This Is What You Can and Can't Do in NSW from June 1
The state's COVID-related rules are easing again — here's what you need to know.
With COVID-19 testing ramping up in NSW over the past few weeks and new cases numbers dropping — with zero over the 24 hours from May 29–30 — the state is relaxing some more coronavirus-related restrictions from Monday, June 1. Just in time for the upcoming long weekend.
As well as allowing regional travel within NSW, the state's cultural institutions can reopen and getting your nails done is back on the cards, too. Restaurants, bars and cafes are allowed up to 50 customers — and you can go out for just a drink. But there are, of course, some rules.
So, what exactly can you do? We've broken it down.
The below information is correct as of Monday, June 1. We'll update as any new announcements are made.
Can I see my friends and family?
Yes, visiting your friends and family has been considered a valid reason to leave your home since April 28. You're currently allowed up to five visitors in your home, which won't change from June 1. Limits on outdoor gatherings of up to ten people, which include socially distant picnics and yoga sessions, also remain.
Can I have a dinner party?
Yes, you can. At the moment you can have no more than five guests from outside your home, and that number remains.
Shady Pines by Leticia Almeida
What about going out to restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes?
Yep, parmas and pints are have been back on the table since May 15, when venues were allowed to open to up to ten people. From June 1, you can dine — or just drink — at bars, restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, distilleries, breweries and cellar doors, with venues allowed to have up to 50 (!) people as long as that does not exceed the one person per four-square-metre rule.
Venues are also required to take your name and details for possible contact tracing and they are not able to take bookings for groups of more than ten. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has also previously said that all customers must be seated — ie. no leaning on the bar having a pint.
You can check out all the Sydney venues that are reopening for dine-in service over here.
Can I go to the gym?
Indoor gyms, not yet. Outdoor gyms, yes — they reopened on May 15. Outdoor gatherings of up to ten are allowed, so bootcamps and small sporting competitions in a park are OK as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
What other exercise can I do?
Canoeing, kayaking, SUP, rowing, lawns bowls, golfing and surfing are all allowed. Swimming pools — including ocean pools — are open with a maximum of ten people allowed in the pool at each time. But not all pools are open, so check before pulling on your togs.
What about driving to go for a hike or bike ride?
Yes, you're currently allowed to travel to national parks for hiking and other recreational activities. From June 1, you're even allowed to stay the night, too. We'll get to that next.
Mimosa Rocks Destination NSW
Can I go on a holiday to a coastal/regional town?
Yes — and just in time for the Queen's Birthday long weekend, too. With the new eased restrictions from Monday, June 1, there is no limit on the distance you can travel within NSW and overnight stays are permitted. So, Sydneysiders can now book an Airbnb, go camping or spend a night at a caravan park, but, there can be a maximum of ten people at a holiday home and all NSW National Parks campgrounds now require bookings.
Need some inspo? Here are some of our favourite glamping retreats and beachside camping spots in NSW.
What about a trip to the snow?
The NSW ski season is allowed to start from Monday, June 22, with Thredbo planning to open on June 22, followed by Perisher on June 24 and Charlotte Pass on June 26. Unfortunately, Selwyn Snow Resort in Kosciuszko National Park will remain closed due to severe damage caused by this year's devastating bushfires.
On the topic of KNP, the park will be partially closed to visitor's on the long weekend, with no access to the southern part. From June 22, you'll only be able to access the park with a pre-purchased lift ticket or a registered trip intention from from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services.
Expect things to look a little different, though, with restrictions on lessons, equipment hire and the number of people allowed on lifts and T-bars — you can find out more over here.
Or a trip overseas?
Not yet. At the moment Australia's borders are closed, but the Federal Government has flagged the potential of trans-Tasman travel bubble in step three of the Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia — which could happen as early as July.
'And Now' at White Rabbit Gallery by Kimberley Low
Will art galleries and museums be open?
Yep, galleries, museums, libraries, zoos and aquariums are allowed to reopen for one person per four square metres. Most places are now requiring you to sign up for a free (or paid) timed ticket, so check the venue's website before heading in.
What about going to the cinema?
Drive-in cinemas are allowed to operate and there is no limit on the number of cars they can have. Sydney's one drive-in cinema Blacktown's Skyline Drive-In is showing screenings from Thursday–Sunday each week (plus a Monday night session on the Queen's Birthday public holiday, too) — with four flicks playing each night.
Indoor cinemas, however, are currently not allowed to and the NSW Government has not yet announced a date for their reopening.
Can I go shopping?
Yes, you can go shopping. That said, not all shops are open and some have changed their opening hours, so we suggest giving them a call before you head out. The four-square-metre rule apply to all retail spaces, with patrons advised to keep a 1.5-metre distance.
Can I get my nails done?
Yes, nail, beauty, waxing and tanning salons are allowed to open for up to ten customers at a time. As this stage, though, tattoo and massage parlours and spas are only allowed to sell retail goods and gift vouchers, not provide services.
Can I go to church?
Yes, all places of worship are now allowed to open for religious ceremonies of up to 50 people or one person per four square metres. Weddings can also have up to 20 people, in addition to the couple and the celebrant, and funerals can have up to 50 mourners.
If you have more questions, the NSW Government has an extensive list of FAQs on its website.
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: Sierra Escape Mudgee
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