Coronavirus restrictions: Where you can and can't drive to this Easter weekend

The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent restrictions means everyone in Australia is going to be celebrating this Easter long weekend a little differently.

While travelling to your favourite holiday destination is pretty much completely off the cards, there are some legitimate reasons why you can jump in the car this long weekend.

Although it is up to states and territories to enforce the specifics, the general message from police around the country is to use common sense and only leave the house for essential reasons.

Can I drive this weekend?

There is no blanket limit on how far you can drive this weekend, however the purpose for your trip must fit within the scope of what each state and territory deems “essential” and it is advised you don’t travel outside your local area.

Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have all closed their borders, allowing only few exemptions, so interstate travel for the most part is a no-go.

NSW: “You must stay home this Easter to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” NSW Health says, urging people to cancel any travel plans.

NSW Police are not only enforcing double demerits this weekend, but will also be making sure people are only leaving their homes if the activity is “absolutely necessary” and police will be patrolling holiday destinations and campgrounds.

Victoria: Victoria Police will be looking for “bad eggs” this Easter long weekend, cracking down on not just those who break the road rules, but making sure people are only on the roads for the four approved reasons.

“It’s okay to drive to get the essential things you need – what we want to avoid is people going for a drive for the sake of it,” VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said.

Queensland: Non-essential travel is prohibited and police will patrol beaches.

Gold Coast District Officer Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said police would be randomly intercepting vehicles.

Western Australia: The state has now enforced interstate borders and people can only cross them for essential reasons, which restricts travel across WA’s nine regions. The border is patrolled by police, SES and the army.

WA Police are conducting spot checks on people required to self-quarantine, self-isolate and at gatherings.

ACT: The Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Assistant Commissioner Ray Johnson, is urging people to “resist” temptations to carry on with Easter activities, amid the pandemic, advising people to stay at home.

“The message doesn’t change just because it’s a long weekend. Stay home,” he said.

“Unless you need to buy essential items from the shops, if you need medical care, if you’re working, or if you’re going outside to get some exercise.”

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South Australia: “The strong advice, which has been repeated time and time again – is do not undertake any unnecessary travel, particularly across the upcoming Easter period,” Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said.

SA Police will be monitoring state borders and deploying officers to regional areas to “monitor travellers; conduct self-quarantine compliance checks; and enforce public gathering and social distancing rules”.

Northern Territory: Commander Tony Fuller is advising Territorians to stay at home with their immediate family.

“Police will be highly visible over the Easter weekend. If you are fishing in a boat it should only be with the people you are living with,” he said.

“Groups should not be congregating and social distancing must be observed. We are asking people to cooperate, we don’t want to have the hard line approach that is being enforced interstate but that can be enacted should people fail to behave responsibly.

Tasmania: On Thursday, Premier Peter Gutwein said “the period of education is over”.

“Do not be surprised if you face the full front of the law over this [Easter] weekend.”

Helicopters will take to the skies to make sure people aren't travelling unnecessarily and there will be an increased police presence that will patrol the northwest.

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Can I go out of my suburb?

It is advised that all Australians stay home this Easter long weekend, and until social distancing measures are eased. However, you are allowed to leave the house for legitimate reasons, these differ in each state or territory

NSW: In NSW you are allowed to leave your suburb - however, much like leaving your home, it must be for “essential reasons”, like getting groceries.

There is no set limit on how far from your home you can travel, granted it is for essential reasons.

Victoria: While your GP clinic or grocery store may not be within your suburb, VicHealth advise on how far an individual needs to travel depends on individual circumstances, so there is no set limit.

Essentially, you can travel outside your suburb in Victoria if there is a legitimate reason to do so.

Queensland: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said now is the time for Queenslanders to stay within their communities.

“It’s a time for families to stay at home and stay safe and healthy,” she said.

“The last thing we need is people travelling outside their communities unless it’s essential.

Western Australia: When announcing interstate-borders, Premier Mark McGowan stressed the importance of staying local.

“My message to Western Australians is this - stay home, do not travel within WA, and please continue to observe the social distancing rules.”

South Australia: “Non-essential travel means just that – please rethink your holidays,” SA Premier Steven Marshall said.

“As hard as it is, we need to look after our entire community, across the whole state.”

Northern Territory: Instead of venturing out for a camping trip, the Northern Territory Government is advising people to pitch a tent in their backyard.

Travel should only be for essential reasons.

Tasmania: The premier has said helicopters will be on the lookout for people who are travelling unnecessarily, however essential travel is still permitted.

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How far can I go for exercise?

Leaving the house to exercise is a legitimate excuse in each state and territory, although you still must abide by the 1.5 metre distancing, no matter where you go.

In NSW, the ACT, Queensland and Tasmania, there are no specific restrictions on how far you can travel to exercise.

However, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll is calling for people to exercise locally.

"What we're saying is please can you just stay home for these next few weeks. You can still get out and do your exercise, but do it locally,” she said.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said you may only go to a National Park for exercise if you live near one.

“Travelling long distances to go to a National Park is simply not permitted,” she said.

Victoria Health is calling upon residents to use “common sense”, when choosing where they will exercise.

“While it may be necessary to leave your immediate neighbourhood to undertake exercise, we’re asking Victorians – please use common sense and don’t travel any further than you have to,” the website says.

Whereas South Australia and the Northern Territory do not have as strict restrictions on leaving the house and exercising.

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