Lockdown lifted! Life returns to normal as restrictions are finally relaxed in the Northern Territory - but you won't be able to holiday there any time soon
- Northern Territory residents were allowed to enjoy the outdoors again on Friday
- People were seen swimming, fishing and having a picnic with friends in the sun
- The Northern Territory have become the first to relax self-isolation restrictions
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Residents of the Northern Territory have become the envy of Australia as they flocked outdoors under relaxed restrictions.
The Northern Territory government announced on Thursday it would be lifting restrictions after it recorded three weeks without a new coronavirus infection.
On Friday cheerful residents were seen embracing their freedom by swimming at the local pool and having a picnic with friends as they were allowed to indulge in non-essential activities for the first time in months.
However, anyone thinking of escaping the strict restrictions elsewhere in the country by flocking to the area will have to wait, as Chief Minister Michael Gunner says the border restrictions will be the last measure to be lifted.
Residents of the Northern Territory embraced the outdoors as the local government eased restrictions. Pictured is Gunn Point Beach on the outskirts of Darwin
Locals lined up to go camping at Gunn Point Beach as they took to the sand with their 4WDs in huge numbers
People were seen walking their dogs and hanging out with friends as they were allowed to indulge in non-essential activities for the first time in months
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner says the border restrictions will be the last measure to be lifted. Pictured is a local at Gunn Point Beach
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'We are the safest place in the country right now and I will do whatever it takes to keep it that way,' Mr Gunner said.
'It is a business-before-borders plan. We can do all these things before everyone else because our borders are staying shut.
'The whole idea is to get our lives back as close to normal as possible without putting you at risk and without putting some of Australia's most vulnerable at risk.'
Internal borders surrounding remote regional communities designed to protect many vulnerable indigenous people are set to remain closed until June 18 with Mr Gunner noting that it was important that they were protected.
A P-plater was seen amongst other locals in a mad dash to set up camp at Gunn Point Beach
A family played together in the shallow surf as they enjoyed the cool breeze and evening sun
Cars loaded with camping gear drove through the sand to find an unoccupied space
The Northern Territory was able to lift its restrictions after not recording a single new case of coronavirus for three weeks
Residents were more than happy with the relaxed restrictions and made the most of the warm weather on Friday as many took to Gunn Point Beach with their 4WDs and dirt bikes to enjoy the sand and sunshine.
A group of women were spotted having a picnic on a grass area at the Nightcliff foreshore, in northern Darwin as they enjoyed the perfect weather.
A man was seen fishing off the rocks at the beach while enjoying the gentle breeze off the coast after it was previously declared a non-essential activity.
Restrictions on the number of guest at weddings and funerals were removed on Friday while restaurants, cafes and bars are set to reopen from May 15.
A group of women were seen enjoying a picnic for the first time in months at Nightcliff, in northern Darwin
While they were allowed to enjoy outdoor activities all residents are still required to keep a distance of 1.5 metres apart
A man was seen fishing off the rocks at Nightcliff after it was previously deemed a non-essential activity
Pools and parks were also officially reopened but residents are still required to maintain social distancing rules by staying 1.5 metres apart.
Fishing, golf and tennis are all also allowed again, and open house inspections will begin on Saturday.
Galleries, museums, gyms and beauty parlours will also open then, but facials won't be allowed until June 5.
The Northern Territory was the second state or territory to lock down its borders after Tasmania when coronavirus first broke out across Australia.
Pools and parks were also opened on Friday to the delight of Darwin residents. Pictured is Nightcliff Swimming Pool in Darwin
Galleries, museums, gyms and beauty parlours will also on Saturday. Pictured is a group of men at Nightcliff foreshore in Darwin
Restrictions on the number of guest at weddings and funerals were removed on Friday while restaurants, cafes and bars are set to reopen from May 15. Pictured is a man at Nightcliff Swimming Pool in Darwin
On Friday Scott Morrison brought forward a National Cabinet meeting to decide lock-down restrictions to May 8 due to Australia's low coronavirus numbers.
Mr Morrison did not specify what restrictions would be eased but said the meeting would discuss 'how conditions can be eased' - rather than whether they can be eased.'
'Australians deserve an early mark for the work that they have done,' he said.
Coronavirus restrictions will be relaxed from next Friday after Scott Morrison (pictured) brought forward the date because the infection rate is so low
The Prime Minister said 11 out of 15 conditions have been met already - but urged more Australians to download the contract tracing app COVIDSafe.
'Downloading the app is the main obstacle now,' he said.
'We need that tool so we can open the economy. So if you haven't downloaded the app yet, download it.'
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