The impact of COVID-19 in Australia has made things unpredictable in the domestic travel space, with border restrictions constantly changing and lockdowns making the situation both unpredictable and frustrating for interstate travelers. As Australian states and territories have different levels of restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19, it can be difficult to keep an eye on changes. Here, we answer some common questions about domestic travel restrictions and safety regulations in each state.
This article has been updated based on information available as of November 12, 2021.
The COVIDSafe app: Australia’s government-approved contact app
Australia is committed to making the country a safer place. Consider downloading the COVIDSafe app onto your phone and use it when you are out in public. COVIDSafe uses technology to help state and territory health officials quickly and effectively identify and contact anyone who may have been recently exposed to COVID-19 (known as “close contacts”).
Information is securely encrypted and stored locally on your phone. The app does not store or use location data. Health officials may only access app information if somebody tests positive and agrees that their information in their phone may be uploaded.
Australia’s COVID-19 restrictions by state and territory — what you can and cannot do
Here are Australia’s state and territory restrictions for New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory.
New South Wales
Can I enter New South Wales from another state?
Travelers may enter New South Wales without restrictions, with the exception of those traveling from an identified affected area. Click here to track affected areas and other rules currently in effect.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are mandatory in indoor public areas and on public transport. Masks must also be worn at all New South Wales airports and on domestic commercial flights into and out of the state.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
Individuals should keep a distance of 1.5 meters between themselves and other people they do not live with. Capacity limits apply to businesses.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes. Venues remain open as long as they observe the one person per two square meters rule; patrons must observe this rule at all times. Diners must provide their name and contact details for contact tracing — this may be done through contactless check-in via scanning the venue’s NSW Government QR Code.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you can travel within New South Wales.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Most businesses, attractions, and entertainment venues remain open to guests as long as capacity limits are maintained and the venue has an adequate COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
For example, the Sydney Opera House, which has been registered as a COVID Safe business by the New South Wales Government, has implemented various safety measures:
- Masks must be worn at all times while inside foyers and theaters, including during a performance
- Visitors must check-in via QR code upon arrival
- Hand sanitizer stations are readily available at frequently-accessed areas
- Regular cleaning of high-touch and high-traffic areas using hospital-grade disinfectant
In public areas such as beaches and national parks, visitors must adhere to social distancing protocols.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the New South Wales state government website.
Queensland
Can I enter Queensland from another state?
Travelers may enter Queensland, with the exception of those traveling from a declared hotspot. Keep track of hotspot activity on the Queensland Government COVID-19 hotspots page.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Wearing a mask is mandatory in airports and on planes. While masks are not mandatory elsewhere, you are encouraged to wear masks on public transport, in taxis, and in places where social distancing is not possible.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
- At outdoor public spaces, there is no limit to the number of people that can gather
- At a private property, gatherings of up to 100 people are now allowed
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes, no capacity limits apply. However, some businesses may collect contact information from patrons for the purpose of contact tracing by using the Check In Qld app.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you can travel within Queensland.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Indoor cinemas, libraries, art galleries, museums, historic sites, concert venues, stadiums, theaters, nightclubs, amusement parks, zoos, and other attractions can reopen with a COVID Safe Plan in place. COVID Safe protocols include industry-approved site-specific plans for businesses whose premises have a wide or complex area, such as theme parks and wildlife parks.
For example, Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast has implemented the following safety measures:
- Guests must now download the Village Roadshow Theme Parks app and load their entry tickets through the app
- Character meet-and-greet sessions and locations have been changed to meet physical distancing requirements
- High-touch points throughout the park now undergo increased sanitization
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane encourages all guests to adhere to social distancing and good hygiene practices, as well as download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app to help with contact tracing. Additionally, guests are required to electronically provide contact information upon arrival via a QR code platform.
Public areas such as parks, beaches, outdoor facilities, off-leash dog areas, playgrounds, gym equipment, and barbecues remain open.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the Queensland state government website.
Victoria
Can I enter Victoria from another state?
You must apply for a permit if you wish to travel into Victoria from anywhere in Australia. You will need to declare which areas in Australia you have been to in order to apply for a permit. The type of permit you receive depends on where you are entering from and the places you have traveled to. Areas are designated different colors according to their risk. Find out more about red, orange, and green permit zones here.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Across Victoria, everyone aged 12 years or older must carry a face mask outside of their home and wear it indoors unless they have a lawful reason not to. In addition to indoor spaces, you must also wear a mask on public transport, when in a taxi or a rideshare vehicle, on domestic flights, and at airports.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
Social distancing in public must be adhered to. Maintain at least 1.5 meters apart from others. Private gatherings at home are permitted for up to 10 visitors per day; outdoor gatherings are permitted for groups up to 30 people.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
You can dine-in at establishments as long as you are fully vaccinated. Operators who are not checking for vaccination statuses can only open for takeaway.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you may travel within Victoria.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Most businesses are allowed to reopen, subject to strict capacity limits. You must be fully vaccinated in order to access most establishments. Click here for more information.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the Victoria state government website.
Western Australia
⚠️ Western Australia is currently under an extended State of Emergency. Restrictions are in place until at least November 19, 2021. This period may be extended depending on the situation. Click here to stay informed of further extensions.
Can I enter Western Australia from another state?
Travelers may enter Western Australia, subject to where they have come from and who they have had contact within the last 14 days prior to travel. They must complete a G2G PASS declaration in advance prior to entry.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Wearing a mask is mandatory in airports and on planes.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
There are no longer any capacity limits.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and food courts are permitted to reopen. Guests must remember to check-in at businesses and venues.
How far can I travel within my state?
