Australian parents are up in arms about the coin-operating rides found at shopping centres

At first glance, this coin-operating ride looks like any other children’s machine you would see around shopping centres.

But Australian eagle-eyed onlookers noticed something different, with some infuriated parents up in arms about the picture.

So can you spot what’s unusual about this ride?

It appears the days when our parents used to dig into their pockets for loose change to slot into the rides are a thing of the past. 

Upon closer inspection, parents now have the option to ‘tap and ride’ by using their credit cards to pay for their children to use.

The option means parents will no longer have any excuse to get out of paying.

‘Cashless payment now accepted,’ the ride said. 

Taking to Facebook, a mother shared the picture, saying: ‘Anyway to get your money, ‘tap and go’ on the kids rides. Now how will I get away with ‘I’ve got no coins’.’

It appears the days when our parents used to dig into their pockets for loose change to slot into the rides are a thing of the past

Children’s rides used to cost a gold or silver coin – but in recent months, the machines have included a ‘Paywave’ option so parents can use their credit cards

Many other parents also pointed out how expensive the rides are now, costing up to $3 to spin the children around for a minute or two.

‘Oh my God, it’s $3/ride now,’ one wrote, to which someone responded: ‘That’s why they installed the tap and go because you can only afford to pay with credit.’

Another mother joked: ‘Next they will have an Afterpay option.’

And a father wrote: ‘The kids must never learn what PayPass is.’