Parking changes in 2026

From 9 February 2026, the University will introduce new ways to pay for parking, making it easier, more flexible and increasing availability for those who drive to UQ campuses. 

The changes include:

  • a new parking app PayStay (replacing CelloPark)
  • more flexible staff permit options via ePermit
  • updated parking rates.

If you plan to drive to a UQ campus, please review the latest instructions on the Parking zones, rates and permits webpage.

Parking is complimentary at UQ locations until 8 February 2026.

Casual parking for students, staff and visitors

The PayStay app is used for casual parking at St Lucia and Herston and free commuter parking at Long Pocket.

Coloured parking zones remain the same, though zone numbers will change and signage will be updated.

From 2 February, you will be able to download the new app and set up your student or staff account. Paid parking will commence 9 February. 

There are no changes to the process for casual parking at Dutton Park (via boom gate) and Gatton.

PayStay app

The PayStay app allows you to:

  • search for parking by location, time restriction or rates
  • pay using credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
  • set parking session expiry and driving reminders
  • integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Watch the PayStay video

Permit parking for staff and contractors

The ePermits website is used to manage staff parking permits. View instructions to set up an account so you're ready to apply for a permit from 2 February.

Some permit options will be replaced by casual parking via PayStay. This will enable the University to better manage parking availability on campus and users will only pay for parking when they need it.

New flexible staff permits at St Lucia, Dutton Park, Herston and Toowong

Recognising the importance of flexible working arrangements, we’re adapting our parking system to provide more flexible parking options.

From 9 February, UQ staff will be able to choose flexible permit options to park in designated staff permit zones at St Lucia, Dutton Park, Herston and Toowong:

  • New flexible permit will enable staff to book and pay for parking on the days they need. This will replace 1, 2 and 3-day part-time permits. UQ staff will continue to have the option to salary package.
  • Fixed full time permits (5 days) remain available. Fixed 4-day permits are expected to be available in the second half of 2026 and the flexible permit can be used in the meantime.

From 2026, permits will only be issued for individual campuses to better manage availability. Staff who park across multiple UQ locations are encouraged to consider the flexible permit to book parking as they need it across multiple locations.

Coming soon: Pay-as-you-go boom gate (St Lucia and Herston)

In the coming months, a new drive-up daily option will allow staff to drive up and park in the P1-P4 car parks at St Lucia and pay at the boom gate on their way out.

To support these changes, licence plate recognition boom gate systems are being installed at:

  • P3 and P4 green zones, St Lucia
  • P1 grey zone and P2 blue zone, St Lucia (staff permits will be valid in P1 and P2)
  • Oral Health Centre green zone, Herston.

Gatton staff permits

Standard (free) and undercover staff parking permits remain available at the Gatton campus via ePermit.

Long Pocket staff and commuter permits

Free staff parking permits for the green and blue zones remain available via ePermits.

Parking for staff and students who commute from Long Pocket to St Lucia will continue to be free and will be managed via PayStay, replacing the commuter permit.

Honorary, Adjunct and Emeritus Professor permits

Honorary, Adjunct and Emeritus Professor permits remain available and free of charge via ePermits.

Emeritus Professors do not need to take any action as their permit will automatically be added to ePermits.

Motorcycle parking for students, staff and visitors at all campuses (except Gatton)

Motorcycle parking, which is available in designated bays, will be via PayStay to help manage availability, replacing motorcycle permits.

Controlled entity and affiliate staff parking for St Lucia 

Property and Facilities is working to enable UQ Union and controlled staff to access to staff rates using a UQ affiliate account in PayStay and ePermits. This is expected to be available by mid-2026.  

From 2 February, email PF Assist pfassist@pf.uq.edu.au with your name, organisation and work email address to be sent instructions to arrange flexible permit or casual parking at St Lucia. 

Accessible parking

There are no changes to accessible parking at University campuses and sites for students, staff and visitors.

Public and active transport

We continue to encourage the use of public and active transport as alternatives to driving where possible:

Parking rate changes

Casual and permit parking is complimentary across UQ locations until 8 February 2026.

Parking rates for students, staff and visitors will change for casual and permit parking at St Lucia, Herston, Dutton Park and Toowong in February 2026.

Changes vary by zone and user, with increases ranging between $0.25-$1.30 per day. View the 2026 rates.

There is no change to parking rates at Gatton and Long Pocket.

The University is continuing to invest in transport options including end-of-trip facilities, new parking services and facilities, and active transport options.

PayStay and ePermits drop in sessions

Seek face-to-face support by visiting:

St Lucia – across from Student Central:

  • Mon 2 Feb 8:30am-4pm
  • Wed 18 Feb 7:30am-2:30pm
  • Thurs 19 Feb 8:30am-4pm (subject to change)

Herston – Oral Health Centre building entrance (near roundabout)

  • Tues 3 Feb 8am-10am
  • Tues 17 Feb 8:30am-2pm

Dutton Park – Level 4 Foyer, Susan Tett Building (formerly PACE)

  • Tues 3 Feb 11am-1pm

Signage is also in place in parking zones.

Contact

For PayStay support, contact PayStay Customer Service on 1300 322 111 or customerservice@paystay.com.au

For ePermits support and all other enquiries, contact the UQ Property and Facilities Assist team on (07) 336 52222 or pfassist@pf.uq.edu.au