⚡️⚡️⚡️
With energy prices rising, switch to a cheaper plan
💡
Compare Prices Now
⚡️⚡️⚡️
< path d="M52.6178 31.3114L44.7476 60.6733L74.1095 68.5435L81.9797 39.1816L52.6178 31.3114Z" fill="#F9C32D"/>
download the finder app! App

Canberra and the ACT travel restrictions: What to do in June 2022

This is your complete guide on what you can do in Canberra right now.

Avatar
Tamara Medojevic

&

Avatar
Dylan Crismale
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

With vaccination rates in the ACT increasing, an easing of social restrictions has made its way into our capital. This means that if you're after the perfect romantic getaway or just a weekend away with friends, Canberra has you covered.

Some restrictions are still in place. Here's what you need to know when out and about in the territory.

TL;DR: Canberra restrictions

Are hotels open?
Yes

Are attractions open?
Yes

Is camping allowed?
Yes

Are beaches and parks open?
In some locations

Accommodation in the Australian Capital Territory

Hotels, hostels and homestays all have their doors open to guests in the ACT. Additionally, you are free to stay with family and friends with up to 5 people.

Staying with friends or family

The latest guidelines let you stay overnight with friends or family. There is a limit of 10 people (children under 12 aren't counted).

The government asks the community to be considerate of people who may be at a higher risk within the home and to keep your distance in such cases.

Staying at a hotel

If you're after weekend accommodation, you can book a hotel in the ACT. Hotels are implementing more cleaning schedules into their routines and making sure high contact areas are being thoroughly sanitised.

Social distancing is still being enforced, with 1.5 metres to be kept between members of the public.

Due to this, hotels may be running on a limited capacity and communal areas may be closed.

Latest hotel deals for Canberra and the ACT

Wotif Wotif

Up to 55% off Australia getaways

Ends

Get deal
Agoda Agoda

Up to 25% off Australia getaways

Ends

Get deal
Booking.com Booking.com

Up to 15% off getaways

Ends

Get deal
Adina Adina

1 night free on 3-night stays

Ends

Get deal

Staying at a holiday house

As well as that home-away-from-home feeling, holiday homes are a great alternative if you're looking to keep contact with others to a minimum.

You can now book a holiday home in Canberra with several holiday house websites. Airbnb, Stayz, HomeAway, Home Exchange, Booking.com and HotelsCombined all offer a massive selection of lived-in homes, chalets, cabins, townhouses, cottages, studios and apartments in the territory.

Note: Airbnb has placed a worldwide limit of 16 for rentals, excluding boutique hotels and event venues.

Staying at a hostel

Want to save a few extra bucks? Hostels are now also open for business the same as hotels and holiday homes.

Hostelworld is committed to offering its guests a safe stay. The hostels it displays have pledged to increase the cleaning of common areas and bedrooms, book fewer people in larger rooms and offer hand sanitiser.

Any hostel not complying with these new guidelines will be removed from the Hostelworld website.

Camping and caravanning

Get ready to sleep under the stars because campsites and caravan parks are back in business. It is asked that people use their best judgement when using communal facilities at campgrounds and parks. Guests also have to distance themselves (1.5 metres) from other members of the public.

Some caravan parks will ask you to make a booking as spaces are limited.

A maximum of 25 people are allowed in one area, so small groups are appreciated.

If the campground wishes to have more than 25 people, the 2 square metre rule will be in place provided that the CBR app is in use.

Tourist attractions in the Australian Capital Territory

Attractions can start to reopen across the ACT.

  • National Museum of Australia (booking required)
  • National Gallery of Australia (booking required)
  • National Arboretum Canberra
  • Canberra Glassworks
  • Cockington Green Gardens
  • The Australian War Memorial

National parks

Canberra's national parks are open for hiking and recreational use. Again, groups should be kept to a minimum and physical distancing adhered to.

If the area seems busy, it's recommended that you come back at a later time or date.

Tidbinbilla and Canberra Nature Park have reopened. Namadgi National Park is partially closed due to bushfires. You can keep across the latest park openings here.

Wineries and vineyards

Enjoy a red, white or sparkling at one of the many wineries that await you in the Australian Capital Territory.

These venues are subject to the same rules and regulations, so there is a maximum depending on density limits. Social distancing must also be practised.

Getting to and from your holiday destination

Driving within the Australian Capital Territory

There are no restrictions on driving within the ACT. You are more than welcome to take a road trip and see the sights.

Companies including Europcar and Avis have taken action to make sure their customers are safe.

Some of their measures include intensive cleaning of high contact areas and contactless pick-up in selected locations.

