Telstra's giant Santa payphone lets siblings share one call in Melbourne
Telstra set up a giant family payphone at Queen Victoria Market. Multiple children can hear Santa at the same time. Calls start from 10 November.
Telstra has launched a new giant payphone in Melbourne. It lets siblings, cousins and friends share a single call to Santa.
Overhead speakers broadcast his responses to everyone. The oversized phone sits at Queen Victoria Market and marks an Australian first.
Telstra research found more than 70 per cent of parents say their children argue just as much, or even more, at Christmas than other times of year. Forty-three per cent of parents say kids struggle to wait patiently for their turn with Santa.
From 10 November until Christmas Eve, children nationwide can call Santa free from any of Telstra's more than 14,000 public payphones. They dial #HOHOHO (#464646).
Telstra will donate $1 for every call placed to Santa between 10 and 17 November to Kids Helpline. Kids Helpline is a counselling service for ages five to 25.
Since 2021, Australians have made almost 2.5 million calls to Santa over five Christmas seasons.
- Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
- Payphone location
- 10 November to Christmas Eve
- Call period
- 14,000 across Australia
- Available payphones
- $1 to Kids Helpline
- Donation per call
Why it mattersThe shared call design cuts holiday stress for families. It also helps a youth counselling service during Christmas time. The service supports young people who need help.
AustraliaAustralian families gain a free, nationwide service during Christmas. All children can call Santa from regular payphones or the special giant phone in Melbourne.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
