In short
- 1P = one hour, 2P = two hours, 4P, and a plain P = unlimited. The clock starts when you arrive.
- Paid zones: $6.20 an hour for Surfers Paradise (first 2 hours), in the EasyPark app or at the meter.
- Outside the hours on the sign, parking is free and unrestricted. Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads keep normal charges and time limits on public holidays, except Anzac Day. Elsewhere parking is generally free on public holidays
- In a timed area, moving to another spot within the same area does not reset the clock. You must leave the whole timed area once the limit is up, and you cannot pay again to stay longer.
The P number
| Sign | Means |
|---|---|
| 1P | 1 hour |
| 2P | 2 hours |
| 3P | 3 hours |
| 4P | 4 hours |
| METER | Paid parking, shown under the time limit |
In a timed area, moving to another spot within the same area does not reset the clock. You must leave the whole timed area once the limit is up, and you cannot pay again to stay longer. A meter session starts when the in-ground sensor detects your car.
Paid zones
A sign that says Ticket, Meter or Ticket/Phone means you pay during the hours shown. City of Gold Coast takes payment in the EasyPark app.
Pay by credit or debit card and you are charged when you stop the app. It reminds you 15 minutes before time is up and lets you extend up to the space maximum. No smartphone: start and stop by calling 1300 734 070.
| Area | Rate |
|---|---|
| Surfers Paradise (first 2 hours) | $6.20 an hour |
| Surfers Paradise (hours 3 and 4) | $9.40 an hour |
| Broadbeach, Gold Coast Hwy (2 hour max) | $4.10 to $4.30 an hour |
| Burleigh Heads, Goodwin Tce (3 hour max) | $2.30 an hour |
Council area pages checked October 2026. Broadbeach varies by street and time of day (Surf Parade CBD $4.50 to $5.50, Albert Ave east end $3.00 first hour then $5.50). Some Broadbeach streets are free with a time limit.
When it is free
Other free parking in Gold Coast
- Parking is generally free at night and on public holidays elsewhere in the city
- Some Broadbeach streets (Elizabeth Ave, Surf Parade north and south) are free with a 2 hour limit
- Pratten Park carparks at Broadbeach are free and unmetered, subject to any maximum stay
- Anzac Day is not metered
Hours and public holidays
Metered parking in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads runs 9am to 7pm, seven days, including public holidays (not Anzac Day). Signs show the hours; where a sign lists no days, the times apply every day.
Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads keep normal charges and time limits on public holidays, except Anzac Day. Elsewhere parking is generally free on public holidays
Other signs you'll see
| Sign | Means | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| No Parking | You may stop briefly for 2 minutes to drop off or pick up passengers or goods. | $215 |
| No Stopping | No stopping at all. Yellow edge lines and hatched or chevron markings mean the same. | $215 |
| Loading zone | Loading and unloading only. With no time shown, 20 minutes for private vehicles and 30 minutes for commercial. | $138 |
| Traffic Area boundary | Time limits apply on every street inside the area, even unsigned ones. | — |
| Disabled bay | Valid disability parking permit required. | $690 |
Do not park within 3 metres of a continuous dividing line or strip. Do not stop across a driveway for more than 2 minutes. Do not park on a footpath, shared path or nature strip. Heavy vehicles (4.5 tonnes or more) and long vehicles (7.5 metres or more) are limited to 1 hour in built-up areas. Amounts and deadlines: Gold Coast parking fines, decoded.
Broken meters
If a meter is faulty, try another meter with the same tariff or another payment method, or move your vehicle if you cannot pay. Meters only take payment up to the maximum time allowed, and some at Goodwin Terrace, Broadwater Parklands and Evandale Park are card only.
Report a fault: 07 5667 5989.
Good to know.
What does 2P mean on a parking sign?
Up to two hours during the times on the sign. 1P is one hour, 4P four, and a plain P is unlimited. In a timed area, moving to another spot within the same area does not reset the clock. You must leave the whole timed area once the limit is up, and you cannot pay again to stay longer. A meter session starts when the in-ground sensor detects your car.
How much is street parking in Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise (first 2 hours): $6.20 an hour. Surfers Paradise (hours 3 and 4): $9.40 an hour. Broadbeach, Gold Coast Hwy (2 hour max): $4.10 to $4.30 an hour. Burleigh Heads, Goodwin Tce (3 hour max): $2.30 an hour. Council area pages checked October 2026. Broadbeach varies by street and time of day (Surf Parade CBD $4.50 to $5.50, Albert Ave east end $3.00 first hour then $5.50). Some Broadbeach streets are free with a time limit. Outside the hours on the sign parking is free.
Is there free parking in Gold Coast?
Parking is generally free at night and on public holidays elsewhere in the city Some Broadbeach streets (Elizabeth Ave, Surf Parade north and south) are free with a 2 hour limit Pratten Park carparks at Broadbeach are free and unmetered, subject to any maximum stay Anzac Day is not metered
Do I need a ticket on a public holiday in Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads keep normal charges and time limits on public holidays, except Anzac Day. Elsewhere parking is generally free on public holidays
Officer near your car? You’ll know.
Tap I parked here on Rangr Dangr, set a 2P timer, and get a buzz if a neighbour reports an officer nearby.