This article is a comprehensive guide on how to find parking at major universities in Sydney in 2024.
Sydney has everything you could ask for: world-class educational institutions, an incredible lifestyle and sights and sounds that will take your breath away.
It’s no wonder why students, both local and international, choose the NSW capital as their preferred destination for higher education.
Sydney secured the seventh spot in the QS Best Student Cities ranking in 2024, thanks to is large, diverse and inclusive student community.
The Harbour City also holds the third position worldwide for desirability, indicating its high quality of life and popularity among prospective students. It also ranks 27th worldwide for employer activity, highlighting the excellent reputation of its graduates.
There are also lots of opportunities available for Sydney graduates who want to work in Australia after graduation.
Choosing Sydney as your place of study also means you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for things to do outside your classes. You can easily visit famous beaches, parks and the city centre from almost all campus, thanks to the region’s well connected transport system.
There’s also plenty of options for shopping, cafes, and places to hang out like clubs and pubs. Sydney has something fun for everyone, so you’ll never be bored during your free time.
It’s no wonder Sydney was named the fourth most liveable city in the world, closely following Melbourne in third place.
While Sydney has a lot of feathers in its cap, even its best universities face a common struggle faced by almost every major city: finding a convenient and affordable parking space.
Major universities in Sydney such as University of Technology Sydney and University of New South Wales, do not offer a lot of parking on campus, and if they do tends to be very expensive.
On-street parking options near campuses are not any better for your pocket, as parking fees can be as $7.20 per hour. In most cases, you will need to move your car again if you’re parked in an area with one or two hour time limit.
Off-street parking near universities are not a budget-friendly option for most staff and students. Most commercial parking facilities offer a flat rate of $20 but anyone who commutes daily knows parking fees can quickly rack up. Not to mention these spaces tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
So whether you’re a student trying to make it to that early morning lecture, a staff member rushing to a meeting, or a visitor exploring campuses, here’s our complete guide on how to find parking at major universities across Sydney in 2024.
Parking at UNSW
The University of New South Wales (UNSW), also known as UNSW Sydney, ranks among Australia’s top public universities.
UNSW prides itself for its groundbreaking research work, top-notch teaching, and innovative approach and focuses on academic, technological, and professional fields.
This makes UNSW one of the best colleges and universities not just in the country. In fact, UNSW is ranked 19th in QS World University Rankings 2024.
Its main campus in Kensington is a vibrant hub located just 20 minutes from the center of Sydney and a mere 5 minutes from Coogee Beach.
UNSW hosts approximately 45,000 staff and students every day. This makes finding parking extremely difficult for those who choose to drive for their daily commute, especially during the first semester.
Where can I park for free at UNSW?
Parking on-campus is free on weekends and public holidays, as well after 7:30pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
On the downside, there are no free parking spaces inside the campus during peak hours (7:00am to 7:30pm).
How much is parking at UNSW?
Casual visitor parking on campus provides options for either a 2-hour or 4-hour maximum stay at a rate of $7.75 per hour.
These short-term parking bays on campus are available on the upper floors of Barker St Car Park (Gate 14) and Botany St Car Park (Gate 11).
However, due to the temporary closure of the top level of Barker St multi-storey car park, visitor and student parking is now available on level 1B.
You need a parking permit if you park on campus between 7.30am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday.Staff, visitors and PhD students can apply for parking permits, however these permits are often limited.
For UNSW staff who park on campus occasionally, Pay as you go (PAYG) Parking is available. To use PAYG Parking, staff must download and register an account through the CellOPark App.
This system does not require tickets or display permits and use licence plate recognition technology to identify if parking has been paid.
Upon arrival on campus, staff are required to start a parking session via the CellOPark App each time they park. Don’t forget to start your active parking session, as failing to do so may result in a parking infringement being issued by UNSW security parking officers.
Standard parking for UNSW staff costs $8.00 per day, while reserved parking is available at $24.00 per day.
Staff and residential students can also avail of an annual permit, which costs $2,006.00 per year. Annual Permits may be paid for upfront (via Credit card or Debit Card) or by Salary Sacrifice.
Staff and students must present a valid zID to be eligible for PAYG parking permits. To purchase a parking permit, find the one that applies to you and follow the instructions on the vPermit website.
On-street parking near UNSW
With no free parking spaces inside the campus during peak days, the best next option is to find street parking near or around the UNSW.
For starters, there are timed-limited parking zones for 1 to 2 hours on Barker Street and surrounding streets.
