‘It’s now the most expensive place in Australia to park’: And it’s not Sydney!
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Parking in major Australian cities has long been a source of frustration for commuters — but recent figures reveal a surprising shift that could sting drivers even more.
A quiet reshuffle has taken place at the top of the cost ladder, despite efforts to ease the burden with cheaper transport options.
Now, one capital city is facing renewed scrutiny over its sky-high rates and limited space.
Parking in Brisbane had quietly become the most expensive in the country, with the city overtaking both Sydney and Melbourne despite major efforts to entice commuters onto public transport.
Research from property group Ray White showed the average casual day rate in Brisbane's CBD reached $80.84, making it the highest nationwide even after a 3.4 per cent drop in the past year.
Sydney’s average rate had fallen 8.7 per cent to $77.67, while Melbourne followed at $67.49.
Ray White’s head of research Vanessa Rader confirmed the change: ‘It’s now the most expensive place in Australia to park.’
She added: ‘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.’
Queensland’s 50 cent public transport fare initiative had not significantly shifted commuter habits, as carparks remained full and prices continued to sting.
Frustrated drivers shared their thoughts, with one saying: ‘If you’re coming every day, that’s 400 bucks in a week.’
‘That’s ridiculous. That’s a lot,’ another commuter added.
A third said: ‘I think you’d be silly to pay for parking anywhere in Brisbane at that price.’
Ray White linked the pricing surge to a shortage in supply, with newer developments reducing parking allocations and fewer standalone carparks available in the city.
While early-bird and online deals could cut costs by as much as 50 per cent, the standard rates remained steep.
Melbourne led the way in discounting, followed by Brisbane and then Sydney.
Even with a slight dip in prices, Brisbane’s overall average kept it at the top of the table.
The report noted that some operators had started using flexible pricing and app-based incentives to draw in drivers.
Yet demand continued to rise alongside office attendance and CBD activity, pushing prices higher.
‘More people coming to work and more activity in our CBDs will result in greater demand—and, in turn, greater price,’ Rader said.
The cost burden added pressure to household budgets, particularly for workers without convenient access to public transport or park-and-ride options.
Brisbane City Council said it aimed to keep pricing fair at its facilities, offering some free short-stay options.
It stated that the goal was to balance access between public and private parking while keeping it manageable for commuters.
Private operators offering online and early-bird deals helped ease the blow for those able to plan ahead.
Despite this, Brisbane remained the priciest city to park in—and experts warned the pressure was unlikely to ease anytime soon.
In a previous story, we explored the hidden costs behind hospital parking and why fees remain stubbornly high.
The issue of expensive parking stretches far beyond city centres, hitting vulnerable Australians in critical situations.
Find out what two economics researchers had to say about the real reasons behind the price tag.
With prices climbing and options shrinking, would you still choose to drive into Brisbane’s CBD? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A quiet reshuffle has taken place at the top of the cost ladder, despite efforts to ease the burden with cheaper transport options.
Now, one capital city is facing renewed scrutiny over its sky-high rates and limited space.
Parking in Brisbane had quietly become the most expensive in the country, with the city overtaking both Sydney and Melbourne despite major efforts to entice commuters onto public transport.
Research from property group Ray White showed the average casual day rate in Brisbane's CBD reached $80.84, making it the highest nationwide even after a 3.4 per cent drop in the past year.
Sydney’s average rate had fallen 8.7 per cent to $77.67, while Melbourne followed at $67.49.
Brisbane tops nation for parking costs. Image source: Pexels/Pok Rie
Ray White’s head of research Vanessa Rader confirmed the change: ‘It’s now the most expensive place in Australia to park.’
She added: ‘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.’
Queensland’s 50 cent public transport fare initiative had not significantly shifted commuter habits, as carparks remained full and prices continued to sting.
Frustrated drivers shared their thoughts, with one saying: ‘If you’re coming every day, that’s 400 bucks in a week.’
‘That’s ridiculous. That’s a lot,’ another commuter added.
A third said: ‘I think you’d be silly to pay for parking anywhere in Brisbane at that price.’
Ray White linked the pricing surge to a shortage in supply, with newer developments reducing parking allocations and fewer standalone carparks available in the city.
While early-bird and online deals could cut costs by as much as 50 per cent, the standard rates remained steep.
Melbourne led the way in discounting, followed by Brisbane and then Sydney.
Even with a slight dip in prices, Brisbane’s overall average kept it at the top of the table.
The report noted that some operators had started using flexible pricing and app-based incentives to draw in drivers.
Yet demand continued to rise alongside office attendance and CBD activity, pushing prices higher.
‘More people coming to work and more activity in our CBDs will result in greater demand—and, in turn, greater price,’ Rader said.
The cost burden added pressure to household budgets, particularly for workers without convenient access to public transport or park-and-ride options.
Brisbane City Council said it aimed to keep pricing fair at its facilities, offering some free short-stay options.
It stated that the goal was to balance access between public and private parking while keeping it manageable for commuters.
Private operators offering online and early-bird deals helped ease the blow for those able to plan ahead.
Despite this, Brisbane remained the priciest city to park in—and experts warned the pressure was unlikely to ease anytime soon.
In a previous story, we explored the hidden costs behind hospital parking and why fees remain stubbornly high.
The issue of expensive parking stretches far beyond city centres, hitting vulnerable Australians in critical situations.
Find out what two economics researchers had to say about the real reasons behind the price tag.
With prices climbing and options shrinking, would you still choose to drive into Brisbane’s CBD? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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