Finding a decent parking spot in Melbourne is tricky most of the time — but August makes it even harder. With AFL footy finals heating up, winter markets buzzing, and more people driving due to the cold, parking spaces in the city fill up faster than a tram at 5PM.

If you’re headed to the CBD, Fitzroy, Southbank, or even out near Docklands, this updated parking guide for August will help you avoid fines, save cash, and skip the stress.

August-Specific Parking Concerns in Melbourne

In August, Melbourne is full of traffic and there are fewer parks to use. This is what is fueling the mayhem:

• The AFL Games at the MCG and Marvel Stadium: The activity is mostly on Fridays and during the weekends.
• Friday Night Markets at Queen Victoria Market- mammoth numbers of people on a Friday.
• Masterpieces of NGV Winter and exhibitions attract families and tourists.
• Rainy weather means fewer people walk, more people drive.
• Traffic overlaps during school holidays especially at the weekends (early August).

Best Free Parking Melbourne Zones (2025 Update)

Let’s be honest – free Parking Melbourne feels like winning the lottery. But with the right timing and a bit of local knowledge, you’ve got options:

Early-Bird Free Spots

• Docklands (near Harbour Esplanade) – Free street parking before 8AM in some zones, but always check the signs.
  
• North Melbourne near Dynon Rd – Limited 4-hour parking zones without meters.
  

Free After-Hours Parking

• Melbourne CBD – Some streets switch to free parking after 6PM or 8PM.
  
• Carlton (near Lygon Street) – Look for signed 1P/2P zones that are free after 6PM.
  

Suburb-Based Free Options (with conditions)

• Brunswick East & Northcote – Off High Street and Nicholson Street, lots of 2P zones during the day but unrestricted overnight.
  
• Richmond (Church Street & Burnley side) – Free after 6PM, but weekends are tight.
  
• Pro tip: Always watch out for clearway zones and permit-only areas.
  

Parking Apps & August Deals Worth Using

Melburnians who know how to utilize applications are avoiding parking troubles. These are the best ones to download:

Top Apps

• EasyPark – This is a great one when you have a required Parking Melbourne metered time, allowing you to extend remotely.
• PayStay- operates in inner suburbs and in the majority of council areas.
• Parkopedia – Ideal to compare the parking area prices within the vicinity.
• Wilson Parking App – Punch in early-bird and other weekend offers.

August 2025 Deals (Current as of Aug 4)

• Wilson Parking: $6 flat rate on weekends at Flinders Gate Car Park
  
• Secure Parking: 30% off with promo code WINTER25
  
• UbiPark: First 2 hours free at select car parks (limited use)
  

Best time to find cheap parking?

• Weekdays: Before 8:30AM or after 6PM
  
• Weekends: Early morning before events start (before 10AM)
  

Parking Near Events in August

AFL Games at the MCG & Marvel Stadium

• MCG: Best parking at Yarra Park, or park in East Melbourne and walk.
  
• Marvel Stadium: Park under the stadium (if early), or try nearby La Trobe Street Secure Parking.
  

TIP: Use Park+Ride from Richmond or North Melbourne station – especially for night games.

Winter Events & Street Closures

• Bourke Street Mall: Street closures during weekend activations; best to park in QV or Collins234 and walk.
  
• Chinatown / Swanston Street: Expect congestion during night festivals.
  

Better option? Park at Caulfield Station or Footscray Station and train into the city.

Avoiding Parking Melbourne Fines This August

Clearway zones

Rain or shine, they’re enforced. Tow trucks don’t wait.

Time-limited areas

1P and 2P zones are strictly patrolled, especially during school and business hours.

Residential permit zones

Suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, South Yarra have permit-only parking on many side streets.

Enforcement Tech in Use

• License plate scanning cars operate across the inner city.
  
• Overstaying by even 5 minutes can cost you $92+ in fines.
  

Parking Smart in August – Parking Melbourne

There is magic in Melbourne, and in August too, yet parking does not have to be a nightmare. Following are some tips with the help of which combined with a good application and a little planning you can avoid the overwhelm and treat yourself to the footy, markets and winter festivities.

Know a great Parking Melbourne hack? Drop it in the comments and help your fellow Melburnians out.

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