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Louise is an SEO Writer for Spacer Technology, creating content for the Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com brands. Based in the Philippines, she transitioned from her government office job to copywriting in 2012 and has stayed in content production since.
Edited by:
Zarah Mae Torrazo is Head of Content at Spacer Technologies, the company behind Parkhound, WhereiPark, and Spacer.com. With 10 years of writing experience in parking, real estate, and finance, she creates content that helps drivers save money and property owners earn income from their space.
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Born with an innate entrepreneurial spirit and a thirst for all things tech, Mike founded his first business at the age of 14 by developing websites for SMEs in the mid-90’s. Now with decades of hands-on experience building startups, Mike is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with a proven track record of scaling high-growth tech companies.
Reading time: 15 mins
Discover average CBD parking costs in Australia by city. Compare Sydney, Melbourne & more, plus tips to find cheaper parking in 2026.
Sydney was known for years as the most expensive city for CBD parking in Australia, and with average all-day parking costs sitting between $77 and $81 per day, that fact is still mostly true today. However, a 2024 Ray White Commercial study found that Brisbane has now taken the top spot, with average daily parking rates reaching $79.83, just ahead of Sydney’s $77.67.
Several factors are driving CBD parking costs higher across Australia. Reduced on-street parking supply, the result of urban development projects including light rail construction, pedestrianisation, and bike lane expansions, has made spaces more limited in many city centres. At the same time, demand has remained steady or increased as workers return to offices post-pandemic. This imbalance between supply and demand continues to push prices up.
In this report, we break down the average cost of CBD parking across Australia’s major cities, comparing on-street and off-street prices to help you understand what you should expect to pay.
CBD parking costs across Australia remain highest in major capital cities, with prices reflecting demand, land value, and parking supply constraints. Recent data from industry reports and local councils indicates that both on-street and off-street rates increased slightly in 2025, particularly in high-density areas. On-street parking is typically charged hourly, while off-street options offer daily rates that can vary widely depending on location, booking method, and parking operator. The table below provides a simplified overview of average CBD parking costs to help benchmark what drivers and visitors can expect in each major city.
| City | Average On-street (Hourly/1P) | Average Off-street (Daily) |
| Brisbane | $3.45 – $6.35 | $78 – $83 |
| Sydney | $6.40 – $8.40 | $77 – $81 |
| Melbourne | $4 – $7 | $60 – $75 |
| Perth | $5.40 – $7.00 | $15 – $40 |
| Adelaide | $3 – $5.50 | $15 – $35 |
| Hobart | $2.20 – $5.60 | $14 – $20 |
| Canberra | $2.00 – $5.00 | $14 – $35 |
| Darwin | $1.80 – $3.20 | $5 – $12 |
The sections below break down CBD parking costs by city, covering both metered on-street parking and off-street daily rates.
Brisbane’s CBD parking demand is among the highest in Australia due to strong commercial activity, limited on-street spaces, and a growing number of office workers returning to the city centre. The city’s compact layout and high-rise office developments mean that both commuters and short-term visitors compete for parking, pushing rates upward. Tourist hotspots, government buildings, and retail precincts also contribute to peak demand during weekdays.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Brisbane is limited, often restricted to 1–2 hours, which can make it difficult for full-day visitors to find convenient spots.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is competitive, especially in multi-storey CBD car parks. Many lots close early or have restricted operating hours, so planning ahead is recommended.
Parkhound Tips: Consider parking slightly outside the CBD in suburbs like South Brisbane or Fortitude Valley and using public transport to reach the centre for more affordable and stress-free parking.
Sydney’s CBD has one of the highest parking demands in Australia, driven by its dense commercial core, large office workforce, and high visitor traffic. Limited kerbside spaces, premium retail precincts, and ongoing urban development contribute to high prices. Both commuters and tourists compete for parking, making early planning essential.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Sydney is limited and often subject to strict time restrictions, making longer stays difficult to manage on the kerb alone.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is competitive, especially in multi-level car parks near major offices and attractions. Many facilities have operating hour limits or require pre-booking during peak periods.
