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With the worries of COVID-19 decreasing, 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.
As of 2 December 2020 the territory is in stage 4 of its recovery plan.
From this date, maximum outdoor gathering limits are 25 unless the CBR app is in use. In this case, it can be brought up in accordance with the one person per two square metre rule.
Larger indoor and enclosed outdoor venues such as theatres and sporting arenas can sell tickets of up to 75% capacity.
Here's what else you need to know when out and about in the 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 without restriction.
The latest guidelines let you stay overnight with friends or family. There is no limit to how many people may gather.
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.
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, they may be running on a limited capacity and communal areas may be closed.
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Available on select dates until December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
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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 16pax for rentals, excluding boutique hotels and event venues.
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.
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 two square metre rule will be in place provided that the CBR app is in use.
Canberra's main attractions are quickly reopening.
The following attractions have reopened across the Australian Capital Territory:
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.
Enjoy a red, white or sparkling at one of the many wineries that inhabit 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.
We recommend that you call up your prefered winery to pre-book a reservation.
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 pickup in selected locations.
As domestic borders reopen, flights are resuming. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Fly Pelican all offer flights in and out of Canberra, though these are at a reduced capacity.
Direct routes that are currently in operation include:
As of 8 January 2021, face masks are mandatory on all domestic and international flights.
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.
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 completely necessary. Passengers should keep in mind that:
People have also been suggested to spread out while riding the train and to travel outside of peak periods to avoid unnecessary contact.
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 | No requirements needed. | More info |
NSW | Open | No requirements needed. | More info |
Northern Territory | Open | All travellers must complete a border entry form. | More info |
South Australia | Open | All travellers must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration. | More info |
Tasmania | Open | All travellers must register through the Tas e-Travel system. | More info |
Victoria | Open | Travellers from the ACT to Victoria needs to apply for a Victorian Government permit. | More info |
Western Australia | Open | All travellers must present a G2G pass. | More info |
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There are no restrictions on how far you can travel within the state.
There aren't any regional restrictions in the ACT.
Yes, the ACT is open to all states and territories. This may change if hotspots arise.
No. However, it's recommended that you keep the group you're travelling with to a minimum.
Restaurants and attractions where the CBR app is not in use can entertain a maximum of 25 patrons only. This increases based on the two square metre rule if the CBR app is in use.
While it's better for peace of mind to book in advance, it's no longer required to secure a spot.
No. If you are returning from an interstate trip, you won't need to self-isolate.
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