Can We Still Travel Within NSW? COVID Restrictions Explained

Is travel within NSW banned? What is 'non-essential' travel during the COVID-19 pandemic? Where can you still go in NSW during the January holidays? These and many other travel-related questions are making the rounds as Sydney weathers the second-wave storm that is COVID-19.

You'll probably all remember how strict the travel restrictions were a few months back when we experienced our first official lockdown. Well, COVID-19 is the gift that keeps on giving in 2021 as we now face similar travel restrictions across NSW although not quite as harsh or widespread. Travel overseas is of course still off the cards, but if you were planning on taking a Sunday drive to a popular NSW destination, visiting relatives a few hours away, or have booked an awesome Airbnb, the news is not all that bad.

Here's where we can still go in NSW in January 2021.

Travelling Within NSW - Greater Sydney Region

All residents of the Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains), Central Coast and Wollongong are encouraged to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel, however, if you have previously booked a holiday home or short-term rental you can still honour that booking. 

Holiday Homes 

You can still go on that mini-break! Holiday homes and short-term rentals are permitted for a maximum of 10 people. If you booked your holiday home for more than 10 people before Monday 21 December 2020, you can still honour your booking with more than 10 people. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the 10 people rule. 

Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is now open after temporarily closing on 21 December, unfortunately, the reopening to visitors does not include residents of Sydney. Current visitation restrictions to Jervis Bay Territory mean that visitors from the Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong Local Government Areas will not be permitted to enter the Jervis Bay Territory, including the park until further notice.

Travelling Within NSW - The Northern Beaches

Until recently, the Northern Zone of the Northern Beaches (North Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Warriewood and further north) was in lockdown, but this restriction was lifted on Sunday 10 January. From 10 January, all Northern Beaches residents are given the same restrictions as Greater Sydney and are allowed to travel to a certain degree within Sydney and NSW. Like residents of Greater Sydney, the Northern Beaches residents are encouraged to stay home unless travelling for essential reasons, including food shopping, donating blood, travelling for work, undertaking legal obligations, exercising, and seeking medical attention.

Visitors Allowed At A Residence

If you do visit friends or family, remember that only 10 visitors are allowed in an indoor residence at one time and that includes children. 

Stay Informed

A lot of Sydney venues, National Parks, and community beaches and playgrounds have individual restrictions in place, so it's essential to check on your destination before hitting the road these school holidays. Visit the Healthdirect or NSW Government websites for more information on COVID-19 restrictions.

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