Community members and visitors are set to receive a free two-hour parking session in all 2P on-street spaces on weekdays across central Geelong from Monday 14 July.
Council adopted the initiative as part of the 2025-26 Budget last night with the aim of making it easier for locals and visitors to support businesses in the city and encouraging the revitalisation of central Geelong.
This key measure was councillor-led, backed by suggestions in our recent Central Geelong Revitalisation Forum.
Free parking will only apply to on-street 2P parking bays, and time limits will continue to apply. Each vehicle will be eligible for a single allocation of free parking in 2P bays per day.
To be eligible, drivers will still be required to start a parking session at the parking meter or through the EasyPark app, but there will be no charge.
Parking across the region remains free in all zones between 5.30pm – 9.00am and on weekends.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Council is excited to roll out the weekday initiative next month.We've listened to feedback from businesses, shoppers and residents who say they would benefit from a free parking initiative in central Geelong.
We want to make parking in the heart of our region easier by helping community members save money and boosting foot traffic for local businesses.
This will be a great step forward for our economy and liveability.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj
The decision follows years of community encouragement, lobbying, advocating and fighting strongly to introduce everyday free on-street central Geelong parking.It is immensely satisfying that Council has demonstrated such commitment to making the city more affordable and enjoyable to visit.
We really believe this measure will improve convenience and accessibility for the community when they visit central Geelong.
This decision supports shoppers, families and visitors by giving them two hours to shop, dine, run errands, meet with friends or see an exhibition without having to worry about parking fees.