Next to the western campus, there is also parking available on Anzac Parade (Day Ave and Eastern Avenue), as well as High Street. Botany Street (Gate 11) also has timed parking meters available for 1-2 hours.
If you’re like everyone else and not a fan of parking tickets, make sure to be on the lookout for parking rangers who tend to be very active in the Kingsford, Kensington and Randwick Area.
Monthly parking near UNSW
If you don’t want to be on a goose chase for that perfect parking space everyday, it may be a good idea to lock in a dedicated and convenient parking space near UNSW with Parkhound.
With clear descriptions and images of available parking spots in University Of New South Wales and Kensington, it’s easier than ever to find and secure an ideal parking option for you.
And say goodbye to expensive parking rates! Parkhound has dozens of affordable parking options available near UNSW, starting from $10/day or $156/month.
Parking at University of Sydney (Sydney University)
Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney (also called USYD) is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania.
Also known as Sydney University (Sydney Uni), the institution is one of the country’s six sandstone universities, which are the country’s oldest tertiary education institutions.
USYD’s main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD.
With a diverse array of disciplines spanning over 500 areas of study, the University’s community comprises over 69,000 students and 8,400 permanent and fixed-term staff members.
Parking is a great challenge for university students in USyd. On-street parking near the campus generally has 1-2 hour time restrictions.
Meanwhile, available parking on-campus is limited as the university encourages students to use public transport, walk or cycle in by using bicycle parking as part of their push for sustainability.
Where can I park for free at the University of Sydney?
Unfortunately, there is no free on-campus parking available at USyd, as the university operates as a paid parking area for cars at all times.
Meanwhile, motorcycle parking is free in designated areas on the Camperdown/Darlington Campus. Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds drivers just need to buy a zero cost motorcycle casual parking session via the parking meter machines or CelloPark to park on University grounds.
How much does it cost to park at Sydney Uni?
Casual parking rates for off-street spaces on the Camperdown/Darlington campuses are $4 per hour, with a maximum charge of $24 per day.
Starting January 2023, the university introduced a Pay As You Go (PAYG) parking system at the Camperdown/Darlington and Mallet Street campuses.Under the new system, parking fees (with a maximum daily rate of $5) must be paid via the CellOPark app.
This replaces the annual parking permit, allowing staff and students to pay only for the days and times they park on campus, supporting flexible work and study practices.
On-street parking near USyd
Street parking near the university is extremely limited and experienced students know the availability of parking spaces drastically drops after 8am.
But with some luck, you might be able to park in one of the quieter streets on the Newtown side of campus.
There’s also some free parking in the streets of Darlington that range from one hour, two hours and even all day street parking.
As a workaround, some students have also resorted to street parking near Redfern train station, which is a walking distance from the campus.
Some students also recommend Arundel Street where there’s all day parking, but you would need to get lucky to get a spot.
Chippendale is another great parking option, given it’s a short walk through Victoria Park to Fisher Library, and conveniently close to Cleveland Street and Shepherd Street.
Off-street parking at USyd
While USyd provides a limited number of on-campus car parking spaces including several carpark buildings, outdoor parking areas, and off-street parking, the demand significantly outweighs the demand.
One off-street option to consider is finding a spot at Broadway Shopping Centre. While the first 2 hours are free, drivers will need $6.50 per hour for every subsequent hour after that.
On the upside, students can get a discount of a flat $20 per day rate from Monday to Friday. However, note that this discount only applies if you park on levels 3A and 4 in the North car park.
Parking is also available at the Charles Perkins Centre’s car park, but it’s reserved for staff between 8 am and 4:30 pm. Drivers can enter via Parramatta Road or Orphans School Creek Lane.
Keep in mind that parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-staff can use ticketed paid parking after 4:30 pm on weekdays, using pay and display machines or the CelloPark app.
Looking for an off-street parking space near USyd with no time period limit? With Parkhound, you have more street parking options. Get a dedicated parking space that is 5-10 minutes walk from the campus with daily parking rates as low as $8 a day!
Monthly parking near University of Sydney
University life can be hectic, and rushing every day to find a parking space can add unnecessary stress to your day.
Not to mention, varying parking restrictions and time limits puts you at risk of paying a hefty parking ticket.
To save yourself from the hassle of finding parking every day, consider pre-booking a permanent parking space near the University of Sydney.
Whether you’re looking for a short term or long-term parking space, Parkhound can help. We have hundreds of parking spaces available near Sydney Uni, starting from $8/day to $135/month.
