Busy weekend ahead for regional Victoria as the state opens up

Melburnians are expected to flock to the regions in droves over the weekend, the first since the "ring of steel" policing coronavirus restrictions was dismantled.

Daylesford Macedon Tourism chief executive officer Steve Wroe told 9news.com.au the area was thrilled to be welcoming back tourism.

"To say this is a huge sense of relief would be an understatement," Mr Wroe said.

READ MORE: Off-duty policeman killed in cycling crash in Victoria

"This has been the toughest time for tourism in a generation, in 30 years people have never seen anything like this."

Mr Wroe said the restrictions easing now has been a blessing at the right time for local businesses who were facing dire futures.

Accommodation is at 98 per cent Mr Wroe said, with bookings strong all the way to Christmas.

The Daylesford Macedon region is known for its gourmet food and wine, nature based activities and wellness spas, all of which are set to be packed with Melbourne visitors over the coming days.

The next few days will resemble a long weekend, with police out in force targeting speeding and drink drivers, mobile phone use while driving and people not wearing seatbelts.

There will be an increased police presence at popular holiday destinations, with an emphasis on areas like Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, The Grampians, Yarra Valley, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and Macedon.

Premier Daniel Andrews encouraged people from the city to head into the regions but implored that it must be done safely.

"Go and enjoy regional Victoria, go and spend in regional Victoria, but you've got to do it in a safe way," Mr Andrews said.

READ MORE: Australian COVID-19 vaccine could be available to Australians by July 2021

"I don't want this weekend to be one of only a few weekends where people have that freedom, I want it to be part of that COVID-normal."

Victoria recorded no new cases or deaths the 14th consecutive day today, but the premier did not ease restrictions further despite the roadmap indicating once Victoria reached 14 days of zero cases, the state could move to the 'last step'.

"There is just too much at stake to rush out of this," the premier said.

"This had seeded into our community like no other. You can't run, you can't sprint to COVID normal. It has to be done in a safe and steady way."

Victoria's re-opening comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today all state borders except Western Australia would be open by Christmas.

"The plan importantly embeds public health metrics in ensuring that when Australia opens safely that it remains open safely, and that is incredibly important," Mr Morrison said.