On-street parking

Free parking is available in many locations across the city and is indicated by signs with:

• The word "Free', for instance 2P Free
• With parking times only, for instance 2P

Centre median parking

Centre median parking is always free. Time limits apply from 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, and 8.30am to 2pm on Saturdays. Outside those hours, there are no time limits.

Kerb-side parking

During the following hours kerb-side parking is free and there are no time limits:

• After 2pm on Saturday
• All day Sunday
• Public holidays

Regulations regarding using disability bays, loading zones, bus zones and taxi zones are still enforced.

Paid on-street parking encourages a regular turn-over of vehicles in high-demand areas to balance the needs of businesses, visitors, residents and workers.

Paid parking is indicated with signs with the word 'Ticket', for instance 2P Ticket.

Parking fees are $2.20 per hour.

How can I pay for parking?

Cash or credit card

Council uses 'pay and display' and 'pay by plate' machines. Drivers can use Australian coins (except 5c coins) or Visa and Mastercard to pay for parking (minimum fee $1).  Please note parking machines do not provide change.

If using 'pay and display' drivers should display their parking ticket on their dashboard. Failure to display a valid parking ticket can result in a parking fine.

'Pay by plate' does not require a ticket, so no need to return to your vehicle.

Easy Park app

Drivers can also pay for the exact parking period directly from their smartphone using the Easy Park app.

Report a parking machine fault

If a parking machine is not working, you can report the fault 24/7 by calling the parking meter fault line on 1300 187 603.

When you call, you will be given two options:

1. Receive a link via SMS – You’ll receive a text message containing a link to an online form, where you can report the fault by entering the machine’s ID number.
2. Speak to a team member – Alternatively, you can speak directly with a representative and report the fault by providing the machine’s ID number.

Please ensure you have the machine ID number ready when calling.

We recognise all interstate and international accessible parking permits.

If you have an accessible parking permit, you can park for free, and as long as you need to:

• In a designated accessible parking bay
• In any on-street or off-street parking bay*

Drivers must obey regulations applying to taxi zones, loading zones, bus zones and no stopping zones.

*Free parking is not available at Council's Lake Street Car Park or the Cairns Performing Arts Centre Car Park as these are operated by boom gates.

Motorcyclists can park in dedicated motorbike parking bays at no charge.

Fees apply if parking in a 'regular' parking bay. If parking in a regular parking bay, motorcyclists must either enter their licence plate at a 'pay by plate' machine or purchase a parking ticket from a 'pay and display' machine.

You can place the parking ticket anywhere on your motorbike. We appreciate this is difficult. Motorcyclists are therefore advised to keep their parking ticket, which can be used as evidence to appeal a parking fine if you receive one.