The travel bug has been itching so much it's turned into a full-blown rash. Not only did we miss a proper summer last year because of the bushfires, a certain you-know-what decided to throw all of our 2020 holidays plans into the trash, too. But if we get this thing under control, and keep doing the right thing, it’s likely we’ll be able to have some semblance of a summer holiday here in Victoria by the end of the year.
Victorian premier Dan Andrews has announced that from 11.59pm on Sunday, November 8, all Victorians can travel throughout the state for tourism purposes and can book holiday accommodation (with a few rules in place).
We’ve gathered some frequently asked questions about summer travel together and tried our best to provide up-to-date information about your possibilities. But please remember: it’s up to us to keep doing the right thing and stay safe so that we can enjoy ourselves when summer arrives.
When can metro Melbourne travel again?
From 11.59pm on November 8, Melbourne's 'ring of steel' border between it and regional Victoria is removed, as is Melbourne's 25km travel limit. This means you can start booking a well-deserved break and supporting Victoria's great regional cities.
Can regional Victorians visit Melbourne?
Yes, from midnight November 8 (effectively November 9).
Is Airbnb taking bookings right now?
Yes. Keep in mind Airbnb has strict cancellation policies, but more on that below.
Can I book accommodation with friends who I don't live with?
From November 9, accommodation bookings are restricted to:
- only members of a single household, OR
- only intimate partners, OR
- only members of a single household and two adults and any of their dependent children or dependents
Members of separately booked groups can't share bedrooms at a facility.
Is it too soon to book an Airbnb for the Christmas holidays?
This is completely up to you. It’s looking likely that we will be able to travel around the Christmas period IF we stay the course and work hard to make sure we don't see a third wave.
If a third wave hits and we go back into lockdown, will I get my money back?
This depends on where you book and whom you book with. If you’re looking to book an Airbnb, the booking platform recommends finding listings with a flexible cancellation policy (you can search this with a filter on the site so you can only see those bookings). If it’s a campground, caravan park, motel, hotel or otherwise, definitely check with the venue before you confirm your booking.
Can I book a campground in regional Victoria if I live in metro Melbourne?
Holiday accommodation, including campsites, can be booked by all Victorians from November 9. Summer ballots for popular campgrounds haven’t been released yet, but you can sign up to updates on Parks Victoria’s website.
Keep in mind that the same restrictions that apply to all tourist accommodation sites (as outlined above) apply when booking campsites. Check with individual campsites regarding their reopening dates as some, such as the foreshore campgrounds on the Mornington Peninsula, may not be opening for some time.
Can I go interstate?
SOON! NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that the border between NSW and Victoria is set to reopen on November 23. The ACT is expected to follow NSW in allowing travel between Canberra and Victoria on the same date.
Regarding other states:
The Northern Territory is currently accepting tourists from regional Victoria, but is hopeful it will allow Melburnians to visit before Christmas.
Tassie is now accepting visitors from every state except Victoria, but has indicated its borders may reopen to Vic from December 1.
If Victoria's low case numbers continue, Queensland is hopeful that they will reopen to Victoria by Christmas. South Australia has not indicated a date for reopening the border, nor has Western Australia.
Can I go overseas?
No, sadly, this one seems very unlikely. We’ll be sticking to Australian holidays for the remainder of 2020.
What about New Zealand?
The first stage of the trans-Tasman travel bubble we’ve heard so much about includes New Zealanders being able to travel to Australia from October 16. Travellers won’t need to quarantine upon entry in Australia. At this stage, there hasn’t been anything announced about when Australians can travel to New Zealand.
Can I have family over for Christmas?
If we stick to the low case numbers we’re seeing now, we hope the answer is yes. This is obviously the goal we’re all working towards, so depending on what’s announced in the next couple of weeks, this could be a possibility.
Is there a limit on how far I can travel to go to the beach?
Nope, you can (from November 9) travel as far as you like to hit the beach. After the year we’ve all had, we’re all so eager to enjoy this summer the best we can. For now, please do your part and be safe.
If the beach (or park or any other location) is full when you get there, go home or go somewhere else. Wear a mask unless swimming, eating or drinking and treat beach communities with care and respect when visiting.
Any other questions? Head to the Vic Gov website for up-to-date information about Victoria’s roadmap out of restrictions.