If you’ve ever grumbled about the cost of parking in Sydney, brace yourself—this city has quietly snatched the crown as Australia’s most expensive city for parking.
The River City, long considered a more laid-back alternative to its southern cousins, is now the nation’s priciest place to leave your car for the day.
According to fresh research from property group Ray White, the average casual day rate in Brisbane’s CBD has soared to a whopping $80.84.
That’s even after a slight dip over the past year. For comparison, Sydney’s average daily rate has dropped by nearly 9 per cent to $77.67, while Melbourne sits at a (relatively) modest $67.49.
So, what’s driving this parking price surge in Brisbane? And why aren’t commuters flocking to public transport, especially with the Queensland Government’s recent introduction of 50 cent fares?
Why is Brisbane parking so expensive?
Ray White’s head of research, Vanessa Rader, points to a classic case of supply and demand. ‘It’s now the most expensive place in Australia to park,’ she says.
‘I thought there would’ve been a greater take-up of public transport usage, particularly if it’s only going to cost you a dollar a day.’
But despite the ultra-cheap fares, old habits die hard. Carparks in the CBD remain packed, and the high prices are biting into household budgets.
One frustrated commuter summed it up: ‘If you’re coming every day, that’s 400 bucks in a week. That’s ridiculous.’
The main culprit? Limited supply. New developments in Brisbane are allocating fewer parking spaces, and the handful of standalone carparks left are in hot demand.
While early bird and online discounts can sometimes halve the cost, the base price remains eye-watering.
How does Brisbane compare to other cities?
While all of Australia’s major cities have seen parking prices fluctuate, Brisbane’s rates have stubbornly stayed at the top.
Even though prices dropped by 3.4 per cent over the past year, the city still leads the pack. Melbourne offers the best discounts, followed by Brisbane and then Sydney, but even with these deals, Brisbane’s average is hard to beat.
Why aren’t more people using public transport?
You’d think 50 cent fares would be enough to lure drivers out of their cars, but the reality is more complicated.
For many, public transport simply isn’t reliable or convenient enough, especially for those living in outer suburbs or with irregular work hours.
Park-and-ride options are limited, and for some, the flexibility of driving still outweighs the cost.
What are the alternatives?
Brisbane City Council says it’s doing its bit to keep prices reasonable at its own carparks, including offering some free short-stay options.
The aim is to balance public and private parking while keeping things accessible for drivers. For those willing to plan ahead, private operators sometimes offer online discounts or early-bird deals that can slash prices by up to 50 per cent.
But for most, the reality is clear: if you want to park in Brisbane’s CBD, you’ll need deep pockets—and a good sense of humour.
The bigger picture: What does this mean for you?
The soaring cost of parking is just one more pressure on household budgets, especially for those who work in the city and don’t have easy access to public transport.
It’s also a sign of changing times: as more people return to offices and CBDs spring back to life, demand for parking is only going to increase.
So, what’s the solution? For now, it seems like a mix of better public transport, smarter city planning, and a willingness to hunt for a bargain are your best bets.
Have your say!
Are you shocked by Brisbane’s new title as Australia’s most expensive city for parking? Have you found any clever ways to save on parking, or do you have a public transport horror story to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
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