Parking at Macquarie University
Named one of the top 200 universities in the world, Macquarie University attracts both local and overseas students to gain quality education in different areas of study.
The institution’s main campus, Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus is located 15 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.
Located in Macquarie Park, the Wallumattagal campus offers cutting-edge facilities for excellent learning experiences.
Notable features include Australia’s most advanced library, the nation’s only not-for-profit hospital on a university campus.
Getting to the campus is easy with its accessibility by a range of transport modes. Macquarie University is easily accessible by bus, with stops along University Avenue and nearby the campus borders, including the Macquarie Centre bus interchange.
Plus, the university has its own Macquarie University metro station right at the corner of Herring Road and University Avenue. It provides easy connections from its North Ryde location to the city centre, airport, beaches, and bustling shopping and dining areas like Chatswood and Parramatta.
During the semester, students can take advantage of the afternoon-evening shuttle bus service around campus. If you’re close by, cycling or walking is a simple and budget-friendly way to commute here.
If you live close to Macquarie University, cycling (or walking) is an easy and cost-effective way to get here. Bike parking, showers and changing facilities are also available on campus.
For those who choose to use their car, Macquarie University has over 4500 parking spaces available, in a variety of zones, across 14 car parks.
But with Macquarie being home to more than 44,000 students and 3,000 staff each, it’s easy to understand why finding parking is almost a daily chore for those who choose to or have no alternative but to drive for their commute.
Is there free parking at Macquarie University?
There is no free all day on-campus parking at Macquarie University.
But if you only need a parking space for two hours, the Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre offers free parking for two hours. After the 2 hour time limit, you will be charged a rate of $2.00 per hour.
Around the campus, drivers can find free street parking at Christie Park, Dunbar Park and Fontenoy Park.
You can also avail free parking up to three hours at Macquarie Centre. But with this becoming an open secret among students, be wary of abusing this as measures have been put in place to prevent it.
How much is parking at Macquarie University?
Parking rates for on-campus parking at Macquarie University’s parking bays will depend if you’re a student or a visitor.
Before we discuss the typical parking costs, there are two main ways to pay for parking on campus: virtual permit (vPermit) and pay as you go (PAYG).
The virtual permit (vPermit) system provides a hassle-free parking solution for regular campus visitors. By registering online through a secure portal, drivers can obtain a vPermit, with their license plate serving as proof of payment for the chosen term.
For those seeking flexibility in their parking arrangements, the Pay as You Go (PAYG) option is a suitable alternative.
With PAYG, users manage their parking on an hourly basis using an app or online platform. This option is ideal for individuals who don’t require parking regularly or need it for shorter durations.
Both options do not require tickets or display permits and use a licence plate recognition technology to identify if parking has been paid. It’s recommended by the university to register for just one of the two payment options.
Parking rates for students at Macquarie Uni
Parking rates and where you can park vary depending on your PAYG permit type, but students can expect to pay $13.30 to $22.15 for maximum daily parking.
For more details, check the university’s official parking guide for students.
Parking rates for staff at Macquarie Uni
University staff members can use either vPermit or PAYG to park on the Wallumattagal Campus. Both payment options are accessible to any staff member holding a valid Macquarie University OneID.
Your vPermit type will determine your annual parking fees at Macquarie University, ranging from $840 to $3800.
The carparks and specific zones that can be used by staff are also determined by the type of vPermit.
For example, short-term vPermits (under six months) allow access to all carparks, although certain ones, such as MQBS, The Chancellery, and Waterloo Road, may require department permission.
Long-term vPermits (six months or longer) also grant access to all carparks, with similar permission requirements for specific areas.
Similar to students, PAYG (Pay as You Go) charges an hourly rate for staff parking, managed through the CellOPark app or website. Daily rate for staff parking at Macquarie University can range from $13 to $25 daily, depending on your PAYG permit type.
For more details, check the university’s official parking guide for staff.
On-street parking near Macquarie University
Street parking is available in the smaller streets surrounding the campus. Make sure to allot around 10-15 minutes for walking when you park in nearby streets.
If you need an on street parking space on a daily basis, make sure to leave your house early, as these spots are usually filled up before 8:00am every day.
Off-street parking at Macquarie University
There are 14 university car parks in Macquarie University, but these areas are usually full during peak hours and can cost $10 per hour or $40 per day if you don’t have a permit.
