Nothing ruins a good Aussie road trip vibe faster than a surprise toll notice in the mail weeks later.
And lately, it feels like toll roads are popping up everywhere — especially around major cities and key highways.
From Sydney’s endless tunnels to Brisbane’s network of toll bridges, costs are quietly stacking up.
(And let’s be honest — $5 here and $7 there really hurts when you’re already paying $2.40 for fuel.)
The good news?
You don’t need to cop the tolls.
We’ve mapped out some epic pub trail alternatives where you’ll skip the toll booths — and have way more fun doing it.
The Hidden Cost of Toll Roads
Toll roads are sneaky because:
- They rarely have clear “pay here” booths anymore (it’s all cameras and later invoices).
- Many GPS apps (even Google Maps) default to toll roads unless you manually turn them off.
- In some places, avoiding tolls adds a ridiculous detour unless you know the right back roads.
For travellers with caravans, campervans, or rooftop setups, it’s even worse — some toll roads charge by size or weight!
“We got slugged nearly $50 driving through Sydney without realising it. Never again.”
— WikiPubs Community Member
Smart Solution: Follow Pub Trails That Dodge the Tolls
Here’s how you can skip tolls and discover some of Australia’s best country pubs.
1. Sydney to the Hunter Valley — via the Old Pacific Highway
- Avoids: M1 NorthConnex Tunnel Toll ($8–$25 depending on size)
- Pub Stops:
- The Wisemans Ferry Inn Hotel (historic riverside pub)
- Wollombi Tavern (famous Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice!)
- Cessnock Hotel (classic country hospitality)
✅ Beautiful river crossings, winding roads, and no tolls!
2. Brisbane to Sunshine Coast — via Old Gympie Road
- Avoids: Gateway Motorway Toll ($5–$10)
- Pub Stops:
- Caboolture Sports Central
- Glass House Mountains Tavern
- Palmwoods Hotel
✅ Scenic drives, mountain views, and chilled-out Queensland pubs.
3. Melbourne to Bendigo — via Calder Alternative Highway
- Avoids: CityLink Toll and Calder Freeway Toll sections
- Pub Stops:
- Keilor Hotel (Victoria’s second oldest licensed hotel)
- Gisborne Hotel
- Rifle Brigade Hotel, Bendigo
✅ Country towns, historic pubs, and none of Melbourne’s ridiculous toll mess.
Extra Tip: Always Set GPS to “Avoid Tolls”
Before you start your trip:
- Open Google Maps or Waze
- Go to “Route Options”
- Toggle on “Avoid Tolls”
Trust us — it’ll save your bank account and your road trip sanity.
Why Pub Trails Are the Smarter Way to Travel
Following a pub trail means you:
- Save on tolls
- Discover real country towns
- Meet locals
- Enjoy better, slower, more scenic drives
- Support regional Aussie businesses when they need it most
Less tolls, more pubs, better memories.
👉 Check out our Free Pub Trail Maps at WikiPubs.com.au
👉 Join our Facebook Community to get live tips, pub events, and traveller secrets.
Final Thought
Toll roads might be killing the carefree Aussie road trip — but smart travellers are finding better ways.
Skip the tolls, find the pubs, and keep the spirit of the open road alive.
Cheers to smart travel! 🍻
