Regional Victorians wake to new freedoms as Melburnians face hefty fines for trying to leave

Attempting to cross into regional Victoria from Melbourne is three times more expensive from this morning.

Anyone trying to leave Melbourne without a reasonable reason will now be fined $4957.

Those valid reasons include work, medical services, care or compassionate care or if your intimate partner lives there.

LIVE UPDATES: RESTRICTIONS EASE IN QUEENSLAND AFTER NO NEW VIRUS CASES

With regional Victoria today waking to the first day of eased restrictions, "failing to stay in a restricted area" becomes a criminal offence for Melburnians trying to leave the city limits and the original fine of $1652 is tripled.

Seven permanent checkpoints will be reinforced on major freeways.

Highway patrol officers will bolster back roads.

Police will also step up checks on buses and trains, targeting anyone trying to hop a ride out of the city.

READ MORE: Major fines for Melburnians who break rules to visit regional Victoria

"They'd love to have visitors, but they love being virus free a lot more," Premier Daniel Andrews said yesterday.

"If you're not from regional Victoria, then you should not be at the pub," Mr Andrews said.

Restrictions across regional Victoria have now eased, with residents there allowed to leave their homes whenever they want to.

Outdoor gathering limits will increase to 10 people and five visitors will be allowed in homes as long as they are from a nominated household.

Retail will be expanded to include personal services such as beauty parlours and hairdressing.

Indoor venues can open with a cap of 10 seated patrons per space, while at outdoor venues, there will be a cap of 50 seated patrons per space.

Schools will open up for Term 4 through a staggered start, while weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, community sport and real estate auctions can also resume – with strict limits in place.