Big Lap before Christmas?

The timing's not great, with the super sticky Wet Season about to kick off in Australia's far north, but there's some renewed hope for frustrated caravanners wanting to head off on a 'mini' Lap of the Map before Christmas as COVID-19 state border restrictions start to lift.

Travel across the NSW-Queensland border is back on as of this week, at least for those living in regional areas, with the Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk saying she will consider lifting border restrictions for Sydney and Victorian residents in late-November.

NSW residents are also now able to enter Tasmania, with plans to let Victorians into the Apple Isle by December 1.

With COVID-19 cases under control for the moment in Victoria, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said the border restrictions will end on November 23 allowing Victorians to once again freely cross into NSW, and vice versa.

South Australia is also hoping to re-open the state to all Victorians by mid-November, albeit with a requirement to self-isolate at home (or caravan!) for 14 days.

Currently, Victorians are only allowed to cross into South Australia for 'essential travel' reasons, while travellers from other states and territories can enter as long as they satisfy certain criteria.

Western Australia is also planning to re-open its borders to travellers on November 14, although residents in NSW and Victoria might have to wait a bit longer before getting the chance to tour the Coral Coastline or Margaret River wine region.

While travel to the Northern Territory is currently permitted, those coming directly from coronavirus 'hotspots' including Victoria are required to pay for a 14-day hotel quarantine upon arrival.

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