Whether it’s a shopping trip, an outing to the City Botanic Gardens, beach fun at South Bank or visiting a gallery or museum, it is always fun to head into Brisbane city. However, the price of parking often puts families off. The good news is, there is actually some very reasonable parking options available, if you know where to look! These cheap Brisbane parking options make it easier than ever to visit the Brisbane CBD – with or without the kids.
Search for the Best Brisbane Parking Rates
Developed by Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Parking Guide is an online guide featuring all of Brisbane’s car park operators, so drivers can search for and locate the best parking deals in Brisbane.
On the site, you can find a wealth of parking information including:
- Parking stations (BCC and private car parks)
- Street parking
- Airport parking
- Hospital parking
- Park ’n’ Rides
- Resident Parking
It also has a section on parking deals, for the CBD, City fringe, Fortitude Valley, South Bank and Sports and Events, as well as Early Bird deals.
Brisbane City Council Car Parks
Brisbane City Council has two car parks in the Brisbane CBD – King George Square and Wickham Terrace. Both are multi-level car parks which have extended operating hours throughout the year, including public holidays and some special events.
These car parks often have amazing special offers (subject to availability), such as:
- FREE 15-minute parking
- Weekends: $5 for 0-4hrs, $10 for 4-8hrs, $15 capped for >8hrs.
- $5 evening parking
You can find out more about the car parking special offers here.
Wilson Parking
Wilson Parking has several car parks throughout Brisbane CBD including the Riverside Centre, Adelaide Street, Brisbane Quarter and Charlotte Street. You can search for locations and deals at wilsonparking.com.au
Secure Parking in Brisbane CBD
Parking in the CBD, Fortitude Valley, Milton and Spring Hill has never been easier when you book online with Secure-a-Spot. They offer up to 60% off the normal parking rates and have locations all around Brisbane. Visit secureparking.com.au for further details. Also check your RACQ membership as they sometimes offer discount codes.
Myer Centre Car Park
Open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the Myer Centre Car Park is as convenient as it gets for city centre parking. Vehicle access is via 66 Elizabeth Street, while direct pedestrian access to the Queen Street Mall is also available. For great rates and special promotions book online at themyercentre.com.au/parking
Park ’n’ Ride
For a great option to save money on parking in Brisbane, make use of the extensive Park ’n’ Ride system. This allows you to drive to a TransLink car park next to a public transport stop, park your car, then take public transport to your final destination. This is not only a cheaper option but it also convenient, better for the environment and fun for kids!
You can find Park ’n’ Ride locations at visitbrisbane.com.au. You can also visit translink.com.au to search for those closest to you, as well as use Journey Planner to plan your travel route and times.
Free Parking in Brisbane CBD
There is no free parking in the Brisbane CBD as it is part of the Brisbane Central Traffic Area. There are some parking hacks used by locals to get into the CBD quickly and cost free.
- Park around Kangaroo Point and jump onto the free CityHopper boat for an easy and picturesque ride across the river to the city
- Park around Sydney Street in New Farm and take a ferry to the city
- Park in the side streets in West End and take a CityGlider bus into the city
Street Parking in Brisbane
Street parking can often work out cheaper than using a car park, but spots can be a challenge to find in the city. Parking in the Brisbane Central Traffic Area is permitted for a maximum of two hours in unsigned streets, unless there are signs or parking meters stating otherwise.
Where there are meters, prices are usually per hour according to zones. There is also a fee capping system whereby there are maximum charges for spots that allow more than four hours of parking. For full details of parking meters and rates in Brisbane, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au
Resources
You can download a Parking in Brisbane Guide here. Here you will also find other useful links and resources, including parking permits, parking rules and more.
You can also find great information here on Where Can Families Park in South Bank Brisbane, and Things to Do in Brisbane City with Kids.
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