Where to Find Cheap and Free Parking in Melbourne CBD?

Finding affordable parking in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) can be tricky, especially during busy weekdays. However, you can save money by using the city's short-stay parking offer, checking off-street car parks, and comparing online rates before you drive in.

The best option depends on how long you need to park: for a very short stop, the City of Melbourne offers up to 15 minutes free in eligible green-signed parking spaces when you start a session through EasyPark. For longer visits, compare pre-booked car parks and weekend rates.

1. Free 15-minute street parking in the CBD

The City of Melbourne provides a useful option for quick errands. In eligible green-signed parking spaces, you can pay nothing for a stop of up to 15 minutes by starting a session through the EasyPark app.

• Cost: $0 for up to 15 minutes in eligible spaces

• Where: Eligible green-signed metered spaces, including some marked 2P spaces

• How: Start the parking session in EasyPark and leave within 15 minutes

• Important: If you stay longer than 15 minutes, the free parking benefit does not apply.

Always read the sign at your chosen space and check the app before leaving your car. This is intended for quick visits, not all-day parking.

2. Queen Victoria Market Car Park

The Queen Victoria Market car parks are worth considering if you plan to shop at the market or explore the northern end of the CBD. There is a multilevel undercover car park and an open-air option.

• Location: Access via Queen Street, near Queen Victoria Market

• Undercover car park: Open 24 hours, seven days a week

• Open-air car park: Generally open 5 AM–7 PM, with extended hours during Night Market seasons

• Best for: Market visits, shopping, and nearby city attractions

Check the current prices on the market's official parking page before travelling, as rates depend on the parking option and duration.

3. Compare CBD car parks before you arrive

For visits lasting several hours, an off-street car park may be more convenient than moving your car when a street time limit expires. Compare prices online, especially if you can book ahead.

CBDpark

58 Franklin Street, Melbourne

A central option to compare for visits around Queen Victoria Market and the western CBD. Check the operator's current rates and opening arrangements before booking.

First Parking – Little Bourke Street Car Park

558 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Worth comparing if your destination is around the western CBD. Check online booking prices against drive-up rates.

QV Melbourne Car Park

200 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Convenient for Melbourne Central, the State Library area, and shopping around Lonsdale Street. Compare the price for your full stay before choosing it.

Wilson Parking – 222 Russell Street

222 Russell Street, Melbourne

An option for the eastern CBD and nearby theatres, shops, and restaurants. Look for online early-bird or advance-booking offers where available.

Prices at these car parks vary by day, arrival time, duration, and booking conditions. They are comparison options, not a guarantee of the cheapest rate on a particular day.

4. Use cheaper street-parking periods

The City of Melbourne's published CBD parking information lists these kerbside rates:

General CBD street parking is commonly limited to two hours between 7 AM and 10 PM, so check the sign at your space and do not assume you can leave your car all day. Rates and parking conditions can change; confirm them on the city's official website before your trip.

6. Tips to save money on Melbourne CBD parking

• Compare online rates: Check the total price for your entire visit, not just the advertised hourly rate.

• Consider evenings and weekends: Some street parking is cheaper during off-peak periods.

• Book ahead: Advance bookings may be cheaper than drive-up parking, but check cancellation and entry conditions.

• Park outside the busiest streets: A car park a short walk from your destination may cost less than one directly beside it.

• Read every sign: Check time limits, payment requirements, clearways, loading zones, and restrictions.

• Consider public transport: If you're visiting for a full day, parking at a station outside the CBD and travelling in may be cheaper, depending on your route and parking arrangements.