COVID-19 SOUTH AUSTRALIA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS and RECOVERY
This information is accurate as at 9am Friday 29 May 2020. We will be updating this page regularly if and when advice changes. For the most accurate health and safety information, please refer to SA Health and South Australian Police.
On Friday 8 May, The South Australian Premier and Chief Health Officer announced the ease of COVID-19 travel restrictions within South Australia. This means South Australian regions can safely welcome visitors again. In this announcement the following travel specific restrictions have been lifted:
- Regional Travel is now encouraged
- Cafes and restaurants are permitted to seat up to 20 patrons (10 indoor and 10 outdoor) and can sell alcohol to diners
- Swimming pools are now allowed to re-open
- Campgrounds and caravan parks are open
To navigate what these easing of restrictions looks like for travel within South Australia here are some frequently asked questions about what travel you can do.
1. HOW FAR CAN I TRAVEL IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
COVID-19 travel restrictions in South Australia have recently been eased. Responsible road tripping to familiar, nearby regions for day trips or short overnight stays is now allowed. You can travel to regions, but social distancing practices should still be observed.
When visiting South Australia’s beautiful regions, think about going with ‘empty eskies’ and support the region by buying local. Drop into a local farm gate, stock up on artisan cheese, wine and charcuterie or buy take-away for a picnic in nature. This will help the regional economies rebuild from the challenging COVID-19 closures. Paying with tap-and-go instead of cash is advised.
2. CAN I DINE OUT NOW AT A RESTAURANT, CAFE AND BAR?
A maximum of 20 diners (10 inside and 10 outside) are now allowed at cafes and restaurants and patrons are also now allowed to order alcohol. Some cafes and restaurants may still not be open with these new permissions due to having different trading licences or operational viability, so if you're in doubt, please call ahead or check the venue's website or social media.
From 1 June, some pubs (based on licencing), bars restaurants, and cafes will be able to admit up to 80 people provided they can contain patrons to groups of 20 in the business. Pubs will be able to serve alcohol without food but to seated patrons only. Social distancing rules of one person per four square metres will remain in place. If you're unsure, give the pub or restaurant a call and they will be able to clarify how they are operating in light of these new ease of restrictions.
3. CAN I TRAVEL TO VISIT FAMILY?
Yes, you can travel to visit family and friends both locally, and those who live in regions of South Australia, provided that the number of people gathering does not exceed 10 people and the social distancing principles of 1.5 metres applies.
4. CAN I TRAVEL TO NATIONAL PARKS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
Yes. You can visit a park in your neighbourhood or further afield now that travel restrictions have been lifted. South Australia’s parks and open spaces provide opportunities to stay active and healthy, while social distancing in nature.
For a comprehensive list of which parks are open and accessible, visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website and check out our guide to the top ten national parks near Adelaide.
5. CAN I GO CAMPING?
Yes. Camping is now once again a thing to be enjoyed in South Australia’s designated campgrounds and parks across the State. Here’s our tips on 7 of the best camping spots in South Australia, or if you like a little more style, then consider this list of some of the best glamping spots around South Australia. Plan on taking your pooch? Here's our guide to dog friendly camping sites in South Australia.
6. CAN I GO TO A CARAVAN PARK?
Yes. This is great news for those who love travelling the open road and camping in one of South Australia’s many caravan parks. Be sure to call ahead to your destination as each caravan park may be approaching the travel restrictions differently. From Big4 to Discovery Parks and everything in between, now is the perfect time to book a small getaway.
7. IF I HAVE A HOLIDAY HOME, CAN I USE IT? CAN I BOOK A HOLIDAY HOME FOR MY FAMILY?
Yes. With the easing of restrictions, and travel to regions now permitted, it’s time to for a much-needed trip to your holiday home. Alternatively, you can book a night or two with Stayz, AirBnb, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Station Stays or directly with our accommodation operators. Given we have all spent a lot of time at home in the successful fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 in South Australia, it’s definitely time to think about a reward, and to get out an explore our amazing backyard!
8. IF I TRAVEL TO ONE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S REGIONS RIGHT NOW WHAT WILL BE OPEN?
With the COVID-19 travel restrictions that have just been lifted, you’ll be able to enjoy South Australia’s nature near and far. Hiking, biking, fishing, camping, kayaking, 4WD-ing, golfing are all possible and all our regions offer vastly different landscapes to enjoy these activities. Most cellar doors, farm gates, breweries and restaurants are providing takeaway so you can enjoy a picnic with local produce. Some tours and experiences are still on pause, but if you’re unsure, call ahead and check directly with the tourism operator.
9. DO I HAVE TO SELF-QUARANTINE WHEN RETURNING HOME FROM OTHER SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONS?
No, you are not required to self-quarantine when returning home from a South Australian region.
10. CAN I TRAVEL WITHIN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IF I AM FEELING UNWELL?
No. If you are feeling unwell you should stay home. To maintain the flattened curve we’ve achieved in South Australia, it’s important that you remain vigilant and cautious. If you’re feeling unwell, stay home and, if required, get tested.
11. Can I fly to South Australia right now?
No, South Australia's borders are closed until further notice. Airlines including Qantas are consulting closely with the Federal and South Australian Government to safely recommence domestic, commercial flights when the time is right and are implementing measures to reduce health and safety risks and minimise the spread of COVID-19.
12. CAN I TRAVEL INTERSTATE BY CAR?
No. Any non-essential travel to other Australian states is not permitted with strict border restrictions still in place.
The South Australian Government has not yet re-opened South Australia’s borders. This requires all people entering South Australia to self-isolate for 14-days from their arrival. SA Police are conducting periodic checks on people who have returned from interstate to ensure they are complying with the mandatory 14 days of self-quarantine.
Specific detail about the responsibilities of interstate travellers can be downloaded here.
13. WHEN WILL PUBS, RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CELLAR DOORS RE-OPEN?
From 1 June, some pubs (based on licencing), bars, restaurants and cafes will be able to admit up to 80 people provided they can contain patrons to groups of 20 in the business. Pubs will be able to serve alcohol without food but to seated patrons only. Social distancing rules of one person per four square metres will remain in place. If you're unsure, give the pub or restaurant a call and they will be able to clarify how they are operating in light of these new ease of restrictions.
14. HOW ARE BUSINESSES ENSURING THEY ARE CLEANING EFFECTIVELY POST COVID-19?
South Australia's tourism businesses are being encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Clean Practicing Business Model so you can feel confident that everything is being done to sanitise effectively. The training includes staff training, hygiene/cleaning materials, how to clean thoroughly, daily/weekly/annual checklists and how to create a risk register. With zero cases in South Australia businesses are keen to continue to promote best practice so you can you can be confident that your accommodation, dining and tour experiences are safe and accredited.
To keep up to date with essential information regarding COVID-19 in South Australia, please visit sa.gov.au/covid-19 and to start planning your next getaway, visit our post COVID-19 travel recommendations.