| Key summary: Free parking in Perth CBD is available at three City of Perth car parks for 3 hours on weekends and public holidays (His Majesty’s, Cultural Centre, Pier Street) and 1-hour free on-street bays on Hay Street and Royal Street. Aries Car Rental customers also receive free parking at our East Perth branch during rentals. |
Parking in the Perth CBD can be expensive and confusing, especially if you are unsure where free or low-cost parking is still available. Although genuinely free parking is limited, there are still practical options that can help you save money, avoid fines and reduce the stress of circling the city looking for a space.
This updated guide explains the best ways to find free and affordable parking in Perth CBD, including verified locations for free parking, changes to night rates, one-hour free street parking zones, real-world advice from locals and a convenient free parking option available exclusively to Aries Car Rental customers.
Why Finding Free Parking in Perth CBD Matters
Parking in the Perth CBD can become expensive very quickly, especially during busy periods or longer visits. Many drivers search for free parking options to avoid high hourly rates, reduce stress and make short trips into the city more convenient. Understanding what types of free parking are available helps people plan ahead and choose the option that best suits the length and purpose of their visit.
Most people looking for free parking are trying to:
- Save money on short stopovers like appointments, coffee meetings or quick errands
- Park close to retail and dining areas without the cost of all day bays
- Find weekend or public holiday parking that supports longer leisure visits
- Avoid parking fines caused by confusing signage or strict time enforcement
- Access affordable parking solutions for evening events and night-time activities
Because parking rules and promotions change over time, reliable up-to-date information is important. The following sections outline the most consistently available and verified free parking options in Perth CBD today.
Best Free Parking Options in Perth CBD
Three hours free parking on weekends and public holidays
The most reliable way to access genuinely free parking in the city is to use the City of Perth Parking three-hour free offer which applies only on weekends and public holidays. To qualify for the free period, both entry and exit must occur on the same weekend or public holiday day.
The offer currently applies only to the following car parks:
- His Majesty’s Car Park, 377 Murray Street
- Perth Cultural Centre Car Park, 2 Roe Street
- Pier Street Car Park, 87-89 Pier Street
This offer is ideal for family outings, brunch, shopping, cultural events and entertainment. If you stay beyond three hours, standard rates apply from the time of entry. During busier weekends, these car parks can fill quickly, so arriving early is wise.
One hour free on street parking
One hour free on-street parking is available in selected bays and is very popular for short errands, professional appointments or takeaway stops. Verified areas include:
- Hay Street, East Perth and West Perth sections
- Royal Street, East Perth
Although these areas do offer one hour free parking, signage varies by bay and enforcement is strict. Always check the parking sign before leaving your vehicle. A bay marked with “1P” or “2P” refers to the time limit allowed, but does not automatically guarantee that parking is free. Some bays may still require payment and many operate differently on weekends, public holidays or clearway periods.
Free parking by CBD area
Central CBD
The central retail and entertainment precinct has limited free street parking. The best strategy here is to use the three-hour weekend and public holiday free car parks listed above.
East Perth
East Perth is more flexible for short visits. The Royal Street area and surrounding cross streets offer multiple one-hour free bays during selected times. These are ideally located near cafés, medical clinics, the Claisebrook foreshore and residential areas.
West Perth
West Perth offers one-hour free parking zones around the commercial precinct, particularly along sections of Hay Street close to office buildings and consulting rooms. Spaces fill early on weekdays due to demand from local workers.
We Offer Free Parking for Aries Car Rental Customers at Our East Perth Branch
If you are hiring a vehicle from Aries Car Rental, you do not need to worry about CBD parking restrictions at all. Customers are welcome to park their own vehicle for free at our East Perth branch for the duration of their rental period.
This is ideal if you:
- Want secure and cost-effective parking while renting a vehicle
- Prefer not to battle traffic or parking limits in the CBD
- Are travelling or heading to the airport and need long-term parking without fees
Simply drive to our East Perth location, leave your car in our dedicated customer bay and collect your rental vehicle. This takes parking stress out of your journey completely and is one of the easiest ways to avoid CBD parking costs.
For more helpful parking advice and street parking rules, read our Perth Parking Guide here:
https://www.ariescarrental.com.au/perth-parking-guide/
Free parking in Perth CBD is still possible, but the key is knowing where and when to look. The three-hour free parking offer at selected City of Perth car parks on weekends and public holidays is the most reliable option for longer visits, while the one-hour free street bays in East and West Perth are ideal for quick appointments and errands. For evenings, park and ride or capped night rates often provide better value than trying to find free spaces in high-demand areas.
If you want a simple, stress-free option, Aries Car Rental customers can enjoy free parking at our East Perth branch while renting a vehicle, removing the need to search for parking or risk fines. With the right planning, visiting the city does not need to be expensive or stressful, and there are still cost-effective ways to enjoy everything Perth has to offer.