Around the world, countries are reopening their borders and in some cases even offering free or subsidised travel as a way to entice travellers and their tourist dollars, however, it’s unlikely Australians would be able to venture overseas with the news borders aren’t set to reopen until late 2021.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has this week announced the sobering sentiment that our Australian borders will likely remain shut until late 2021. Speaking to the National Press Club, he said international borders will stay “largely closed off until late next year”, while domestic borders could reopen by December.
Back in July, tourism minister, Simon Birmingham, said tight border restrictions played a large role in Australia’s successful response to the threat of COVID-19, and that the country would be in no rush to reopen borders if it meant compromising on the health of the nation.
“I do sadly think that in terms of open tourist-related travel in or out of Australia, that remains quite some distance off,” Birmingham told the National Press Club. “Just because of the practicalities of the volumes that are involved and the need for us to first and foremost keep putting health first.”
Of course, the prospect of a Trans-Tasman bubble is a much closer reality, and in fact, it could be mere months before Australians are able to venture across the Tasman for a quarantine-free holiday.
From October 16, New Zealanders will be able to visit both NSW and the NT. It’s expected they’ll be able to visit SA next, but so far the deal is one-sided. It will be up tp NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as to when Australians will be given the green light.
We’ll continue to update you on how that plan progresses, but in the meantime, domestic travel within Australia is a great way to stretch those legs and explore our own backyards. Check out the 10 cosiest winter cabins around Australia, and the trending Aussie destinations to get inspired.