Melburnians Can Park in the CBD for Free Over the March Long Weekend

First, the City of Melbourne introduced free untimed CBD parking back in August 2020, during the city's stage four COVID-19 restrictions. Then, parking remained free but time limits were reinforced from last October. The free offer was next extended over the Christmas and New Year period, ending in early January. So, over the past eight months, Melburnians have become quite accustomed to heading into the city and parking their cars without paying a cent.

Although free parking isn't still in place across the board, it is returning for three and a half days over the upcoming March long weekend to coincide with the Moomba Festival. Accordingly, you'll be able to park for free from 12pm on Friday, March 5–11.59pm on Monday, March 8, all in areas with green signs. The temporary move only applies within those dates and times, and you'll still need to abide by the time limit listed for your car park of choice.

Also, as well as parking time limits, disabled parking restrictions, clearways and no standing zones will still be in effect — and so will residential permit restrictions. Still, given that on-street parking within the central city usually costs $7 an hour (and $4 an hour outside the central city), your wallet will thank you.

Announcing the news, Councillor Roshena Campbell said "we want people from regional Victoria and across Melbourne to park in the city for free and enjoy some of the world's best bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and theatres".

While Moomba and the long weekend rank among the prime motivations for the free parking, the move is designed to get folks into the city to shop, eat and drink, and to support retailers, eateries and bars that've done it tough over the past year.

Free Melbourne CBD parking will run from 12pm on Friday, March 5–11.59pm on Monday, March 8 in areas with green signs. Head over to the City of Melbourne website for more information.