Learn about the 2025 rooftop parking upgrade at South Melbourne Market. Ticketless, cashless entry, free hours & local tips for Melbourne visitors.
Parking in South Melbourne Market is about to get simpler and smarter so come and get set ready in case you are someone who comes to South Melbourne Market regularly. As of June 2025, the rooftop car park in the market is being completely updated, turning to a ticketless and cashless car parking place, making your shopping experience more comfortable than ever before.
We will discuss what is changing, when it is happening and how it will affect you and all of this will be geared toward the target of living in the Melbourne area, visiting the shops and parking in the area.
What’s Changing in June 2025?
It will be officially a ticketless and cashless parking lot at the South Melbourne Market rooftop area by June 2025. That would mean the following to motorists:
- On entry and exit License Plate Recognition (LPR) barriers will open automatically.
- Not a paper ticket anymore entry and exit are checked electronically.
- Everything will be un-cash, card or app.
- Free 2-hours parking on Wednesday and Friday.
These are renovations meant to curb congestion both in and out of the market and in the process rejuvenating one of the most patronized local markets in Melbourne.
Rooftop Car Park ( entry through Coventry street )
There are 270 spaces in the rooftop car park at Coventry Street. Six are identified as accessible areas with lift representation straight to the Centre Aisle of the Market straight out of the car park. To access the carpark and the lifts out of hours please contact Market Security on 0411 471 199.
The rooftop carpark can be accessed between 5am-10.30pm Mon-Sun and the parking rate are charged by day.
Please note:
- The carpark will have no tickets or cash in June of 2025. Read more here.
- The car park on the rooftop will be off limits to the general public on the 19 th of June (Thursday) due to a closed activity.
- The rooftop car parking fees/rates will vary as of Wednesday 9 July.
- The rooftop carpark has an entry ramp that only permits vehicles with height of up to and not exceeding 2.1 meters.
- Rooftop car park terms and conditions.
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Two EV charging stations are found in the lower level close to the stairs.
Such charging stations provide Level 2 / Mode 3; dedicated AC EV charger up to 22kW (32 Amp, 3-phase). This charging approach will gain 40 to 100km per hour chargeable based on the vehicle.
Rooftop Carpark Rates
Please note:
- In the event that an additional trading day occurs ( i.e. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) the Market Day carparking charges will be charged. This will be indicated with signage at entry to the carpark
- Weekend Early Bird is used in the vehicles that enter before 10am on Saturday and Sunday and remain less than two hours
- The rooftop carpark will not be open on a public holiday in the event that the Market is closed.
- Fees are incurred in case cars must be left overnight. The carpark will be closed at 10.30pm and all charges to be calculated according to “Day of week” and “Period of stay”
- There will be a let out fee of $500 during the hours of 10.30pm and 5am. Further information may be obtained by referring to the Rooftop Carpark Contractual Terms and Conditions stated at the entry or online.
The Rooftop Carpark Rates are Changed
Households can also expect a parking fee rise in the early part of July, 2025, as per the previous years based on the mandatory increase by the Victorian Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Victorian Government Congestion Levy. These fees are included in the process of city of Port philip council budget, which will be adopted in June of 2025. Get the tables of the proposed rates that would become effective on 9 July 2025 here.
Accessible Parking
Location of wheelchair accessible parking bays around the Market is as follows:
Six (6) in York Street
Two (2) over Coventry Street
York Street Carpark ( 1 )
Six (6) in the Rooftop Carpark (Access to the Centre Aisle in the Market is by Lift which is accessed directly through the rooftop carpark). In order to gain after-hours access in the lifts to and from the carpark, you are requested to use the telephone number 0411 471 199) Market Security).
Why the Upgrade?
This parking upgrade is part of a wider move toward sustainable, digital-first infrastructure across Melbourne. The market’s goal is to:
- Improve customer experience.
- Minimize ticket machine maintenance.
- Encourage short-term, high-turnover parking for better access.
According to the City of Port Phillip, the system will also help monitor space availability and reduce emissions caused by idling cars in queues.
Where Is the Rooftop Carpark?
The South Melbourne Market rooftop car park is accessible from York Street, just off Cecil Street in South Melbourne, VIC 3205.
🗺️ Nearby landmarks:
- Clarendon Street shopping precinct
- South Melbourne Town Hall
- Route 96 and Route 12 tram stops
Parking Fees (Effective July 9, 2025)
The City of Port Phillip has indicated that the rates of parking will be indexed with:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Victorian Congestion Levy
Ante moderately, especially the prolonged stay. The 2-hour free sessions however will be of benefit to the short-term shoppers.
Local Tips for Shoppers in South Melbourne
- Arrive before 11am on Wednesdays or Fridays to grab a spot and enjoy free parking.
- Avoid peak times (Saturday mid-morning) when rooftop parking may be full.
- Use public transport if you’re planning a long visit—tram route 96 stops nearby.
- For faster exits, ensure your car plate is clean and readable by cameras.
Why It Matters for Melbourne Locals
This is one of the larger-scale trends in the city of Melbourne to enhance the city infrastructure and alleviate traffic. Due to these changes, it is best to keep abreast with them as a resident or visitor of Melbourne.
✅ Save time
✅ Avoid fines
✅ Shop smarter
✅ Support sustainable practices
Embrace Smart Parking in South Melbourne
Whether you visit the market weekly or occasionally, the South Melbourne Market Rooftop Parking Upgrade in 2025 will change the way you park—for the better.
Prepare to have a Greater Parking Experience
This is not merely a shift in car parking at the south Melbourne Market: it is the way we are moving towards a greener and smarter Melbourne.
It is one improvement you will surely enjoy and that too be it a long-time local or first-time visitor.
Less paper. Less waiting. More shopping.