[Athena E.]

Toll Booths, Sydney Harbour Bridge​

Before E-TAGs and cashless tolls, there was the familiar sight of toll booths—where a friendly toll collector would take your coins with a smile. From its opening in 1932, generations of Aussies rummaged for 5c to 40c to cross this iconic landmark.

Today, it’s all about cashless, automatic tolls—no stopping, no rummaging for coins, just a quick beep as you pass through. Convenient? Absolutely. But something about those old booths and the friendly faces behind them made the drive feel a little more personal.

Source: Kathryn Jackson / Memory Lane - Growing up in Australia, Facebook

Do you remember the last time you paid the toll by hand? Share your stories in our forum!

 

[starrysnan]

I remember the toll booths on the bridge very well and how all the traffic slowed down to pay the tolls. Later they had some automatic ones where if you had the right change you could just toss it in the collection basket. I also remember the toll booths on the Sydney to Wollongong expressway and then later they were removed so there is no toll payable.

 

[Mikev]

Yes I remember these toll booths.
Once I was driving a Commonwealth Vehicle across the Bridge but didn’t have to pay because those cars were exempt from paying.
Felt very chuffed being able to just drive through the booth without paying the toll.

 

[Benny's Light]

Yes I remember just paying a few coins, polite toll attendants and on your way. Only problem was the traffic hold up as you queued to pay. Now you drive straight through without having to queue, but the cost is huge.

 

[joyce martin]

As a person who rarely crosses the Bridge, I don't have 'tags. Therefore I needed to somehow write down the 'number' I needed to make my payment before they sent me a notice which would more than double the cost....Ever thoughtabout how many accidents happen while people are trying to write orremember that bloody number?