If you’re looking for an off-street parking space near Macquarie University, Parkhound has short-term parking options at a fraction of the daily rate offered by traditional operators.
Monthly parking near Macquarie University
If you’re tired of the daily hassle of finding parking near Macquarie University, securing a monthly parking space nearby may be the stress-free solution to your parking headaches.
With Parkhound, you gain access to a network of convenient and affordable parking options near Macquarie Uni for as low as $6/day or $156/month. Enjoy the benefits of reserved parking, saving time, and avoiding the frustration of searching for a space every day.
Parking at University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Want to make your mark in the tech field? If you’re aspiring to be the next game changer in this field, you may want to gain higher education at University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, UTS stands tall as one of the city’s top-notch universities for all things tech.
Located across Haymarket and Ultimo, UTS has consistently ranked among the top 50 universities by QS World Universities Ranking and it is one of the largest colleges in the NSW capital for international students. This is all thanks to its strong reputation in the business community and industry, which draws in students from all over the world.
Currently, the university is home to 44,000 students, with over 3,000 staff. With the city campus located right next to Central Station, it’s well connected to other parts of the city. There are also public bus stops located around the UTS city campus.
For those who drive, on-campus parking is pretty scarce and only available to people with accessibility needs or with other special permits. There are also user-pays parking stations located within walking distance of main campus buildings.
Is there free parking at UTS?
There is no free all day parking available on-campus, but there are areas near the campus where you can avail free parking.
If you’re on campus for less than two hours, you can park at Broadway Shopping centre carpark for free! But if you need a dedicated parking spot for a longer time, you can still save money by checking out their student parking deals, which can set you back around $14 per day.
For those who are in Building 11 and Building 10 for their classes and do not mind a bit of a walk, there is free parking on MacArthur Street next to the International Grammar School Sydney. However, note that these spaces fill up fast during the weekdays.
Another option for free parking is Chippendale, where you can find free parking ranging from one hour to all day parking. But like most places near busy areas, these spots fill up quickly and it’s recommended to secure them as early as possible.
How much is parking at UTS?
Daily parking rates offered by commercial operators around UTS can cost from $18 to as much as $45, depending on the location and the parking facilities’ rates. Make sure to check out any student discounts and early bird promos so you can save money.
If you’re looking for daily parking prices that won’t hurt your pocket, try checking out Parkhound! Choose from hundreds of parking spaces near UTS for as low as $10 per day.
On-street parking near UTS
Parking is available in streets surrounding the campus, but these are usually limited and time-restricted.
If you’re arriving early, you can get a parking space with two-hours of paid parking on Thomas Street. As we’ve mentioned, you can also nab on-street parking spaces in Darlington street, MacArthur Street and Chippendale.
But be careful about time restrictions and regulations in these areas, as they could get you in trouble with police or rangers and you will end up paying a hefty parking fine.
Off-street parking at UTS
There are four off-street parking options conveniently situated within walking distance of key campus buildings in UTS.
The first is located at Building 10, Thomas Street, Ultimo, operated by Interpark, with a maximum daily rate of $35.
Additionally, students, staff, and visitors can at Market City in Haymarket. This facility, managed by a commercial operator, provides an early bird rate of $20 (subject to conditions) and a maximum daily rate of $45.
Other off-street parking facilities include those at Novotel Sydney Central Hotel and Mercure Hotel Parking.
To learn more about off-street parking options at UTS, check here.
Monthly parking near UTS
If you’re tired of the daily grind of looking for a parking space near UTS, maybe it’s time to save yourself from the hassle by booking a monthly spot with Parkhound!
Choose from hundreds of monthly and daily parking spaces near UTS Tower starting from $130.00 a month right now!
The best part? You can save up to 50% on parking fees while getting the best parking space where you need it and when you need it.
Parking at Western Sydney University
With 13 campuses across the NSW capital, Western Sydney University is a public research university that ranks in the top 2% worldwide and boasts 5-star facilities and teaching quality.
Formerly known as University of Western Sydney, the institution provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher research degrees with campuses in Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool City, Nirimba, Parramatta, Parramatta City, Penrith, Sydney City and Sydney Olympic Park.
Western Sydney University focuses on sustainable urban design, making sure it’s easy to get around with safe pathways, access to transport hubs. You can check out the University’s guide on how to get to each campus using public transportation.
But finding a parking space on campus can be tough for those who opt to drive rather than use public transport.
Despite having over 7,000 parking spaces available in different bay types across the campuses, it’s still not sufficient for a portion of over 40,000 students and staff who drive for their commute.
