Council issues a number of parking permits to meet the needs of specific user groups.

If you are looking for information on parking permits for the Lake Street or Grafton Street car parks, visit our off-street car parks page.

Business parking

Business Parking Permits are for city businesses employees who use their vehicles frequently throughout the day and who need to access on-street parking close to their business premises.

They are not available for day-to-day employee commuting or for business use where a vehicle is parked on the street all day.

A Business Parking Permit allows the permit holder to park on-street at no cost, but they must adhere to parking restrictions, such as not parking in disability bays, taxi, bus and commercial loading zones.

Business Parking Permits cost $1605.00 per year.

Commercial vehicles

Sedans, station wagons and motorcycles used for business purposes must display a Commercial Vehicle Parking Permit to park in a designated Commercial vehicle loading zone.

Utilities (including dual cabs), panel vans and vans without rear passenger seats and/or seat belts do not require a Commercial Vehicle Parking Permit.

TPI parking

The holder of a TPI repatriation health card may apply for a TPI parking permit which allows the authorised vehicle to park in regulated parking bays at no charge.

A TPI Permit holder must abide by parking time limits and other parking restrictions, such as not parking in taxi, bus and commercial loading zones.

The permit relates only to the vehicle for which it was issued and it does not guarantee a parking space.

Residential parking

Only permanent residents who live in the CBD are eligible to apply for a Residential Parking Permit.

Temporary residents who reside in a precinct for less than three months are not eligible, nor are guests of hotels, serviced apartments, hostels or backpackers.

Boats, caravans, other trailers and heavy vehicles (GVM over 4.5 tonnes) are not eligible. The permit does not guarantee an on-street parking space.

Residential Parking Permit holders can park on-street at no cost, and do not need to adhere to time limits, but must abide by other parking restrictions, such as not parking in disability bays, taxi, bus and commercial loading zones.

Residential Parking Permits cost $44.00 per year.

Replace or transfer permits

You can apply online for a replacement label in the event your permit is lost, stolen or your windscreen has been replaced (the permit must be put back onto the same vehicle) or to transfer your parking permit to a new vehicle under the permit holder's details.


Parking forms


Information and applications for parking permits, including hire of parking bay, Lake Street parking station, Grafton Street parking station, replacement or transfer of parking permit label.

Last Updated: 1 September 2026

Latest News > All News

Getting active around Cairns

Active travel includes cycling and walking, and any transport that relies on human-power. Pedestrian walking paths and community footpaths provide...

Council Projects & Services
15 October 2026

Regionally responsive growth at Mount Peter

As Cairns works to address growing housing demand, Cairns Regional Council has endorsed a submission on Economic Development Queensland's (EDQ)...

General Updates
15 October 2026

Annual Report shows strong delivery for Cairns

Major infrastructure projects, community upgrades, support for local events and long-term planning for growth are among the achievements highlighted in...

General Updates
14 October 2026