are open to the public, subject to seating being available. For larger groups, such as schools, the Court Guides on duty at the doors of the courtroom will divide the group into manageable parties of approximately 20 (plus at least one teacher) before being admitted. When seating is in demand, only one group at a time will be allowed in the courtroom. To contain the flow of people in and out of the courtrooms, and as a mark of respect to the Court, visitors are requested to remain in the courtroom for at least 10 minutes.
Visitors should be aware that some cases attract large crowds or a large group of people might want to enter a courtroom in session at the same time. Sometimes there are unavoidable delays associated with processing and seating large numbers of visitors and your cooperation and patience are appreciated. Court Guides will make every effort to explain the protocol of the Court and inform you as soon as possible whether you can expect to secure a seat in the courtroom.
The High Court building closes to the public each day at 4.30 pm, but if a particular courtroom is still in session after that time you have a right of access to that courtroom – again providing there is seating available.
When you visit the High Court we request your cooperation in respecting our restrictions and requirements for visitors. Court Guides are stationed around the Public Hall and will advise you of courtroom protocol.
It is customary, as a matter of respect to the Court when it is in session, that you bow on entry into the courtroom and again on leaving. Please remain silent while inside the courtroom and in the area immediately outside its entrance. We do not recommend bringing infants or very young children into the courtroom while the Court is in session.
We ask that you do not take any of the following items into the courtrooms when the Court is in session: cameras, radios, pagers, tape players, tape recorders, mobile phones or any other electronic equipment. These items are to be surrendered at the door and a receipt will be given. Newspapers, and other documents that may cause a disruptive rustling, are also not allowed in the courtrooms.
Inappropriate clothing may not be worn. You should be adequately and neatly dressed, including footwear. Large bags, backpacks and the like are to be surrendered at the door or left with the Court Guide at the main entrance to the Public Hall (Level 2).
Smoking is prohibited throughout the building. Food and drink may only be consumed in the cafeteria or outside the building, except at functions.