After months of being confined to our own neighbourhoods, Australian caravanners are itching to hitch their caravans and hit the road, ready to explore our beautiful country once again.
As of today (June 1st), – for most states – it’s time to go caravanning, people!
Caravan and camping grounds have implemented COVID-19 hygiene guidelines making them ideal destinations for those that are ready to travel. And who wouldn’t be?!
Tourism Research Australia has found that more than 500,000 Australians may take a camping or caravan trip in the next two months, which would help reinvigorate our domestic tourism market and help boost the economy significantly.
With this next phase of restriction easing, here’s a brief list of what we know so far about when you can travel, and how far you can go. Things are changing all the time, so we do recommend you research beforehand to check current guidelines at your destination.
VICTORIA (from June 1st) –
Campgrounds, caravan parks and tourist accommodation are allowed to reopen but communal facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens and barbecue areas will remain closed.
Campers will need to maintain physical standards and supply all items they need for personal hygiene.
Up to 20 people at public playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms, outdoor amusement parks, zoos and pools. The same rule applies to hospitality businesses, galleries, museums and libraries.
Some destinations will remain closed, including some bushfire-affected areas. Please check here for more information.
NEW SOUTH WALES (from June 1st) –
All remaining NSW travel restrictions have been removed. Caravan parks and camping grounds will be open, but travellers should call ahead and confirm bookings. People need to practice strong hygiene around shared facilities.
Travellers from interstate will be able to visit NSW for a holiday, but will need to comply with the rules of their home state when returning.
Pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants in NSW will be able to have up to 50 customers on the premises at once.
Museums, galleries and libraries can also reopen under various distancing rules and COVID-safe guidelines.
ACT (from May 29th) –
The ACT moved to Step 2.1 of their recovery plan, which means no border restrictions, and up to 20 people allowed at caravan parks and campgrounds. Canberrans can travel within the state for recreation and holidays.
The four-square-metre rule still applies, and any businesses that are reopening need a COVID Safety plan.
Up to 20 people in restaurants, cafes, licensed venues, indoor sporting centres and public pools, as well as both indoor and outdoor attractions.
QUEENSLAND (from June 1st) –
Unlimited travel and overnight stays for Queenslanders all across the state, with camping and caravan parks opening up.
Local tourism experiences limited to 20 people (more if following the Industry COVID Safe Plan).
Up to 20 patrons per room - dining in or seated drinks in restaurants, pubs, cafes, registered or licensed clubs, RSL Clubs, hotels and casinos (no gaming).
Travellers to Queensland from other states will still require a border pass, even Queensland residents.
Restrictions remain in place for people entering indigenous communities under the Biosecurity Act.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (from May 29th) –
From May 29th travel has been allowed throughout the state except for the Kimberley and biosecurity zones in the east Pilbara and part of the Goldfields. From June 5th, these restrictions will be lifted. Access into remote indigenous communities will remain prohibited. Playgrounds, camp kitchens and amenities are open. In addition, pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars will be allowed to serve alcohol without food and food courts will reopen for seated service.
The state’s hard border to overseas and interstate travellers remains in place, requiring anyone entering WA to quarantine for 14 days.
TASMANIA (from June 15th) –
Tassie’s borders may be closed for the time being, but locals can go camping and overnight boating (up to 20 people).
Indoor and outdoor gatherings (up to 20 people allowed at a time), including restaurants/cafes, cinemas, museums, galleries and historic sites.
Playgrounds and park exercise equipment, including outdoor community sport, indoor sport and recreation, including pools - all with up to 20 people - can reopen without spectators.
All non-essential travellers to the state, including returning residents, must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Non-Tasmanian residents must carry out their quarantine in Government-provided accommodation.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA (from June 1st) –
Regional travel is encouraged here! Campgrounds and caravan parks are open, as long as gatherings are kept to 10 people or less, and social distancing and hygiene practices are adhered to.
Provided the 1.5-metre rule and the four-square-metre rule are in place, up to 80 people will be allowed at restaurants, bars, cafes, wineries, pubs, breweries and bars.
The same rule applies to cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries, provided that there are no more than 20 people in a group.
NORTHERN TERRITORY (from June 5th) –
Recreational activities like fishing, camping, boating and sailing are already allowed. As of midday on June 5th, NT will begin stage 3 of their roadmap to ease restrictions and will enjoy some of the most relaxed rules in the country.
All businesses, facilities and services previously restricted can resume, as long as they adhere to key principles. Territorians can drink at bars (without consuming food), go to nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and other approved entertainment venues.
Unless you have been granted an exemption, anyone entering the territory must complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine as borders still remain closed.
Obviously, wherever you go, please stay safe! Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands, not touching your face, social distancing… basically, everything we’ve been doing for the past couple of months. After all the good work we have done as a nation, the last thing we need now is to go backwards!
And wherever possible, PLEASE visit bushfire-affected areas, and of course, shop local! Visit cafes, pubs, restaurants, wineries, local attractions…. Whatever’s open, we’re pretty sure they’d love to see you!.
These next couple of months is the perfect time to go and appreciate everything Australia has to offer. We are so very lucky to be in our current position in regards to the coronavirus, just make sure we keep it this way!
Now, GO and enjoy your freedom!
For more in-depth information on what’s what, why not take a look at these articles…