Parking changes in 2026

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

The changes include:

  • a new parking app (replacing CelloPark)
  • more flexible and simpler staff permit options
  • updated parking rates.

You don’t need to take any action right now.

We’re letting you know about the changes now, and we’ll share detailed instructions in January 2026 so you can get ready before they take effect.

Until 31 December 2025, continue to use CelloPark for casual parking and vPermit for permit parking.

To support the transition, there will be complimentary parking at UQ locations in January 2026.

Casual parking for students, staff and visitors

The PayStay app will replace CelloPark for casual parking at St Lucia and Herston. It will also be introduced for managing free commuter parking at Long Pocket.

The PayStay app is being configured for UQ. Coloured parking zones will stay the same, though zone numbers will change and signage will be updated accordingly.  

Information on how to download the new app and set up your student or staff account will be shared in January 2026 before we go live.

Pay-by-plate machines will also remain available at St Lucia to pay for casual parking.

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

PayStay app

The PayStay app will allow 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 students, staff, visitors and contractors

The ePermits website will replace vPermit and UQBookit for managing permits for staff (including controlled entities), corporate partners, executives and reserved parking.

Current permit holders will receive an email to let them know how to change to the new ePermits process. 

For new permit applications, instructions will be available on Parking at UQ from mid-January 2026.

Some permit options will be replaced by casual parking via the PayStay app. 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 for staff, including UQ controlled entities.

UQ and controlled entity staff will be able to choose from a range of 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 and still have the option to salary sacrifice. This will replace 1, 2 and 3-day part-time permits.
  • New drive-up daily option (St Lucia only) for 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.
  • Fixed permits (fixed days of the week) will remain available for full-time and 4-day permits (any combination of 4 days). Note there are full-time permits only at Toowong.

To support these changes, license plate recognition boom gate systems will be introduced 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.

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

Gatton staff permits

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

Long Pocket staff and commuter permits

The free staff parking permit for Long Pocket green and blue zones will remain available via ePermits.

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

Motorcycle parking for students, staff and visitors at all campuses

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

Accessible parking

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

Parking rate changes

All casual and permit parking will be complimentary across UQ locations in January 2026.

Parking rates for students, staff and visitors will change for casual and permit parking at St Lucia, Herston, Dutton Park and Toowong from 2 February 2026.

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

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.

Support and resources

In January 2026, ahead of the new changes being introduced, we'll send communication to remind students, staff and partners about the changes. This will include links to the new PayStay app and ePermits website, as well as advice on setting up your account.

We’ll offer support and resources to support our community with the changes, including face-to-face drop-in sessions in January 2026. Signage will also be in place in parking zones.

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

Contact

If you have an urgent question, contact the UQ Property and Facilities Assist team on (07) 336 52222 or pfassist@pf.uq.edu.au