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Canberra and the ACT travel restrictions: What to do in August 2021

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

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Tamara Medojevic
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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.

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 without restriction.

Staying with friends or family

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.

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, they may be running on a limited capacity and communal areas may be closed.

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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 16pax 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 two square metre rule will be in place provided that the CBR app is in use.

Tourist attractions in the Australian Capital Territory

Canberra's main attractions are quickly reopening.

The following attractions have reopened across the Australian Capital Territory:

  • 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 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.

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 pickup in selected locations.

Flying to and from the Australian Capital Territory

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:

  • 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 completely 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

People have also been suggested to 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 Must complete a Queensland Travel Declaration. More info
NSW Open No restrictions. More info
Northern Territory Open All travellers must complete a border entry form. More info
South Australia Closed Starting 27 June 2021, people arriving from the Australian Capital Territory are prohibited from entering South Australia. Essential travellers, returning South Australian residents, people relocating and people escaping domestic violence, who have been in the Australian Capital Territory in the 14 days prior to arrival, may enter South Australia but are subject to some requirements. More info
Tasmania Open All travellers must register through the Tas e-Travel system. More info
Victoria Closed As of 11 July, the ACT has been declared a red zone. Travellers from the territory are not allowed to enter Victoria unless they have a valid permit, exception or exemption. More info
Western Australia Open All travellers must present a G2G PASS. More info

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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 state.

Are there any regional travel restrictions in 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?

Yes, the ACT is open to all states and territories. This may change if hotspots arise.

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

No. 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?

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.

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

No. If you are returning from an interstate trip, you won't need to self-isolate.

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