Looking for free parking in Melbourne? Discover the best Melbourne suburbs offering free and unrestricted parking in 2025.
It seems like it is like a lottery to find free parking in Melbourne. You might be commuting to the city, going to see your family, attending the university or simply have a casual day, but the parking fee and fines may cause you some unwanted stress. Luckily, there are still a few places in Melbourne (in the form of suburbs) where parking is free or unlimited, you just need to know where to go.
And to make your life a little bit easier, we put together the list of our favourite places where you can rely on free parking and find the best suburbs in Melbourne to enjoy your life when you are in a free parking area.
Who Should Read This Guide?
- Daily commuters to Melbourne CBD
- Students at University of Melbourne, RMIT, La Trobe
- Visitors heading to markets, hospitals, or local events
- Families looking for affordable suburbs with easy parking
- Tradies, rideshare drivers, or small business owners
Quick Comparison Table
| Suburb | Free Parking Zones | Time Limit | Distance to CBD | Transport Options |
| Coburg | Harding St East, Bell St side streets | Unlimited | ~25 mins | Tram, Train (Upfield Line) |
| Preston | East of High St, Cramer St surrounds | All day | ~30 mins | Tram, Train (Mernda) |
| Fitzroy North | Edinburgh Gardens area | Some unrestricted | ~15 mins | Tram (11, 96) |
| Kensington | Ormond St, Women’s Peace Garden area | 2P & free zones | ~15 mins | Train (Craigieburn Line) |
| Moonee Ponds | Pascoe Vale Rd off-streets | All day | ~20 mins | Tram, Train |
| Werribee | Riverbend Historical Park area | Unlimited | ~45 mins | Train (Werribee Line) |
| Mitcham | Near Halliday Park, Whitehorse Rd | All day | ~35 mins | Train (Lilydale Line) |
Top Melbourne Suburbs with Free Parking in 2025
1. Coburg
Coburg is still one of the parking-friendly suburbs in Melbourne.
- Free Parking Lots: Harding Street (the east part), Reynard Street (backstays), the neighborhood of Harmony Park.
- Access to transport: Upfield train line, 19 tram.
- Local Tip: Avoid school drop-off hours near Sydney Road—parking fills quickly.
2. Preston
Preston with its colorful assortment of shops, parks, and residential streets is also a wonderful prospect as a middle-ring alternative.
- Free Parking Spots: The side streets east of High Street, close to Preston Market (on the weekends in particular).
- Transport Access: Mernda train line, 86 tram.
- Little Knowledge: Enter with the use of the Gower street to access graffiti free Preston Library to find 2P free zones.
3. Fitzroy North
An inner suburb in the hip with surprisingly a few free parking areas.
- Free Parking Lots: Signs: Streets near Edinburgh gardens Brunswick Street North.
- Transport: Tram: line 11, line 96.
- Local Tip: Parking in the streets is always busy on the weekends, it is better to come a little earlier or in the late afternoon.
4. Kensington
Kensington is a quiet suburbic area with one of the best parking in inner-north with no parking fees.
- Free Parking: Ormond Street, Bellair Street border, close to Women Peace Garden.
- Transport: Craigieburn Train line, bus 402.
- Local Tip: Look at areas that have 2P areas that turn free once 6 pm comes around.
5. Moonee Ponds
Moonee Ponds is close to the major roads and is full of leafy streets that are ideal for shoppers/commuters.
- Free Parkings: Off Pascoe Vale Road and Queens Park.
- Transport Access: 59 tram, craigieburn train line.
- Local Tip: 2P shopping areas including Puckle Street, are free Sundays.
6. Werribee
It is a good spot to live in by families or western commuters.
- Free parking zones: Riverbend historical park, Chirnside park surrounds.
- Werribee train line.
- Local Tip: Non-peak days to visit Werribee Zoo: Weekdays parking is easy there hence worth taking a day out.
7. Mitcham
A peaceful suburban eastern area with an abundance of car parks and parks.
- Free Parking Sites: Off-st-Halliday Park and off-streets Whitehorse Road near Mitcham station.
- Transport: Lilydale & Belgrave train.
- Local Tip: It is perfect as a commuter park-and-ride.
Bonus – Free Parking Near Popular Places
- Melbourne Zoo – Park in Royal Park Drive or nearby on weekends.
- Queen Victoria Market – Franklin Street has free 1P zones early mornings.
- University of Melbourne – Try Park Street or Canning Street in Carlton.
- St Kilda Beach – Westbury St & Inkerman St often have 2P free zones.
Understanding Melbourne’s Parking Signs (Stay Fine-Free!)
- 1P/2P: 1-hour/2-hour limit during certain hours (e.g., Mon–Fri 9am–5pm)
- Permit Zone: Only for residents, but some allow general parking at night/weekends
- Unrestricted: No signage = generally all-day free, unless indicated
- Apps to Use: PayStay, Parkopedia, or [Google Maps + Street View] for checking signage before you go
Free parking in Melbourne isn’t gone, it only belongs hence. The above suburbs are the most suitable ones in terms of access and freedom of lifestyle and zero-cost convenience within 2025. You live in the neighborhood or you just want a clever location to hang out your hat during the day, save this guide and make it current.
🚙 Tip: Keep in mind that, in case you make routine visits to such areas, drive a couple of blocks ahead of the hectic areas as free gems can be usually just around the corner.