Where to Find Car Parks
There are many private car parks around the city, but the city itself operates two local car parks— Goulburn Street Car Park (near central station) and Kings Cross Car Park.
The Goulburn Street Car Park is on the corner of Elizabeth Street and offers designated mobility parking spaces, as well as free bicycle parking. You can choose to purchase permanent parking there, which will give you access 24/7. Casual parking is just as easy and affordable, with entry times at many different hours. The rates go from $5 for 0 minutes to half an hour, to $49 for 4+ hours. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, as well as Fridays after 5 pm, the flat rate is $10.
Kings Cross Car Park is similar to Goulburn Street in that it offers designated mobility parking spaces and free bicycle parking, as well as permanent parking passes. However, this one operates 24/7 for casual as well as permanent parkers. If you’re parking for up to half an hour, the parking is free and it goes up to $40 for 4+ hours. Kings Cross Car Park offers a night rate and weekend day rate of $15.
Parking Meters
About a quarter of the city’s on-street parking is metered. You will find that the rates change based on the time of day or the location but you can pay at all of them with either coins, notes, credit cards or mobile phones. Peak meter hours are from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. Sunday rates apply on public holidays.
Free 15 Minute Parking Trial
Sydney has introduced free 15 minute parking zones in the retail areas of main streets outside the city centre. All you have to do is press the button on the parking meter marked “1/4 P free with ticket” and place this ticket on your dashboard. The following streets are covered:
- Harris Street, Pyrmont
- Glebe Point Road, Glebe
- King Street, Newtown
- Crown Street, Surry Hills
- Redfern Street, Redfern
- William Street, Darlinghurst
- Macleay Street, Potts Point
- Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
- Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Parking Permits
If you are a resident or a small business owner in the local area, you may be eligible for parking permits, which will leave you exempt from most time limits and parking fees in many areas. You won’t be guaranteed a spot on busy streets, but it will take much of the stress of parking out of your life. You won’t be able to apply your parking permit directly to the city centre, but you may be able to access daily visitor permits as well as business permits. If you are a local resident, you can have a parking permit for the area where you live, if eligible. There are many different parking permit options, so it is best to get in touch with the City of Sydney to see what you might be eligible for.
At Phil Gilbert Toyota in Sydney, we are the experts in new and used cars. If you’re thinking of driving (and parking) in Sydney, please get in touch with us today.
