Melburnians Can Park in the CBD for Free Over Christmas and New Year's

As businesses reopen and the holiday season sneaks up on us, Melburnians are returning to the CBD. To help make your last-minute Christmas shopping at little easier (and cheaper), the City of Melbourne has announced parking in the CBD will remain free over the Christmas and New Year period.

Free untimed CBD parking was introduced back in August during stage four COVID-19 restrictions and rolled back in October with parking remaining free but time limits being reinforced, and has now been extended until Sunday, January 3 in order to encourage Melburnians to visit the CBD for Christmas shopping, activities, entertainment and outdoor dining.

In a statement, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said shoppers "may be hesitant using public transport in the short term" so the decision was made to "temporarily make parking free in areas with green signs".

In order to enjoy the free parking, you must print off a free parking voucher from the City of Melbourne website and display it on your dash. While parking is free there will be officers enforcing other restrictions, including time limits, disabled parking restrictions, clearways, no standing zones and residential permit restrictions.

If you're looking for places to shop or activities to do in the Melbourne CBD check out our guide to shopping like a local or head along to the Melbourne Aquarium's new jellyfish exhibition Ocean Invaders.

Free Melbourne CBD parking will be extended from Tuesday, December 1 to Sunday, January 3. All other parking restrictions apply. Head over to the City of Melbourne website to find out more and print off your free parking voucher.