Getting ready for a flight always feels a bit better when things are sorted ahead of time. And a simple travel packing list can go a long way, especially when it comes to remembering those little things that make a big difference.

But here’s something people don’t always think about. Where you decide to park your car plays a role in deciding how and what to pack. If you’re rolling your luggage from the car park to the terminal or hopping on the airport shuttle with your travel backpack, it's worth thinking ahead.

Parking and packing go hand in hand more than most people realise. So whether you’re heading off on a quick domestic getaway or flying out of Australia for something longer, this guide has you covered. We’ll walk you through parking options at Melbourne Airport, share tips to help you pack light, and get you set for a smooth travel day from start to finish.

Parking at the airport is one of those small decisions that can make a big difference to your travel day. Whether you’re travelling light with just carry-on luggage or checking in larger bags, choosing the right parking option can help make your trip a lot easier.

Here’s a quick overview of the onsite parking options available at Melbourne Airport, plus a few travel tips to help you decide what works best for your plans.

• Value Car Park: Looking for something low-cost? The Value Car Park is a great option. It’s connected to all terminals by a free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes, 24/7. During busy holiday periods, you can upgrade to Value Express—a valet-style service within the Value Car Park that gets you on your way even faster.
• Terminal Car Park: If you prefer to be closer to the terminals, the Terminal Car Park is the most direct option. Available in two locations, these multi-level car parks have most spots under cover, so you’ll be sheltered from the elements. From the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, it is an approximate 5-10 minute walk to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From the T4 Terminal Car Park, it is a 3-5 minute walk to Terminal 4.
• Premium Self-Park: Prefer a faster entry and exit? Premium Self-Park offers undercover parking just a short walk from check-in. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with carry-on luggage only or want to minimise the time between your car and the terminal. Available in two locations: at Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, and at Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park.
• Premium Valet: If you’re after a more hands-off option, Premium Valet makes things simple. Just drive up, leave your keys with the team, and walk to the terminal. Great for families, business travellers or anyone juggling multiple bags. Available at Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park.
• Qantas Valet: Flying Qantas? This car park offers drive-up convenience with the option to add extras like car cleaning. No need to pre-book—just arrive, hand over your keys, and head inside. Available at the northern end of Level 1 in the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, closest to the Qantas terminal T1.

If you want extra flexibility with your parking, add the Overstay Guarantee to your online booking. It’s a handy backup if your return flight is delayed or cancelled. Or you can make changes to your booking via the Manage My Booking section. If you're after savings, subscribe to Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter so you’re always in the loop on future offers.

All our car parks include accessible parking bays, located near entrances, lifts, or shuttle stops to make the trip to the terminal easier. The lifts and walkways are also designed to support different mobility needs.

Once you’ve planned how you’ll get to the airport, the next step is working out what to pack, but more importantly, how to pack it well.

Your carry-on doesn’t need to be packed to the brim, but it should hold everything you’ll want easy access to from the moment you leave your car to the time you settle into your seat. Here’s a practical list of what’s worth keeping close:

Essentials You’ll Need at the Airport

• Travel documents like your passport, boarding pass and any booking confirmations
• Money belt with your credit card or debit card for some last-minute shopping or food stops
• Photocopies of your ID and key documents (handy if your originals are packed away)
• Your vaccination certificate, if required for your destination
• A copy of your travel insurance details and emergency contacts, just in case
• A pen for customs forms or notes

Personal Items for In-Flight Comfort

• A lightweight t-shirt or a change of clothes for longer flights
• Travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs to make things more comfortable in the air
• A pouch with toiletries like lip balm, sanitiser and sunscreen, and contact lenses or lens solution
• Your e-reader, tablet or a physical guidebook, depending on your preference
• A reusable water bottle you can refill after security

When packing, aim for a layout that makes sense for how you move, not just what you’re bringing. Keep valuables near the top, group similar items together, and use smaller pouches to avoid digging around at the gate or at check-in. If you're using a travel backpack, try to balance the weight so it’s easier to carry from the car park to the terminal.

Packing your checked luggage isn’t just about what goes in—it’s how you pack that makes the difference. If you're walking from the car park or taking the shuttle to the terminal, a well-packed bag is easier to manage and quicker to check in.

Here are a few smart packing tips to help you organise your checked luggage more efficiently:

• Group items by category using packing cubes. Keep things like sleepwear, a swimsuit, a cover-up, walking shoes and flip-flops together so they’re easy to find when you arrive.
• Keep small accessories together—like your memory card, adapter, charger & converter, clippers, tweezers and hairbrush—so they don’t get lost at the bottom of your bag. Include a basic first-aid kit and a small sewing kit in case something comes up mid-trip.
• Pack travel-sized essentials like deodorant, lotion, insect repellent, makeup remover, and your usual toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
• Place heavier items near the wheels of your suitcase to keep it balanced and easier to roll.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce creasing.
• Use the space inside shoes or hats to tuck away socks, belts, or small accessories.
• Bring a collapsible day pack for day trips or overflow on the way back home.

Weigh your bag before leaving home so there are no surprises at check-in. If you do need to shift a few things around, parking onsite means you can do that easily, and even leave a couple of items in the car if your bag’s over the limit.

A bit of planning goes a long way on the day you travel. Here's a quick run-through of what to check before leaving the house, what to keep in mind as you park, and what to do before heading into the terminal:

• Check road conditions around Tullamarine before you leave. A quick look at live traffic can help you avoid unexpected delays. It is also handy to check the Melbourne Airport website and social media for updates on changes to road conditions due to construction. Leave a little earlier if you’re travelling during peak periods or using the shuttle.
• Give yourself plenty of time. Aim to arrive with enough buffer to find your car park, unload, and reach the terminal without feeling rushed. If you're using the shuttle, factor in the 15-minute frequency and short ride time.
• Have your QR code ready. If you’ve booked parking online, you'll need the parking QR code to enter and exit the car park. So save it somewhere easy to access—either in your digital wallet or as a screenshot.
• Unload and double-check before walking away. Before heading to the terminal, take a moment to check you've got everything.
• Use your booking flexibility if needed. All online bookings come with a built-in grace period—up to two hours before and after your booked time. And if your plans change last-minute, you can log into Manage My Booking to update your entry or exit time.

Small steps like these help everything flow more easily, so you can spend less time thinking about logistics and more time looking forward to your flight.

Planning both your packing and parking ahead of time gives you one less thing to think about once you’re on the move. Choosing the right car park at Melbourne Airport helps set the tone for a smoother airport experience. And having a travel packing checklist makes it easier to move through the day without the usual last-minute scrambles.

To save time and get the best value, you can pre-book your parking online. It’s a small step that sets the rest of your journey up well.