Parkhound Tips: For more convenient parking, consider suburban areas like North Sydney or Pyrmont, and use public transport to reach the CBD quickly.
Melbourne’s CBD experiences high parking demand due to its busy financial district, shopping precincts, and cultural attractions. On-street parking is also scarce due to limited kerbside spaces, strict time limits, and ongoing development in the city centre. In addition, both office workers and visitors contribute to strong demand, while off-street options remain competitive, especially during peak hours.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Melbourne is limited and generally subject to time restrictions, making long stays challenging in the central areas.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is competitive, particularly in multi-storey lots near major office towers, shopping centres, and entertainment venues. Many lots have restricted operating hours or require early booking for long stays.
Parkhound Tips: Consider parking in nearby inner suburbs such as Southbank or Docklands and walking or using public transport to reach the CBD efficiently.
Perth’s CBD parking demand is moderate compared to eastern capitals, driven mainly by office workers, shoppers, and visitors to government buildings. The city’s compact layout allows relatively easier access to off-street parking, though ongoing urban development has created some competition for spaces. Overall demand remains lower than Sydney or Brisbane, keeping rates comparatively affordable.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Perth is limited by time restrictions, especially in central commercial zones, which can make long stays difficult.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is widely available but competitive in peak hours near major office towers and shopping centres. Some facilities have operating hour limits or offer pre-booking options.
Parkhound Tips: For easier parking, consider lots on the edge of the CBD or in Northbridge, then walk or use public transport to reach your destination quickly.
Adelaide’s CBD has lower parking demand compared to other major Australian capitals, largely due to its smaller size, well-planned street layout, and lower population density. Parking is mostly used by office workers, shoppers, and visitors to government and cultural precincts. The relatively ample supply of both on-street and off-street parking keeps rates more affordable than in eastern capitals
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Adelaide is generally limited by time restrictions, particularly near offices and popular shopping areas.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is less competitive than in larger capitals, though prime locations near Rundle Mall and the Adelaide Central Market can fill quickly during peak periods. Some car parks have restricted operating hours or early bird pricing.
Parkhound Tips: For convenient parking, consider suburban lots just outside the CBD or near public transport hubs, then use trams or buses to reach the city centre efficiently.
Hobart’s CBD has relatively low parking demand due to its smaller size, fewer high-rise offices, and lower traffic volumes compared to larger capitals. Most parking is used by office workers, shoppers, and tourists visiting Salamanca Place and surrounding attractions. On-street spaces are plentiful, but limited to short-term parking, while off-street car parks are available for longer stays.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Hobart is generally limited by short time restrictions, making it suitable for quick trips and local errands.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is reasonably available and less competitive than in larger cities. Most car parks have operating hours aligned with CBD business hours, but long-stay options are available for tourists.
Parkhound Tips: For convenient and affordable parking, consider council-operated lots near Salamanca Place or use Parkhound to pre-book off-street spaces in quieter CBD streets.
Canberra’s CBD has moderate parking demand due to its smaller size, government-focused workforce, and well-planned street layout. Most parking is used by office workers, shoppers, and visitors to Parliament House and nearby cultural attractions. On-street parking is limited and well-regulated, while off-street lots are reasonably available but can fill quickly during weekdays.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Canberra is typically limited by time restrictions, making it ideal for short visits or quick errands.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is moderately competitive, especially in lots near key government offices and shopping precincts. Some car parks have early bird or restricted operating hours, so planning ahead is recommended.
Parkhound Tips: For convenient parking, consider lots slightly outside the CBD near public transport hubs, then take a bus or light rail to the city centre.
Darwin’s CBD has relatively low parking demand compared to other capitals, due to its smaller population, lower traffic volumes, and a compact city centre. Parking is mainly used by office workers, shoppers, and visitors to government and cultural precincts. On-street spaces are plentiful but limited to short-term parking, while off-street car parks are available for longer stays.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Darwin is generally limited by time restrictions, making it suitable for short visits and errands.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking is widely available and less competitive than in larger cities, though prime locations near shops and offices can fill during peak hours.
