FLYING a drone in Mount Buffalo National Park has cost a visitor $777.
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The man has been fined that amount for launching and landing an aircraft without a permit.
Parks Victoria said it was the first time somebody had been penalised for illegal use of a drone at Mount Buffalo.
The incident occurred in August when the tourist from Wallan was also caught driving along a seasonally closed road.
He was fined $777 for that offence.
Although drones are a relatively recent phenomenon, the offence breached by the man dates back to 1975 when the National Parks Act set out rules governing aircraft use in such areas.
Parks Victoria said a permit could be sought to use a drone in a reserve but they must be in writing and meet insurance requirements.
The cost of the permit depends on the intended use of the drone.
Evidence of insurance for contractors may be high as $20 million, the parks’ administrator said.