When the clock strikes 11.59 pm tonight, Friday, May 15, Queenslanders will be able to venture a little further away from home. As part of the state's easing of COVID-19 restrictions, folks can travel up to 150 kilometres away from their place of residence for a recreational day trip — and, as just announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning, that now includes visiting Fraser (K'gari), Moreton (Mulgumpin) and North Stradbroke (Minjerribah) islands.
The three islands off the coast of Queensland will welcome back visitors, including anyone who'd like to go driving along the beach — although a permit is still needed for the latter. To make the trek, however, you will still need to live within 150 kilometres of each island. If you reside further away, they'll remain off limits under the stage one restrictions.
The reopening is purely for day trips, with camping not yet allowed — and nor is booking and staying for a night in holiday accommodation. That said, if Queensland's coronavirus case numbers remain low between now and the next school holidays, staying overnight will be permissible when the break rolls around at the end of June, the Premier advised.
Also revealed today: eased restrictions for Queenslanders living in the outback. When stage one of the eased limitations was announced, it included the ability for outback residents to travel 500 kilometre away from home — and now they'll also be to stay overnight as well. That covers staying with family and friends in the area, as well as spending a night or several at paid accommodation in outback regions. "They must remain in those outback areas," the Premier clarified.
To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland