Parking in Cairns
Parking fee increase
From 2 January 2020 parking fees will increase by 20c per hour to $1.80 an hour.
On-street paid parking hours are from 8.30am to 6pm on weekdays and before 2pm on Saturdays. (Different hours may apply at off-street car parks.) Centre median parking is free during these times. Check signs for the time limit that applies to your parking bay.
Parking is free after 2pm on Saturday; all day Sunday; and on public holidays. There is no time limit during these times, however regulations regarding using disability bays, loading zones, bus zones and taxi zones are still enforced.
Where to park in the city
A variety of parking is available in Cairns, from on street metered parking to off street privately operated facilities. More
Parking permits
You need to apply to Council for a permit to use commercial loading zones or for business parking and residential parking permits. More
Campervans and RV parking
Council offers designated short-term, day-parking bays for RVs in Gordonvale and the Cairns city centre. Both parking sites are identified by RV Parking signs and are easily accessed from major arterial roads. More
Parking fines
Parking fines are a way of ensuring safety and provide a deterrent for people to misuse parking facilities.You can request a parking fine to be waived if you believe it is unjustified. More
Licence Plate Recognition
Licence Plate Recognition, often called electronic chalking, is being introduced in Cairns. Using this technology will free up officers to be more proactive and respond to the average 690 parking-related complaints received each month. More
Last updated: 09 December 2019
