Brisbane parking isn’t as hard as it sounds. If you know a little bit about the area, you can get around easily, find safe places, and avoid making the same mistakes that most tourists do.
This guide tells you where to park, how to find the best deals, and some tips from people who drive here every day.
1. Street Parking in the Brisbane CBD: What You Need to Know
Let’s start with the part that makes the least sense: parking on CBD streets. Yes, it does exist. You can use it, yes. But is it good for long stays? No way.
Brisbane City Council uses metered street parking, which usually costs between
- 8am to 7pm (Mon–Fri)
- 8am to midday (Sat)
Rates vary depending on how busy the area is, but you can expect to pay between $4 and $7 per hour. Street parking is best for quick stops, like getting coffee, going to a meeting, or going to Queen Street Mall.
Tip: Download the CellOPark app. You can pay online, extend your time from your phone, and avoid the dreaded sprint back to the car before the meter runs out.
Avoid “Clearway” times at all costs. Brisbane is strict about them, and cars are towed right away.
2. The Most Convenient Car Parks in the City Centre
If you want to stay out longer, like to explore Riverside or go to an event, skip the street and go straight to a parking tower.
People in the area often use:
- The King George Square Car Park is in the middle of the city, has a lot of space, and is cheaper on weekends.
- The Myer Centre Car Park is great for people who shop at Queen Street Mall.
- Secure parking spots are on Eagle Street, Adelaide Street, and Turbot Street.
These parking lots have early bird and evening rates that can save you a lot of money if you’re in town for work or a show.
Local Trick: Make a reservation online before you get there. Compared to drive-in prices, you can save up to 50%.
3. Best Parking Options Near South Bank
Everyone loves South Bank’s parks, the famous Wheel of Brisbane, cultural spaces, and a free public lagoon. Of course, there is a lot of demand for parking.
The best and closest places are:
- Parking garage at South Bank Parklands
- The QPAC Car Park
- Parking Lot for the Convention Center
All are safe, shaded, and close enough to walk to. Some streets near Grey Street and Cordelia Street have limited metered parking, but it fills up quickly if you’re only staying for a short time.
Look for flat rates that are cheaper on weekends and at night.
4. Fortitude Valley & New Farm: Trendy, Busy, but Parkable
If you want to go out at night or eat, you should probably drive your Viz Car Rental to Fortitude Valley or New Farm.
The good news is that there is plenty of parking. The problem is that everyone wants the same spots.
Here are some good paid options:
- Brunswick Street Parking Garage
- Parking Lot for Valley Metro
- Safe Parking on McLachlan Street
If you’re going to New Farm Park, try to get there early so you can park on site. This is a popular spot for families in Brisbane, especially on weekends.
Insider tip: Instead of New Farm Park, try parking near the ferries on Sydney Street. It’s quieter, and you can take a short walk by the river.
5. Free Parking Spots Locals Actually Use
Finding free parking in Brisbane is like finding treasure. It is there, but not always where you would expect it to be.
Some places where you can really get something for free (no tickets, no meters):
- Cliffs at Kangaroo Point (side streets)
- Milton’s Park Road has streets off of it.
- St. Lucia streets (near the university, but check the time limits)
- Parking lots at the Chermside and Indooroopilly shopping centers
These aren’t in the CBD, but they’re great if you want to park and then take public transportation.
Brisbane’s buses and CityCats make it very easy to get around, so this combination is great for a day of exploring.
6. Parking at Brisbane’s Tourist Spots
If you’re going to see some of the most popular sights, here’s what to expect:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Free parking on site makes it one of the easiest places to visit.
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout: Free parking, but not a lot of it. Get there early to see the sunset.
- Roma Street Parkland has paid underground parking that is very safe.
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens (Mt Coot-tha): Lots of free parking spots.
One good thing about having your own rental car is that you don’t have to depend on bus schedules to get from one place to another.
Wrapping It Up
Brisbane parking doesn’t have to be a pain. You can already explore the city on your own terms with your Viz Car Rental. This guide just shows you how to park like a local.
If you know where to look, you’ll always be able to find a place to park, whether you’re spending the day by the river, seeing a show at QPAC, or wandering the alleys of Fortitude Valley.
