Free parking in Melbourne CBD refers to any on-street or off-street parking option that does not require payment for a set period of time.
This includes 15-minute free bays using the EasyPark app, council car parks with free off-peak hours, shopping centre validations, and all-day free zones in nearby suburbs accessible by tram or train.
Contents
- 1 Quick Summary: Where to Park Free in Melbourne CBD
- 2 Where Can You Park for Free in Melbourne CBD?
- 3 15-Minute Free Parking with EasyPark App
- 4 Free Street Parking Outside the Core
- 5 Free Parking with Supermarket or Centre Purchase
- 6 Council Car Parks with Free or Cheap Rates
- 7 Park-and-Ride Suburbs with Free Parking
- 8 Weekend and Public Holiday Free Parking Rules
- 9 Common Fines and Parking Traps to Avoid
- 10 Takeaways: How to Find Free Parking in Melbourne CBD
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary: Where to Park Free in Melbourne CBD
- 15-minute free parking is available using the EasyPark app in green-signed bays.
- Fringe suburbs like Carlton, Docklands, and Fitzroy offer 1–2 hour free street parking.
- Park-and-ride options include Clifton Hill, Brunswick, and Northcote with tram/train access.
- Shopping centre validation (Melbourne Central, QV) gives 30–60 minutes free with purchase.
- Weekends and public holidays offer widespread free on-street parking, but signage varies.
Where Can You Park for Free in Melbourne CBD?
Melbourne CBD offers limited free parking options, mostly short-term or located on the fringe.
You can find 15-minute green-signed parking bays, free weekend on-street zones, and select car parks with discounted or free periods.
15-Minute Free Parking with EasyPark App
Certain green-signed parking bays in Melbourne CBD offer 15 minutes of free parking when using the EasyPark app.
You must start your session via the app, even if you only stay for 5 minutes.
Areas include parts of the Hoddle Grid, Southbank, and Carlton.
- Look for green signs with the “15 MIN FREE” label
- Download and open the EasyPark app
- Select your zone, tap ‘Start’, and end before time runs out
Free Street Parking Outside the Core
Street parking in areas just outside the CBD often has 1 to 2-hour free limits or unrestricted periods after hours.
These are perfect for short errands or grabbing a meal without paying for commercial car parks.
- Docklands – Near Harbour Esplanade (some 1P and 2P bays)
- Fitzroy & Carlton – Side streets with signed 2-hour free spots
- West Melbourne – Spencer St north end often has 1P free areas
- Southbank – Side streets off City Rd
Free Parking with Supermarket or Centre Purchase
Some CBD parking offers partial free time with purchase validation.
These are ideal for groceries, retail visits, or quick shopping trips:
- Melbourne Central – 30 minutes free if validated with a purchase
- QV Melbourne – Up to 1 hour free with Woolworths spend
- Flagstaff Gardens Woolworths – Offers 1-hour free when validated
Council Car Parks with Free or Cheap Rates
Melbourne City Council–owned car parks sometimes offer free off-peak or night parking.
- Queen Victoria Market Car Park – Free after 6 pm on non-market days
- Albert Park Reserve – Free in designated areas (non-event days)
- Edinburgh Gardens – Free all-day parking on weekends
Park-and-Ride Suburbs with Free Parking
If you are willing to park outside the city and commute via train or tram, you can find all-day free parking in nearby suburbs.
- Clifton Hill Station – All-day street parking nearby
- Westgarth & Northcote – Free parking near High St and train access
- Richmond – Fringe areas like Docker St offer 1P or unrestricted spots
- Park St Brunswick – Forum-favourite for all-day free + tram
Combine with a Myki and enjoy a stress-free commute into the CBD.
Weekend and Public Holiday Free Parking Rules
On-street metered parking in many areas becomes free on weekends and public holidays.
But always check signs, as enforcement zones vary:
- Saturday: Free in many council zones after 1 pm
- Sunday: Free in most parts of Docklands, Carlton, and Southbank
- Public Holidays: Usually treated like Sundays, but check the signage
Common Fines and Parking Traps to Avoid
Parking in the CBD comes with strict enforcement, especially during weekdays.
Avoid costly fines by watching for:
- Clearways: Active between 6:30–10am and 3–7pm on weekdays. Tow risk!
- Permit Zones: Residential-only permits in Carlton, Fitzroy, East Melbourne
- Unmarked Bays: Always check the nearest sign. No sign = no stop in some zones
Most fines start at $99 and increase for overstays or permit violations.
Use our live map to find free parking spots across Melbourne CBD and nearby suburbs.
Takeaways: How to Find Free Parking in Melbourne CBD
- Use EasyPark to claim 15-minute free spots inside the CBD
- Park on the fringe (Carlton, Fitzroy, Docklands) and walk or tram in
- Combine shopping with free validation at Melbourne Central or QV
- Try park-and-ride options from Clifton Hill or Brunswick
- Use weekends or public holidays to your advantage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any completely free parking in Melbourne CBD?
Only short-term 15-minute bays exist inside the CBD. Longer free periods are available in nearby suburbs.
What is the best place to park for free and take a tram?
Park St in Brunswick is a favourite for free all-day parking with tram access into the city.
Is street parking free after 6 pm?
In many areas, yes – but always read the signs. Some are paid until 10 pm.
Does public holiday parking follow Sunday rules?
Usually yes, but always check council notices or signage.
Is EasyPark free to use?
Yes, EasyPark is free to use.
NoIs Woolworths Flagstaff parking free with a receipt?
Yes
Do fines apply on Sundays?
Sometimes
Park Free, Then Ride Free: Combine with Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone
One of the best ways to save even more is to combine free parking with Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone.
After parking just outside the CBD in places like Carlton, Docklands or near Parliament Station, you can hop on a tram and ride through the central grid without tapping your Myki.
This makes it ideal for visitors who want to avoid high parking fees while still accessing top attractions, such as Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, Flinders Street Station, and Federation Square.
See the full Free Tram Zone map and stop guide to plan your trip from your parked car to the city highlights without spending a cent on transport.