Parkhound Tips: For convenient parking, consider council-operated lots just outside the CBD or Parkhound pre-booked spaces, then walk or use local shuttle services to reach your destination.
Although CBD parking costs in Australia are rising, there are still practical ways to reduce what you pay. Choosing the right type of parking, planning ahead, and taking advantage of discounts or alternative locations can save both time and money. The simple strategies below can help make parking more affordable and less stressful:
Choose parking based on your activity
Short errands are best suited to on-street meters or small public car parks, while longer visits are better served by off-street lots with daily rates. Matching the parking type to your planned stay can prevent overpaying.
Consider monthly or long-term parking for commuters
If you drive to the CBD regularly, many off-street car parks offer discounted monthly or long-term passes, which significantly reduce the daily cost compared with paying day by day.
Park further away and use public transport (Park & Ride)
Parking in nearby suburbs or outer-city lots can be much cheaper, and then you can use buses, trains, or trams to reach the CBD. This approach is ideal for workers or visitors who do not need to park in the heart of the city.
Take advantage of early bird or special evening rates
Many off-street car parks offer discounts for arriving early in the morning or after business hours. Checking the facility’s pricing structure can yield significant savings.
Reserve a car space in advance with Parkhound
Parkhound allows drivers to book secure, reliable, and affordable parking spaces in advance across Australia. It connects you with hosts offering private and commercial parking spaces, making it easy to guarantee a spot, avoid peak pricing, and enjoy peace of mind when parking in busy CBD areas.
Q: How much does CBD parking cost in Australia?
A: CBD parking costs in Australia vary by city. Premium locations like Sydney and Melbourne tend to have the highest on-street parking rates at $3.45 to $8 per hour, but CBDs with lower population and demand like Darwin are generally more affordable.
Q: Which Australian city has the most expensive CBD parking?
A: While Sydney historically has the most expensive CBD parking in Australia, the NRMA-commissioned 2025 Parking Mad report reveals that Brisbane CBD has taken the top spot.
Q: How can I find cheaper CBD parking in Australia?
A: You can save on CBD parking by booking in advance, comparing off-street options, parking further from central areas, or using parking platforms like Parkhound to access discounted rates.
Q: Is on-street or off-street parking cheaper in Australian CBDs?
A: On-street parking can be cheaper for short stays, but off-street parking is often more cost-effective for longer durations, especially when booked in advance.
Q: Why is CBD parking so expensive in Australia?
A: CBD parking is expensive due to high demand, limited space, and central location. Pricing is also influenced by local regulations and peak-hour demand.
CBD parking costs across Australia continue to rise, with Brisbane now the most expensive city, averaging around $80 per day, overtaking long-time leader Sydney. Sydney remains one of the priciest globally, with daily rates of $77–$81, while Melbourne follows closely, driven by strong demand and congestion management measures.
Casual drive-up parking in major cities can cost between $60 and $80 per day, but early bird and online bookings can bring this down to $25 to $40, making it worth planning ahead. On-street parking is also getting more expensive, with hourly rates exceeding $8 in Sydney and around $6 in Brisbane, reflecting council efforts to manage congestion and encourage turnover.
Overall, reduced supply, urban redevelopment, and sustained demand suggest CBD parking will become more competitive and expensive. Drivers who plan, book in advance, or explore alternative parking options are better positioned to save.
For drivers looking to save time and money, reserving a parking space in advance with Parkhound ensures access to secure, affordable, and convenient CBD parking across Australia.
Louise is an SEO Writer for Spacer Technology, creating content for the Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com brands. Based in the Philippines, she transitioned from her government office job to copywriting in 2012 and has stayed in content production since.
Louise is an SEO Writer for Spacer Technology, creating content for the Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com brands. Based in the Philippines, she transitioned from her government office job to copywriting in 2012 and has stayed in content production since.
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