Central Traffic Area
The heart of Surfers Paradise falls within the Central Traffic Area, which is part of our Traffic Area and Parking Permit Scheme.
The following applies in the Central Traffic Area:
- three-hour Traffic Area (3P) Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except as signed)
- no time limits on weekends and public holidays
- if a parking sign does not state the days it applies, parking is managed every day including public holidays.
Parking time limits apply on every street within the Traffic Area. Signs show where Traffic Areas start and end and describe the days and times that time-limited parking applies.
Not all streets within a Traffic Area are signed. You are responsible for checking whether you are parking within a Traffic Area and complying with its time limits.
You cannot move your car to a different spot within this timed parking Traffic Area and continue to park there.
If you do not move your car entirely out of the timed parking area after the designated time limit has expired, you may be subject to a parking fine.
View the boundaries of the Central Traffic Area, including the heart of Surfers Paradise, on the Central Traffic Area map(PDF, 118KB).
For more information see the Parking rules section of our Safe & legal parking page.
Find advice on parking safely and legally within the city. Download our safe and legal parking guides below.
Parking in Surfers Paradise
By using a variety of parking management tools we are able to promote vehicle turnover of short-term parking within the commercial hub. Medium-term spaces are available for beach-goers and other visitors, and all-day off-street car parks fulfil commuter needs.
On-street parking in Surfers Paradise is generally managed between 9am and 7pm daily, however, please ensure you read signs on arrival. Where no kerbside signs are in place, please adhere to Traffic Area conditions.
For more information about on-street parking see the Surfers Paradise parking map(PDF, 335KB).
Long-term parking is available at two public Council carparks, each within 500 metres of the beach, CBD and tourist spots.
Alternatively, Surfers Paradise is major hub for public transport and has a number of accessible options supporting healthy, active transport; visitors are encouraged to utilise these modes to access the centre where possible. Use Translink's journey planner to plan your trip using public transport.
Metered parking
Metered parking in Surfers Paradise operates Monday to Sunday, from 9am to 7pm, including public holidays.
Motorists may park for up to four hours with a progressive rate in effect:
- 0–2 hours = $4.90 per hour
- 2–4 hours = $7.40 per hour
You can pay for parking using cash, credit cards or the EasyPark app. For more information about how to pay visit Metered parking.
Accessible parking
Use our Surfers Paradise mobility map to find accessible parking spaces.
Parking permits
Resident parking permits for the Central Traffic Area are provided at no cost to those who are eligible.
Use the Traffic Area map above to help you identify whether you live in this designated Traffic Area.
If you are a resident of this area, you can use this information to apply for the following parking permits (eligibility criteria apply):