FAQs Cairns CBD parking changes

From 1 July 2026, some parking fees and time limits in the Cairns CBD will be updated. These changes are part of Council’s ongoing management of parking across the city and are designed to help improve parking availability, support local businesses, and ensure parking remains accessible for residents, workers and visitors.

• On-street parking fees will increase to $2.40 per hour.
• Daily parking caps will change at some Council car parks.
• Free centre parking will remain available, with three-hour limits changing to two hours.
• Approximately 50 new free parking spaces have been formalised to help offset the closure of the Bunda Street
  Car Park.

• Parking fees are reviewed regularly to help Council maintain and manage parking facilities across the city.
• This includes parking infrastructure, lighting, signage, technology, maintenance and other services that support
  the parking network.
• The updated fees also help keep pricing in line with similar councils and parking providers.

No.

• The changes are intended to help manage parking demand, improve parking availability in busy areas, and encourage the use of all-day parking facilities where available.
• Revenue collected from parking is reinvested into maintaining and improving Council’s parking network and related infrastructure.

No.

• The introduction of Pay-by-Plate parking meters and the parking fee review are separate initiatives.
• Pay-by-Plate provides a simpler and more convenient payment experience, while the fee changes relate to the ongoing management and maintenance of Council’s parking network.

The updated parking fees and time limits take effect from 1 July 2026.

• The changes are designed to improve parking turnover in busy areas and make it easier for shoppers, visitors and customers to find a parking space.
• Centre parking will remain free, however the current three-hour limit will be reduced to two hours to help ensure spaces remain available throughout the day

You can pay using:

• Pay-by-Plate parking meters with coins and card
• EasyPark mobile app

Yes.

• Free parking remains available in a number of locations throughout the CBD.
• Centre parking will continue to be free, however the three-hour limit will change to a two-hour limit. Other
  parking limits remain unchanged.

• The Bunda Street Car Park closed on 30 June 2026 following the landowner’s decision not to renew
  Council’s lease.
• To help offset this change, Council has formalised approximately 50 additional free parking spaces.
• Alternative parking also remains available in nearby streets and along Hartley Street.

Yes.

Updated signs are being rolled out progressively.

You can find updated parking information:

• Here on Council’s website
• new PDF - ON-STREET PARKING map
• new PDF – OFF-STREET CAR PARKS map
• At parking meters
• On parking signage throughout the CBD

Council understands that changes to parking fees can impact residents, workers and visitors.

The updates are intended to improve parking availability in busy areas, encourage the use of all-day parking facilities, and ensure parking fees remain consistent with similar councils and parking providers.

Revenue collected from parking is reinvested into maintaining and improving Council’s parking network and related infrastructure.

Please call 1300 69 22 47 or email council@cairns.qld.gov.au