Bad move’: Bunnings confirms controversial carpark rule   
The Aussie hardware company has confirmed that it has introduced a change to many of its carparks – leaving customers divided.


News.com.au
April 2, 2025

A major Aussie retailer has confirmed that it has introduced a controversial carpark rule to many of its locations, leaving customers divided.

Bunnings confirmed to news.com.au that it had brought in paid parking to its Caroline Springs store, west of Melbourne, after a snap of an enormous Secure Parking sign was shared to Reddit.

The sign revealed the first hour was free, but people could park for a total of 24 hours for $40.

Rod Caust, Director of Stores at Bunnings, told news.com.au: “Similar to other stores like Hawthorn and Maribyrnong, we have recently introduced paid parking at our Caroline Springs store to ensure there’s enough parking available for our customers at all times of the day.

“The first hour of parking is free, and Bunnings customers are invited to discuss circumstances requiring extended parking (such as participation in DIY activities) with our friendly team.”

News.com.au understands that this is not a nationwide change at all Bunnings stores, but is the case at select locations around Australia.

Bunnings confirmed to news.com.au that it had introduced parking at its Caroline Springs location, west of Melbourne.

Customers have expressed their frustration over the change, demanding to know why it was put into place. Others called it a “cash grab”, while some suggested that an hour wasn’t a very long time to spend at the retailer.

“I’m guessing people were using it as an all day carpark when it’s supposed to only be for people shopping there. I still think two hours is better,” one person commented.

Another added: “Is it free if you buy something? One hour isn’t very long in Bunnings.”   


“$40 day max?! That’s way more expensive than paying for early bird day rates in the CBD,” one social media user added.

Fans were divided.

One said: “I’ve been going here for years and there has never been a time when I couldn’t find parking. Like everything else happening, it’s another cash grab.” 

“How would this not just send everybody to shop at Sunshine or Watergardens instead,” another speculated.

One added: “One hour? You stand in line for a snag for close to that.”

“Oooh … that’s a bad move,” someone weighed in.

Another commented: “Good way to encourage mostly click & collect orders and no impulse purchases?”

Other Reddit users commented that their local Bunnings also had the same policy.

1 hr is not enough. Sometimes it takes that long to find someone to help you when you're trying to find something.

I have no problem with the 2 hr parking then charge. If you're there more then 2 hrs you need a life

John Smith wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2025 at 4:32pm:



Freediver should charge for more then 1 hr of Trump obsession.
By gweg, you, caramel, marsupial .
He could retire a rich man

Bunnings here is part of a shopping complex - the parking is barely enough as things stand - I can't see it happening here.

In Melbadishu things are different these days..... been under the jack boot since Dan The Man went at them.

Leroy wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2025 at 5:01pm:



not quite sunshine ... different states have different rules. For example, you're not allowed to tow in qld despite what the signs or tow companies tell you

And there was no mention of Bunnings towing anyones car

They will do it like everywhere else from shopping centres, hospital carparks, airports and 'everywhere' else. They get your rego and illegally, but NEVER enforced, get your address and details from the motor registry database and send you the letter... followed by, if you don't pay up, letters from legal firms threatening court action, etc, etc, etc. Basically a greater percentage of people pay up. Easy money.

John Smith wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2025 at 5:04pm:


Of course not.

They'll do what all other shopping centres do - issue pretend fines.

A lot of people fall for it and pay the fines, which is why they keep doing it.

"Defence lawyer James Clements said only a statutory body has the power to issue fines and that parking signs across the carpark are nothing more than a bullying tactic."

Leroy wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2025 at 5:18pm:


If they are charging to stay longer the inference is that they will collect this charge when you leave. Hard to tow the car and then expect you to pay for the parking when they have no idea that you intend to not pay.