Everything you need to know about travelling in regional New South Wales in COVID-19
With New South Wales' state premier Gladys Berejiklian's announcement this week of NSW's path to freedom from lockdown comes the million-dollar question: When can we travel again?
Although international COVID-19 vaccine passports are understood to be issued next month, international travel will not resume until Australia hits the 80 per cent vaccination rate, which could happen in November. Border bubbles also still exist between states at the time being.
In the meantime, here is everything you need to know about travelling throughout regional NSW under the new COVID-19 restrictions.
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced NSW's path to freedom yesterday, including updated travel restrictions. Dominic Lorrimer
NSW lockdown travel restrictions
Per NSW Health, stay at home orders are currently still in place for everyone in the Greater Sydney area, including the Blue Mountains and Wollongong local government areas — this includes anyone who has been in Greater Sydney in the last 14 days, for any reason.
Low-risk regional areas are set to be released from stay-at-home orders from Saturday September 11, which means some caravan parks and camping grounds can open in select areas of regional NSW, and carpooling will be permitted.
Residents of regional NSW, however, are still advised not to enter Greater Sydney without a reasonable excuse, and vice versa for Greater Sydney residents.
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Travelling across regional NSW, including to Mudgee (pictured), will resume once the 70 per cent double-dose target is reached. Destination NSW
When can I travel to regional NSW?
The exact timing of the stay-at-home orders lifting is unclear, although Berejiklian confirmed the Monday after NSW passes the targeted double-dosed vaccination rate of 70 per cent in adults, stay-at-home orders for adults that have received both vaccine doses will be lifted.
Once the target has been reached, domestic travel, including travel around regional NSW, will be allowed.
Caravan and camping parks and camping grounds state-wide will also be opened, and carpooling will be permitted.
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The Blue Mountains is ideal for Sydneysiders looking for a quick getaway. Supplied
The best regional NSW travel ideas
Depending on the length of your trip and when, exactly, residents of NSW are allowed to travel, the best regional NSW travel destinations could be anywhere.
For Sydneysiders looking for a quick family trip, the bushwalking trails of the Blue Mountains are ideal.
Those looking for some sun and sand, however, should head to Shoalhaven, Byron Bay or Batemans Bay, or, if you're looking for a road trip, venture to the country towns along Australia's longest river with the Mighty Murray River Drive, or Rainforest Way if adventuring north is your idea of paradise.
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Wagga Wagga is ideal for family-friendly holidays in regional NSW, with Wagga Beach (pictured) once being named one of the top 20 beaches in Australia. Jackie Cooper/City of Wagga Wagga
Camping and caravanning ideas for regional NSW
With summer's arrival coinciding with the potential reopening of camping grounds and caravan parks, families and outdoor-lovers alike have all the more reason to flock to regional NSW and enjoy nature's surrounds.
Mudgee is an ideal family-friendly destination in regional NSW as much as for adults-only getaways, with a range of options on offer for a variety of budgets.
Those with young children would enjoy a stay at BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park alongside an adventure through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, with Mudgee's cellar doors offering the perfect hideaway for adults.
Wagga Wagga is another ideal locale, with many stops nearby steeped in history and Wagga Beach open for exploration.
A must-do for families is a stay at Tumbarumba Caravan Park, a short walk from the historic gold rush town centre with a picturesque view of Tumbarumba Creek.
Summer in the Snowy Mountains is also a must, especially for those looking to get active on holiday — Mount Kosciuszko is ready for a hike, with nearby Jindabyne's Discovery Park waiting for you to rest your head.
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The Snowy Mountains is ideal for hiking or mountain biking in the summer. Facebook / Snowy Mountains
Booking a trip to regional NSW
When it comes to cementing your plans, there is still the element of uncertainty as to the exact time-frame that regional travel across NSW will be permitted — and with Christmas coming up, this is less than ideal.
Thankfully, most accommodation providers offer somewhat flexible COVID-19 policies. Each accommodation provider, however, has a different cancellation policy.
When it comes to Airbnb, the service is still taking bookings, however, its Extenuating Circumstances Policy regarding cancellation only applies to bookings made before an event beyond a guest's control — for example, changes to government travel restrictions — occurs. When applicable, guests can get a cash refund, travel credit or other consideration depending on the circumstances.
As for flight providers, it depends on the company. Qantas and Virgin, however, currently have unreal sales on fares around Australia with extended booking times to account for any changes to COVID-19 restrictions. Both sales end at midnight on Friday September 10.
Important note regarding COVID-19 and travel: Before booking, travellers should consult the latest government restrictions for the area in which they wish to travel. Travellers should be mindful that government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between booking and travel.
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