Flying to and from the Australian Capital Territory

As domestic borders reopen, flights are resuming. Qantas, Virgin Australia and FlyPelican offer flights in and out of Canberra, though these may be at a reduced capacity.

Direct routes known to be in operation prior to lockdown include:

  • Canberra to/from Ballina Byron on Fly Pelican
  • Canberra to/from Brisbane on Virgin Australia and Qantas
  • Canberra to/from Sydney on Qantas
  • Canberra to/from Adelaide on Qantas
  • Canberra to/from Newcastle on Fly Pelican
  • Canberra to/from Melbourne on Virgin Australia and Qantas
  • Canberra to/from Gold Coast on Qantas and Virgin Australia

As of 8 January 2021, face masks are mandatory on all domestic and international flights.

Coach services

If you're a resident of the ACT and wish to explore New South Wales, Murrays has return trips from Canberra to Wollongong, Narooma and Sydney.

The Canberra to Wollongong service runs from Monday to Saturday and offers pickup points in Collector, Goulburn, Marulan, Moss Vale, Robertson, Albion Park, Dapto, Unanderra and Figtree. The return Wollongong to Canberra service runs on Sundays only.

The Canberra to Narooma and Canberra to Sydney return services run daily.

Train/light rail services

Both city and regional train lines are up and running for passengers with no changes to the timetable. The ACT government urges people to try to avoid public transport unless it's necessary. Passengers should keep in mind that:

  • Cash will not be accepted as a form of payment (pre-purchased or MyWay tickets only).
  • You should use rear doors when boarding.
  • Light rail doors are automatic so no contact is needed.
  • Front seats (closest to the driver) are closed off for the time being.
  • You should keep 1.5 metres between yourself and the next passenger.
  • You should top up your tickets beforehand.

It's also been suggested that people spread out while riding the train and to travel outside of peak periods to avoid unnecessary contact.

Which states and territories can I travel to?

Owing to its low case numbers the ACT is opening up to states and territories very quickly.

State Border status What should I know? More info
Queensland Open Travellers can enter Queensland as border restrictions has been lifted. Must provide proof of vaccination and use Check in Qld app for venues upon arrival. Travellers with COVID-19 symptoms must get tested immediately and isolate for 7 days. More info
NSW Open There are no longer any restrictions to travel to NSW. Travellers are not required to complete an NSW entry declaration unless they have been in an affected area, an area of concern or a place of high concern in the last 14 days. More info
Northern Territory Open There are no restrictions for people entering the Northern Territory. For travellers tested positive, register for COVID CareNT and isolate at least 7 days. More info
South Australia Open Vaccinated travellers may travel to South Australia. They must have QR code check-in and download mySAGOV app before travelling to SA. More info
Tasmania Open There are no entry requirements arriving to Tasmania. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, undergo test and comply with local requirements. More info
Victoria Open Travellers no longer need COVID-19 Border Entry Permit to enter Victoria. More info
Western Australia Open There is no need to register with G2G Pass, proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, pre-departure or arrival COVID-19 testing when entering WA. More info

Discover the Australian Capital Territory with these top deals

RedBalloon RedBalloon

RedBalloon

Up to 25% off Australia experiences + an extra 10% off with code

Show code
Booking.com Booking.com

Booking.com

Up to 15% off getaways

Ends

Get deal
Agoda Agoda

Agoda

Up to 25% off getaways

Get deal
Contiki Contiki

Contiki

Up to 15% off Australia adventures

Ends

Get deal

Frequently asked questions about travelling within the Australian Capital Territory during COVID-19

How far can I travel from my home?

There are no restrictions on how far you can travel within the territory.

Are there any regional travel restrictions in the Australian Capital Territory?

There aren't any regional restrictions in the ACT.

Can I travel to the Australian Capital Territory if I live in another state?

The ACT is open to most other states and territories except for geographic areas inter-state identified as hotspots. People entering from hotspots may still enter with an exemption but must follow strict rules, for example isolating at home.

Do I need to limit the amount of people I'm travelling with?

Yes. You should limit the group you're staying with to 10 while you could meet up outdoors with larger groups of up to 30 people. However, it's recommended that you keep the group you're travelling with to a minimum.

Do I need to pre-book to visit restaurants and attractions?

While it's better for peace of mind to book in advance, it's not required to secure a spot.

Will I need to self-isolate or go into quarantine when I get back from my trip to Canberra?

Depending on which state you're returning to, you may have to self-isolate.

Should I get travel insurance when travelling to Canberra and the ACT?

Getting travel insurance is always a good idea for peace of mind. Some policies have also started including Covid-19 related benefits but they usually won't cover you for border closures. Make sure to read the product disclosure statement so you know what's covered, and what's not.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.