Is there free parking at Western Sydney University?
There is no free parking on any of the Western Sydney University campuses, as they all operate under a restricted parking scheme.
This means all vehicles parked on Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Parramatta (Rydalmere) campuses must pay for parking.
On the upside, most campuses have free 15-minute short term bays and free motorcycle parking areas.
For the Bankstown campus, there is no on campus parking but there are nearby car parks within a short stroll, and many are free all day.
To find free street parking near a campus, you can try asking locals or former students if they know of any spots or residential suburbs where parking is free. After all, local knowledge is power.
How much is parking at Western Sydney University?
Daily parking rates for Western Sydney University students and staff range from $7 to $9 at Parramatta South, Parramatta North, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, and Penrith campuses if you choose to buy a ‘pay and display’ one-day permit from a parking machine.
Parking for ‘pay and display’ permits are available at yellow bays across the campuses, with the exception of Parramata South.
Remember that parking machines accept credit/debit cards and cash (coins only) and to clearly display it on the dashboard of your vehicle to avoid a fine.
However, note that on-campus parking is very limited and you need to secure a spot as early as you can.
For those who want to forego the hassle of paying for parking everyday, they can choose to buy an annual or half-year permit upfront.
For all the details on annual permits, parking fees, payment schemes, and terms and conditions, check out the guide provided for Western Sydney University staff and students.
On-street parking near Western Sydney University
Street parking around campuses is available, but it’s typically metered, with nearby streets often having short time limits and high demand — making finding a parking space challenging.
Off-street parking at Western Sydney University
On campus, there are numerous parking bays offering various types of spaces. You can check parking maps for each campus here.
Make sure to explore private parking facilities near your campus as well for additional options, though be aware that they tend to be expensive due to high demand.
Monthly Parking near Western Sydney University
With limited available parking in and around Western University campuses, booking a long-term and reserved parking space can help save you from the daily commute stress.
Make your daily commute easier by checking out available parking spaces near the campus with Parkhound! Get the parking space that fits your needs by booking a monthly parking space near Western Sydney University Parramatta Campus, starting from $156.00 a month.
Parking at Australian Catholic University
Known for its high calibre of research and teaching, Australian Catholic University is a public university in Australia with three campuses located in Sydney.
It also has campuses in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Ballarat, and maintains a campus in Rome.
The North Sydney campus is particularly popular, with 5,500 students choosing to enroll in this location.
When it comes to accessibility, the North Sydney campus is well connected and easy to travel in and out of, thanks to trains, buses, cycling and walking routes passing close by.
However, the campus does not offer on-campus parking for students at any time, except for very limited facilities for students with disabilities (temporary or permanent). With this, the university strongly encourages students to use public transport instead of driving.
Is there free parking at Australian Catholic University North Sydney campus?
There is no free parking available for students on-campus. However, the nearby Greenwood Plaza provides 1 hour of free parking. To avail of the free hour, you will need to visit one of the validation machines in the centre to get your ticket validated before exiting.
On-street parking near near Australian Catholic University North Sydney campus
On weekdays, on-street parking within easy walking distance of the North Sydney campus can be hard to find.
However, limited-time metered parking and paid parking stations are available in the North Sydney CBD.
Off-street parking near Australian Catholic University North Sydney campus
There are several off-street parking options available near the campus offered by traditional commercial parking operators.
However, note that these parking spaces come with a hefty price tag, with an hour of parking in an underground parking space costing as much as $29.00.
Make sure to check early bird rates as well as student parking rates to save money on parking fees.
Monthly parking near Australian Catholic University (North Sydney Campus)
Finding a parking space everyday in North Sydney can be difficult. If you need to commute daily to Australian Catholic University and you don’t want the stress of locating a parking space, you can prebook a monthly parking space near the campus.
Here’s where Parkhound can help! With over 161 spaces in the North Sydney area, it’s easier than you think to find convenient parking spaces for rent.
Choose from a number of daily parking spots starting at $10/day or $234 a month – saving your pocket from hefty parking fees.
Find a convenient parking space near your university with Parkhound!
Find a convenient parking space near your university with Parkhound!
Whether you’re studying in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, find a hidden-gem parking space that fits your needs with Parkhound. Simply enter the address, select a spot that fits your needs. Browse the array of available parking spaces and select either long-term or short-term rentals—all securely handled through the Parkhound website or app.
Related: CBD Parking in Australia: On-street, Off-street and Everything in Between
