UQ Parking Update

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[Originally published in the February Issue, 18th of February 2026]

As many may have already heard, UQ is introducing some changes to the parking system. This includes a new parking app, staff permit options, and updated parking rates. Here’s all you need to know about the changes occurring from February 2026. 

The app that will be replacing CelloPark is the PayStay app. While coloured parking zones will remain the same, zone numbers will change and therefore signage will be updated accordingly. The pay-by-plate machines will remain the same and available all throughout St Lucia for casual parking.

Onto more about this new app. The PayStay app allows you to search for parking by location, time restriction, or rates. Furthermore, it gives you the option to pay using a credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You are able to set parking session expiry and driving reminders. The app also integrates with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.

For permit parking, the ePermits website will replace vPermit and UQBookit for managing permits for staff, corporate partners, executives, and reserved parking. All current permit holders will receive an email updating them on how to change to the new ePermits process. New permit applications will receive instructions from mid-January 2026.

Staff permits at St Lucia, Dutton Park, Herston, and Toowong will become more flexible to accommodate flexible working arrangements. This will be done through three new permit options. The first option allows for staff to book and pay for parking on the days they need while maintaining the option to salary sacrifice, which will replace 1, 2, and 3-day part-time permits. Specific to St Lucia only, staff will have the option to park in P1-P4 car parks and pay at the boom gate on their way out. Despite these changes, the fixed permits will still remain available for full-time and 4-day permits. However, Toowong only has full-time permits available.

To accommodate these changes, licence plate recognition systems will be introduced at P3 and P4 green zones in St Lucia, P1 grey zone and P2 blue zone in St Lucia, and the Oral Health Centre green zone in Herston. Please also note that from 2026, permits will only be issued for individual campuses rather than across multiple locations.

Gatton campus will still have standard and undercover staff parking permit options via ePermit. Long Pocket green and blue zones will also retain free parking permits for staff. For staff and students commuting from Long Pocket to St Lucia, the commuter permit will be replaced by the PayStay app and their car parking will continue to be free.

Honorary, Adjunct and Emeritus Professor permits will remain available and free of charge in 2026 via ePermit. Motorcycle parking will be managed by the PayStay app rather than motorcycle permits. Accessible parking has no current changes and will remain available to students, staff, and visitors at all University campuses and sites.

While parking has been complimentary throughout January, starting from February 2^nd, the parking rates will be changed within St Lucia, Herston, Dutton Park, and Toowong. There will be no changes at Gatton or Long Pocket. The rate increases vary according to the different zones and permits. Please see the tables below which outline the new and old rates. Please note that only St Lucia’s casual parking rates have been outlined. For Herston, Dutton Park, and Toowong’s rates please check the UQ Parking website.  

In 2025, staff permits included 2 days per fortnight ($12.30), 4 days per fortnight ($24.60), 6 days per fortnight ($36.90), and 8 days per fortnight ($49.20). These options have since been removed.  

St Lucia

Blue Zone

Grey Zone

Red Zone

Yellow Zone (new zone)

Orange Zone is now free for students and staff, and visitors pay $1.35.

For more information, visit the UQ Parking website.

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