Application process
*Before applying for a busking permit, please read through the Busking Guidelines 2011:
Busking Guidelines 2011 (PDF, 311kb) 
Busking Guidelines 2011 (text only, 160kb)
Applicants must have held a current and valid General Area Permit for a minimum of six months, without incident and be assessed by Level 2 Review Criteria at a Safety, Amenity and Performance Review.
Applicants must have held a current and valid General Area Permit for a minimum of six months, without incident and be assessed by Level 2 Review Criteria at a Safety, Amenity and Performance Review.
Bourke Street Mall busking permit applications require the following:
- completed application form;
- the busker to have held a current, valid General Area Busking permit for a minimum of six months*;
- attendance at a Safety, Amenity and Performance Review (‘Review’);
- identification presented at the Review;
- written and signed consent from parent or adult guardian if applicant is under 16.
*Visiting professional acts may apply without waiting the six month period but they need to attend a Safety, Amenity and Performance Review. Please call the Busking and Program Coordinator on 03 9658 9658 to confirm your eligibility before booking a review time.
Application forms
Application forms are available:
Safety, amenity and performance review
Attendance at a Safety, Amenity and Performance Review forms part of the busking permit application process.
Please bring your completed application form and identification with you to the Review.
Please note that your performance will be judged on Level 1 and Level 2 Review Criteria as per page 9 and 10 of the Busking Guidelines 2011.
Full permits will not be issued until an applicant has attended and passed a Safety, Amenity and Performance Review and paid any relevant fees.
Download or view the dates for 2012:
2012 Bourke Street Mall Safety & Amenity Reviews for New Applicants (pdf, 21kb)
2012 Bourke Street Mall Safety & Amenity Reviews for New Applicants (text only, 24kb)
Permit Duration and Permit Fees
Bourke Street Mall permits are issued for either a twelve (12) or three (3) month period.
Fees
- An application fee of $20 per year will apply for all new permit applications.
- A reapplication fee of $10 per year will apply for all permit types.
- An application fee of $10 for short term permits for interstate/international applicants which are valid for three (3) months.
- An annual fee of $50 will apply for those artists wishing to sell CDs, DVDs or other original merchandise while they are busking.
Please note that:
- all Bourke Street Mall Busking Permit applicants must bring instruments, costumes, (if applicable) or have video footage of the performance and provide a display of the intended street performance in order to be advised of any safety or sound level considerations
- all members of a group must attend and obtain individual permits
- Buskers will be issued with an interim permit at the Safety, Amenity and Performance Review.
- Full permit to be issued upon payment of relevant fees. Payment must be made within 14 days of attending Review.
- Permit will be mailed out or can be made available for pick up at the front counter of the Town Hall.
Busking Locations
A Bourke Street Mall Busking Permit allows buskers to work in designated locations within the Bourke Street Mall.
As sites are limited, successful applicants will need to be available to attend a weekly site allocation meeting held on Wednesday mornings in order to be allocated a busking location for the coming week.
Download / view dates for Bourke Street Mall site allocation meetings:
Bourke Street Mall allocation meetings (PDF, 22kb)
Bourke Street Mall allocation meetings (Text only, 23kb)
Performance duration
Bourke Street Mall busking performances are permitted for a full day with half hour performances followed by half hour breaks.
Sound levels
Bourke Street Mall buskers are permitted to perform within 82dB as prescribed in the Busking Guidelines 2011.
Amplified busking is limited to the following times:
- 8am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday
- 8am to 11pm Friday and Saturday
- 8am to 11pm on the eve of public holidays
For further information on busking in the City of Melbourne, please refer to the Busking Guidelines 2011 or call (03) 9658 9658.