Travel within Western Australia is permitted, except to certain remote Aboriginal communities that may be more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Businesses remain open. Guests must remember to check-in at businesses and venues. Many attractions have implemented safety requirements.
For example, Perth Zoo has the following safety regulations in place:
- Mandatory contact tracing applies
- Physical distancing signage for one-way traffic flow and capacity limits in assigned areas
- Increased cleaning throughout the premises with a focus on high-contact surfaces and high-traffic areas
- Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged instead of over-the-counter tickets
Outdoor parks, such as the popular Kings Park, have increased the cleaning schedule of public restrooms. Anyone feeling unwell is encouraged to avoid playgrounds and shops on the premises.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the Western Australia state government website.
South Australia
Can I enter South Australia from another state?
Travelers to South Australia must complete the Cross Border Travel Registration form prior to travel.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are mandatory in certain settings such as at airports and on planes. Click here for more information.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
Venues must not exceed the capacity of one person per two square meters. Capacity limits depend on restriction levels — click here to find out more.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and food courts are permitted to reopen, subject to the one person per two square meter rule within venues. You will be required to use the COVID SAfe Check-In.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you can travel within South Australia. However, there may be temporary restrictions to visiting remote Aboriginal communities.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Businesses and tourist attractions remain open, subject to safety protocols outlined in a COVID-Safe Plan. You will be required to use the COVID SAfe Check-In. Most attractions will have protocols in place to ensure guest safety.
For example, Adelaide Central Market urges its customers to keep the following in mind:
- Use card instead of cash, where possible
- Use bags to pick up produce
- Avoid picking up products that you don’t intend on purchasing
- Nominate one member per household to do the shopping — avoid visiting in groups
South Australia’s iconic holiday island, Kangaroo Island, is also open. Visitors are recommended to adhere to social distancing measures, practice good hygiene, and check-in at venues when asked to do so by business vendors.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the South Australia state government website.
Tasmania
Can I enter Tasmania from another state?
Travelers to Tasmania will need to provide contact and travel details before entering the state. This can be done through Tas e-Travel (if coming from low-risk areas) or G2G PASS submissions (if coming from medium-risk and high-risk areas).
Travelers who have spent time in a high-risk area within the last 14 days prior to travel may not be permitted to enter Tasmania unless approved as an Essential Traveler.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Wearing a mask remains mandatory in certain settings such as in airports and on planes. Click here for more information.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
Capacity limits at gatherings and venues remain at one person per two square meters of available space, with a cap of 250 people for an undivided space in indoor premises and 500 people in outdoor spaces. Where practical, you should maintain a distance of 1.5 meters from others.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes. Guests are reminded to use the Check In Tas app for mandatory contact tracing.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you can travel within Tasmania.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Guests are reminded to use the Check In Tas app for mandatory contact tracing. Many attractions have implemented safety requirements.
For example, the large venue of Salamanca Market has made official entry and exit points for those visiting the premises. Visitors are encouraged not to touch fresh produce and products and to ask traders for help instead. Contactless payments are also highly encouraged, and volunteers have been employed to patrol the market and maintain the safety of both patrons and traders.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the Tasmania state government website.
Northern Territory
Can I enter the Northern Territory from another state?
Travelers to the Northern Territory will need to complete a border entry form. Anyone arriving from an identified active COVID-19 hotspot may not be permitted entry.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are mandatory in situations where physical distancing is not possible. Click here for more information.
Is there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
There are currently no limits, but you are encouraged to maintain physical distancing.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes. Guests are reminded to check-in via the Territory Check In app.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you can travel within the Northern Territory.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Guests are reminded to check-in via the Territory Check In app. Many businesses are committed to ensuring the safety of their visitors.
For example, Alice Springs Desert Park has employed the following safety protocols:
- Added signage at the front entrance and throughout the Desert Park on handwashing, hygiene, and coughing etiquette
- Ensure all public and staff areas are cleaned daily, including toilets, administration areas, and at high-touch points
- Hand sanitizer is made available in key areas across the Desert Park
- Ensure the entry ticketing desk is cleaned every hour, including cash registers, pens, and screens
While national parks, such as Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, remain a safer space for travel due to its nature as an outdoor destination, it is still important to keep social distancing in mind.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the Northern Territory government website.
Australian Capital Territory
Can I enter the Australian Capital Territory from another state?
Travelers may enter the Australian Capital Territory, subject to their vaccination status and if they have been to an identified high-risk area in the last 14 days or an identified exposure location. Click here for more information.
When do I need to wear a mask?
Masks remain mandatory in certain settings in the ACT for those above the age of 12, including on public transportation. Click here for more information.
Are there social distancing and capacity limits for gatherings?
You are encouraged to keep 1.5 meters from other people. There is currently no limit on the number of people permitted at any informal outdoor gatherings, however there may be limits placed on large organized events — click here for more information.
Can I eat at a restaurant, cafe, bar, or food court?
Yes. Do remember to check-in via the Check In CBR app.
How far can I travel within my state?
There are no restrictions on the distance you can travel within the Australian Capital Territory.
Are cinemas, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, galleries, and other attractions open?
Yes. Entertainment venues and attractions remain open as long as they follow the COVID Safety Plan. Do remember to check-in via the Check In CBR app. All businesses must ensure strict safety regulations are in place. These include:
- Ensuring appropriate cleaning and sanitizing practices and supplies are maintained
- Displaying clear signage regarding occupancy allowances at venue entrances
- Complying with contact tracing protocols
- Ensuring appropriate physical distancing measures are in place
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information related to COVID-19 restrictions on the Australian Capital Territory government website.
Know of more protocols that answer the question “is it safe to travel within Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic?” Share them with us.
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