The History of the Flinders Street Station Photo Booth: A Melbourne Icon
The iconic photo booth started operation in 1961 and is still operating today. When Alan Adler (owner of the photo booth) started with photo booths in Melbourne, he had 16 of them around the city. The Flinders street station is the last one standing because back on 2018 the Chapel street photo booth had to go. After all, the property that it was built on was sold.
The photo booth has been used by many visitors to the station over the years and prints out black and white photos which come out in strip format. You get three pictures on the strip for five Australian dollars and the images are ready within three minutes. The photo booth is an enclosed booth with a curtain and a little chair for in case you would like to sit down while taking your photo.
The photo booth only accepts ten-cents, twenty-cents, fifty-cents, one-dollar coins and two-dollar coins.
In 2018 Metro Trains decided that they were going to upgrade the station and no longer had the room for Alan Adler’s photo booth, but with a lot of support from the Melbourne public and the minister of transport the photo booth was allowed to remain open till this day.
The Legacy of Melbourne’s Last Chemical Photo Booth
While digital technology has taken over the world, there is something irreplaceable about the smell of chemicals and the sound of the mechanical gears inside the Flinders Street Station booth. This booth doesn’t just take pictures; it develops them on-site using a traditional silver halide process.
Why is this booth so famous?
Rarity: It is one of the very few remaining “dip-and-dunk” booths in the world.
The Wait: Unlike modern instant digital prints, you have to wait 3 to 4 minutes for your strip to drop into the tray—still wet!
Authenticity: The black and white tones are deep and high-contrast, a look that digital filters try to mimic but never quite nail.
Finding the Booth Today
Because of the ongoing Metro Tunnel works and station upgrades, the booth has moved a few times. Currently, you can find it near the Elizabeth Street entrance, tucked away near the bus stops and Boost Juice. It remains a “must-visit” for couples on dates, tourists, and locals looking for a piece of 1960s nostalgia.
New Melbourne Photo Booth Technology For Events
Photo booth technology has evolved, and Matt Jefferies Entertainment brings the latest and most exciting photo booth experiences to Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, and the Dandenong Ranges. Whether you’re hosting a winery wedding, birthday party, corporate event, sports club function, or in-store promotion, we have a range of high-tech photo booths to make your event unforgettable.
Our Modern Event Booths In Melbourne Options Include:
1. Mirror Photo Booth Melbourne
Step into the future with our Mirror Photo Booth, featuring a giant interactive mirror with a touch screen and a professional DSLR camera. This booth comes with voice guidance, animated graphics, and interactive games, making it fun for all guests. Instantly send your photos to your phone for social media sharing, or print full-colour keepsakes on the spot.
2. Magic Mirror Photo Booth
Our Magic Mirror Booth adds a stunning visual element with its LED light frame, creating a glamorous glow for your photos. Like the Mirror Photo Booth, it features touch screen controls, fun animations, and instant social sharing. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and high-end parties.
3. Pylon Photo Booth
Ideal for venues with limited space, the Pylon Photo Booth offers the same interactive features as our larger booths in a compact design. It’s perfect for corporate functions, boutique events, sports club events, or any location where space is minimal.
4. 360 Video Booth
Take your event to the next level with our 360 Video Booth, capturing full-motion video from every angle. Guests can create dynamic, shareable videos that are perfect for social media or as a unique event keepsake.
5. Photo Mosaic Booth
Create a lasting memory with our Photo Mosaic Booth, which instantly combines guest photos into a stunning mosaic design. This interactive booth is ideal for weddings, fundraisers, or any event where you want to leave a beautiful, personalised display.
With Matt Jefferies Entertainment, your event is guaranteed to be fun, interactive, and unforgettable. Depending on the package you have chosen, our photo booths are designed for easy setup, instant social media sharing, and high-quality printouts for guests to take home.
How much does the Flinders Street Station photo booth cost?
As of 2024, the booth costs $5 AUD. It accepts $2, $1, 50c, 20c, and 10c coins. There is no tap-to-pay option, so make sure to bring change!
Where exactly is the photo booth in Flinders Street Station?
The booth is located at the Elizabeth Street end of the station (outside the gates), near the bus interchange and the Metro Tunnel construction hoardings.
How long does it take to get the photos?
Because this is a vintage chemical booth, it takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes for the photos to develop and dry. The photos come out in a classic three-frame vertical strip.
Can I hire a vintage booth like this for my wedding?
While the Flinders Street booth is permanent, you can hire modern “Vintage Style” booths that offer the same nostalgic look with much faster printing and digital sharing. Check out our Mirror Photo Booth options for your next event.
