From 2 January 2020 parking fees will increase by 20c per hour to $1.80 an hour.
Council has five off-street car parks in the Cairns CBD. There are also a range of commercially operated car parks. This map shows available off-street parking in the city ( PDF, 0.2 MB ). Please note prices are subject to change and drivers should obey on-site signage.
Parking at Council's car parks is free on public holidays.
Council off-street car parks (except the Lake Street multi-storey car park) operate on a 'pay and display' basis. Drivers should purchase a ticket and place it on their dashboard.
If a 'pay and display' machine is not working, you can report the fault 24/7 to 1300 187 603.
Lake Street Car Park
The car park is located between Shields and Aplin streets.
The car park operates 24/7 and has 300 parking spaces.
Casual use
Monday to 2pm Saturday: casual use is $1.80 an hour, capped at $10 a day.
Payment is via a ticket machine on the ground floor, or by credit card on exit.
After 2pm Saturday and all-day Sunday: free
Permits
- 5-day permits (Monday to Friday) are $130 per calendar month
- 7-day permits are $150 per calendar month
Apply for a permit ( PDF, 0.36 MB ). Please note the same application form is used for 5-day permits and 7-day permits.
Grafton Street Car Park
The car park is located between Shields and Aplin streets, with entry from Grafton street.
There are 100 parking spaces.
Casual use is $1.80 an hour, between 6am and 6pm, 7-days-a-week.
Payment is via ticket machines that accept cash and credit cards.
Permits
Permit holders have guaranteed parking in yellow-marked parking bays.
Permits are $69 for 4 weeks.
Southern Esplanade Car Park
Located next to the Cairn Esplanade Lagoon, the car park is accessed from Pier Point Road.
There are 290 car parking spaces and two electric car charging points.
Casual use is $1.80 an hour, between 6am and 10pm, 7-days-a-week
Permits are not available.
Hartley Street Car Park
Located at the end of Hartley Street, near the Sheridan Street intersection, the car park has 450 parking spaces including RV parking.
Parking is $1.80 an hour capped at $3 a day Monday to Friday. Parking is free on weekends and public holidays.
Car park users can now pay park, pay and go about their business by using the Easy Park app to pay for parking via their smartphone.
Permits are not available.
Bunda Street Car Park
Located between Spence and Hartley Streets, the car park has 200 car parking spaces.
Parking is $1.80 an hour capped at $2 a day Monday to Friday. Parking is free on weekends and public holidays.
Permits are not available.
Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC)
The Cairns Performing Arts Centre is at the corner of Sheridan & Florence Street, Cairns. Access to the car park is via Grafton, Sheridan and Florence streets.
The car park is for patrons of the centre (closed before matinees) however is open for public use outside these times.
Parking is $1.80 an hour, capped at $3 a day, between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Parking is free on weekends and public holidays.
Hospital Esplanade Car Park
Located on the Esplanade between Kerwin and Charles streets (opposite the Cairns Hospital).
There are 100 parking spaces.
Casual use is $1.80 an hour, between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Parking is free on weekends and public holidays.
Permits are not available.
Permanent parking permits at Council carparks
Reserved parking is available at the Grafton Street North Carpark and the Lake Street Parking Station, although spaces are limited.
To reserve a bay, contact Council on 4044 3033 or fill in and submit an application to Council:
Private carparks
There are also a number of private carparks that you can use. Council is not responsible for these carparks and does not set the fees.
- Cruise Terminal carpark (Wharf St)
- Cairns Square (Abbott St)
- Cairns Convention Centre (Hartley St)
- Cairns Central Shopping Centre
- Hilton International (Marlin Parade)
- Koppens carpark (Grafton St, south)
- The Pier Shopping Centre
- Ports North carpark (Lake St ,south)
- Reef Casino (Wharf St)
- Rusty's Markets carpark (Sheridan St)
Car park map
This map shows Council-run and commercial off-street car parks in Cairns.
( PDF, 0.2 MB )
Please note prices are subject to change. Drivers must obey on-site signage.
