Where To Park Near The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal?
The best places to park near Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Finding a place to park your car before your trip to the reef can be difficult, so we have broken it down for you so you can find parking close to The Reef Fleet Terminal! Let our local knowledge provide you with all of the tricks and spots you need to park in Cairns.
- Where to find parking closest to The Reef Fleet Terminal?
- Cheap parking near the Reef Fleet Terminal
- Map of the nearest car parks to The Reef Fleet Terminal
- How to pay for parking?
Where to find parking during your trip from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Southern Esplanade (The Lagoon) Car Park
1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Only a 1-minute walk to the Reef Fleet terminal, this outdoor car park is ideal for families with small kids, the elderly or those short on time. With 290 outdoor spaces on location, it’s the most popular place to park if you’re heading for a day at the reef. And it's a great place to park your 4WD! You can find the entry from Pier Point Road.
Operating Hours: Paid parking hours: 6am to 10pm daily; free outside these hours and public holidays.
Pricing: $2 an hour approx
The Pier/Shangri-La Car Park
1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870
This underground car park is ideal for families with small kids, the elderly, and those short on time and looking for convenience. Only a short, 1-minute walk to the Reef Fleet terminal! They offer a discounted ticket for those visiting the Reef and have overnight options. Located under the pier shopping centre, this is a great place if you’re looking for a bite to eat after a day at the reef.
Operating Hours: Paid parking hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily; free outside these hours and on public holidays. Overnight parking is available at a fee of $16.
Pricing: $2 an hour/ $15 ”Reef Parker” (applicable only for vehicles that enter the car park between 7.00 am & 9.00 am and depart on the same day between the hours of 5.00 pm & 7.00 pm)
The Hilton Cairns International Public parking
34 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870
A secure underground car parking facility that is a short 5-minute walk from the Cairns reef fleet terminal. Overnight parking is available at a fee of $10. Valet parking is available at this location if you are looking for a luxury parking experience.
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Pricing: Approximately $10 a day
Trinity Wharf Parking
31 Wharf St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Outdoor parking is located a short 5-minute walk along the boardwalk to the reef fleet terminal. Ideal for those with a large automobile.
Operating Hours: Paid parking hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily; free outside these hours and on public holidays.
Pricing: $2/ph
Here are some of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns!
Where to find cheap parking near Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal?
Council Car Park
4 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870
A nearby car park run by the council is available and located on the corner of Lake Street and Wharf Street, opposite the Hemmingways Brewery. A recently renovated outdoor parking area with no height restrictions, this is perfect for larger vehicles.
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Pricing: $5 a day
On-street 8-hour parking
The Cairns locals' best-kept secret in finding a cheap park near Reef Fleet Terminal is the 8-hour parking spots. There are special rates for 8-hour parks. In some locations, the ticket is capped at just $4!
Locations: Parts of Wharf Street, Hartley Street, Sheridan Street and Grafton Street. Check out the map below for specific locations.
Operating Hours: Open 24/7. Time limits apply between 8.30 am and 6 pm weekdays. 8.30 am and 2 pm on Saturdays. Parking is free outside these times.
Pricing: From as little as $4 for 8 hours
If you’re struggling to find a park, check the map below for your nearest car parks to The Reef Fleet Terminal!
How to pay for parking in Cairns?
When the sign reads “2P Ticket” this means it is paid parking for a maximum of 2 hours. Pay at the “Pay and display machines” or through the “Easy park app”. Be aware some of the pay and display machines do not provide change.
Parking fees are approximately $2 an hour for parking but can vary between locations and car parks.
Car parking locations are constantly being updated. If you're unsure about a current car parking location or you wish to check for the rules on a certain street you can check this map.
This parking article is current as of September 2022 and has many locations that should be okay without upsetting the council parking officers. But this is ever-changing, please use your own judgement. We at Cairns Tours take no responsibility whatsoever for any parking infringements.
