Wild midnight scenes at Kmart, clubs as Sydney leaves lockdown

Eager Sydneysiders have queued up as the clock struck midnight to get into their favourite clubs and shops overnight.

Well, at least those that opened at 12:01am on Monday to get the jump on NSW's Freedom Day as Greater Sydney enjoys major new freedoms after nearly four months of Covid lockdown.

The state last week hit the mark of 70 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated, triggering the new rules, allowing retail and hospitality venues to open, albeit with some restrictions.

In Western Sydney, eager shoppers filled the carpark at midnight to get into a Kmart store in Blacktown.

Photos posted on Facebook show dozens of locals queuing outside the store in the dark carpark.

"Our lockdown ends in six minutes, I just got to Kmart and you should see how many people are here, it's crazy," remarked one TikTok user who turned out with the crowd.

Clubs were also opening up at midnight with large crowds seen outside the Canterbury League Club as people rushed back to get a taste of normality, and perhaps the odd tap beer or wine.

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In the CBD, the City Tattersalls Club ushered in midnight by popping a champagne bottle out the front as a small crowd of members cheered as they waited to enter.

Some hairdresser businesses in the city also opened at midnight while queues at others swelled after the sun came up.

The somewhat frenzied scenes came as the state recorded 496 new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 on Monday.

According to the state health department's data, more than 90 per cent of those aged over 16 have now had at least one dose of a Covid vaccine.

Having surpassed the 70 per cent double-dose milestone early last week, gyms, cafes, restaurants, pools, shops, hairdressers and beauticians have now reopened while people are allowed to travel more than five kilometres from home.

The state will experience even more freedoms, allowing greater intrastate travel and less restrictions on businesses and gatherings when the state hits 80 per cent fully vaccinated - expected to happen at the end of the month.

While most people are rejoicing, those on the frontlines have shared their apprehension and concern about the days and weeks ahead.

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