Previously swampland, Docklands is much more interesting today, with plenty to do and see just 2km from Melbourne CBD. From eating and drinking by the harbour, to shopping, riding the Observation Wheel or heading to a game at Eithad Stadium, there’s something to suit everyone.

Like with most inner-city suburbs of Melbourne, it can be tricky to find car parking in Docklands. If you can, arrange to get here by public transport. The free City Circle tram runs along Harbourside Esplanade seven days a week, making it the easiest and cheapest way to get to Docklands. You could also catch a train, ferry, or the Melbourne Visitor Shuttle.

If you do need to drive to Docklands, don’t panic. It’s easy to figure out where to park in Docklands when you plan ahead. Keep reading for our guide on the best parking in Docklands.

Share with Oscar

If you don’t want to try your luck with street parking, Share with Oscar allows you to easily book cheap parking in Docklands from just $15 a day. Share with Oscar works with businesses, car parks and homeowners with spare parking to offer rates that are up to 70% cheaper than the car parks.

The platform has hundreds of options available in most parts of the suburb, including parking near Marvel Stadium, Southern Cross Station and Melbourne Aquarium. The best part is, once you’ve booked, you may rest assured knowing that you have guaranteed parking for the day.

Book cheap Docklands Parking on Share with Oscar now or check out the mobile app.

The District Docklands: The best located Docklands parking

The District Docklands car parks provide secure, multi-level parking and great access to a range of shopping and dining options. It’s the most convenient parking if you need to be right in the heart of Docklands.

However, it’s not cheap parking, especially if you stay a long time. that said, if you spend $20 or more at one of the retailers in The District Docklands, you’ll be entitled to up to 2 hrs free parking, with parking discounts available for time periods beyond that as well.

Regular parking rates are:

• 0 – 1 hrs: $5.00

• 1 – 2 hrs: $10.00

• 2 – 3 hrs: $15.00

• 3 – 4 hrs: $20.00

• 4 – 5 hrs: $25.00

• 5 – 6 hrs: $30.00

• 6 + hrs: $40.00

Early Bird parking: (enter before 10am and exit after 3pm): $10

There are also parking packages available if you’re a regular carpark user, or if you’re interested in event parking for Etihad Stadium

401 Docklands Drive: Cheap parking in Docklands

401 Docklands Drive Car Park is operated by Secure Parking and is accessed via Doepel Way. It’s open from 6.00am to midnight on weekdays, and 7.00am to midnight on weekends and public holidays. You can pay with cash or card.

Parking rates are as follows:

• 0 – 0.5 Hours: $5.00

• 0.5 hrs +: $16.00

You can also access an all-day rate of $15 if you book online. An Early Bird weekday rate of $11.00 drive-up or $10 online applies if you enter between 6.00am and 10.30am and leave between 3.00pm and 12.00am. Park on weekends and public holidays for a flat rate of $10. 

Etihad Stadium: The best parking for events

Even if you’re not heading to an event at the stadium, you can still park there. Located within the Docklands precinct, Etihad Stadium carpark is open 24 hours per day and provides secure underground parking complete with surveillance.

As with all stadium parking, it’s not cheap during the week, but offers good weekend and event parking rates.

Weekday parking rates are:

• 0.0 – 0.5 Hour: $14.00

• 0.5 – 1.0 Hour: $25.00

• 1.0 – 2.0 Hours: $29.00

• 2.0 – 3.0 Hours: $35.00

• 3.0 – 4.0 Hours: $39.00

• 4.0 – 5.0 Hours: $45.00

• Daily Maximum: $49.00

Early Bird (enter between 5am & 9:30am and exit between 1:30pm and 8pm the same day): $18.00

Evening Parking (enter after 5pm and leave before 6am the following day): $15.00

Weekend Parking (enter after midnight Friday and exit before Midnight Sunday):  $15.00

Event parking is available for $25 and must be booked via the online portal.

370 Docklands Drive: The cheapest parking in Docklands

Operated by CarePark, 370 Docklands Drive car park is a Pay and Display parking garage and has 138 parking bays. Payment is by credit card only here, so make sure you have your card handy.

Here are the rates:

Casual parking:

• $5.00 per hour

• $15.00 maximum

Early Bird Parking – available before 10.00am, Monday to Saturday: $13 (expires 8.00pm)

Weekend parking rates:

• $5.00 per hour

• $15.00 maximum

This carpark is open from 6.00am to 1.00am, seven days per week. Monthly parking rates are also available.

Parkhound

Parkhound isn’t a parking garage, but a website that can help you find one if you’re not having much luck with the regular options. Just type the location you’re heading to and then chose the best parking from the options that pop up.

You’ll be able to see the parking rates for each space as well as the distance from your destination. The parking spaces listed are rented out by individuals or businesses and it’s easy to book and pay via the website or app.

Central Pier

Central Pier in Docklands is a cultural and entertainment hub, surrounded by water on three sides. Central Pier car parking operates 7 days a week but has very limited spaces available.

You can self-park for a flat rate of $17 during the day, so long as you’re out by 4pm. Valet parking is available after 4pm for a fee of $20 Sunday to Thursday, and $30 Friday to Saturday.

Access to Etihad stadium from Central Pier is via an undercover and secure car park tunnel.

717 Bourke Street Car Park

While its hourly rate is pretty steep, for weekend and public holiday parking 717 Bourke Street Car Park is a great option. This car park is open 24/7 and the entry can be found on Mayfield Place, just off Aurora Lane.

Parking rates are:

• 0.5 – 1 hr: $18.00

• 1 – 2 hrs: $35.00

• 2 – 3 hrs: $50.00

• 3 – 4 hrs: $60.00

• 4 hrs+: $65.00

Early-bird (enter 6am – 10:00am, exit 3:00pm – midnight): $24.00

For parking during the evening (enter after 5pm) you’ll be charged a flat rate of $12.00. The same rate applies to public holidays and weekends.

A night out or a night at the footy – plan ahead!

Want to guarantee a great night out in Docklands? The single best thing you can do is plan ahead, armed with the information in this article.

If you’re going to an event at Etihad Stadium, make sure you’re there early, or look into a public transport solution. If you’re out for a night on the town, check if there’s a game on and plan for the crowds!

With a little forethought, parking in Docklands isn’t hard, and you’ll increase the odds of your night being one to remember, for all the right reasons.