Covid Virus Updates
AABH is an agent for the tour services provided and as such, we would be bound by the cancellation charges imposed by the suppliers.
“It is strongly recommended that at the time of booking you consider purchasing travel Insurance appropriate to your needs, including coverage for COVID-19. Australian and Beyond Holidays accepts no responsibility for loss or out of pocket expenses incurred due to no or insufficient insurance coverage. It is our recommendation that you discuss this with your agent at time of booking.
Cancellations within the cancellation charge period, as a result of COVID-19 infection will be charged in full as per the cancellation policy. In the case of cancellation due to COVID-19 infection, as an agent, AABH will work with service providers to reduce or waive applicable charges as a special consideration, but suppliers are not under any obligation to waive charges and refund for unused services.”
21 April 2022
With most Covid restrictions removed in Australia we will no longer be updating this page. It is a great history of where we have come from in relation to the pandemic. For entry requirements check Australian government websites such as the link below.
18 Feb
WA Border to open 3 March for triple vaccinated visitors.
8 Feb Australian International Border to Open 21 Feb (Excluding Western Australia currently closed indefinitely)
Thrilling news to hear the PM’s announcement yesterday that Australia is reopening its borders to quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated travellers from 21 February 2022.
Please see the official government statement here.
To help you navigate this new news, we wanted to take the opportunity to update you on this most significant step for the reopening of Australian tourism to the world.
- From 21 February 2022, Australia will welcome fully vaccinated visa holders, enabling the return of leisure visitors, business travellers, and other visitors to Australia from this date. Travellers who are fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine, will not have to quarantine on arrival. However, please note that some states and territories have specific requirements for visitors arriving from overseas so please refer to the latest advice for more details.
- Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.
- There are also several important pre departure requirements for international visitors travelling to Australia, further details of which are available on the Department of House Affairs website here.
1 Feb
Pathway to reopening
With more than 88 per cent of Australia’s adult population now fully vaccinated, travel and border restrictions are easing for travellers who are fully vaccinated as part of Australia’s step-by-step safe reopening to the world.
Fully vaccinated travellers from Japan and the Republic of Korea are now able to visit Australia with quarantine-free travel arrangements on arrival, starting from 15 December 2021. This follows similar arrangements put in place in November last year for travellers from Singapore and New Zealand.
Quarantine free travel to Australia has also been extended to eligible Working Holiday Makers (subclass 417 and 462 visa holders) as well as international students, without needing to apply for a travel exemption.
The Australian Government has also announced that Working Holiday Makers who arrive in Australia from 19 January 2022 to 19 April 2022 can apply for a refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) with details available on the Home Affairs website.
In other news, Western Australia’s remains closed Indefinatley Safe Transition Plan, which included a full border opening from 5 February 2022, will be delayed indefinitely
due to the ongoing unknown impacts of Omicron variant outbreaks while the Queensland Government has announced an easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated international arrivals, who will be able to enter Queensland without needing to quarantine from 22 January 2022 as they state reaches 90 per cent vaccinations rates.
In terms of domestic travel within Australia, many domestic border and other restrictions have lifted since December however travellers are urged to stay up-to-date with the latest information as the situation can change quickly.
21 Jan
Western Australian government has announced the state will continue to be closed indefinitely for entry for anyone. Check the local health websites below.
International Border Restrictions incoming to Australia
- For all updates Check the links below.The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click HereFor Up to date border restriction information Click HereCurrently WA closed all, and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click HereA domestic travel planing tool from the Sydney Morning Herald
14 Jan
Qld Border to completely open for domestic travellers from 15 Jan
7 Jan
Rules for international customers entering NSW
Check for regular updates from the official government websites who’s links are below
31 December 2021
PCR Testing to end for international travellers to NSW
All Australian states have changed their definition of Covid case classification with the exception of NT and WA
QLD no longer requires PCR test for entry or on day 5 from 01 Jan
NSW announces that PCR testing will not be required for returning vaccinated, negative pre departure international travellers.
See official updates below for details as changes occur.
International Border Restrictions incoming to Australia
- QLD border to open next month December however there are still restrictions and testing to enter.For all updates Check the links below.The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click HereFor Up to date border restriction information Click HereCurrently WA and QLD remain largely closed to most of East Coast Australia and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click Here
22 December
A domestic travel planing tool from the Sydney Morning Herald
Check the links below for changes
13 December
QLD border now open for arrivals from NSW and Vic. Travellers will need to apply for a pass as well as have a negative covid test for entry as well as follow up testing after 5 days.
All international arrivals are required to quarantine still
Check official links below for full updates as rules can change quickly
6 December
QLD will open its domestic border to fully vaccinated Australians with negative test on 13 December
WA has implemented stronger border restrictions with SA
Check all border updates from the official sites below as they change constantly
International Border Restrictions incoming to Australia
- QLD border to open next month December however there are still restrictions and testing to enter.For all updates Check the links below.The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click HereFor Up to date border restriction information Click HereCurrently WA and QLD remain largely closed to most of East Coast Australia and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click Here
26 November
International Border Restrictions incoming to Australia
The Sth Australian Border has opened to Travellers from Victoria and NSW see links below for up to date details.
23 November
- QLD border to open next month December however there are still restrictions and testing to enter.For all updates Check the links below.The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click HereFor Up to date border restriction information Click HereCurrently WA and QLD remain largely closed to most of East Coast Australia and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click Here
5 November
QLD Border anticipated to open domestically 17 December 2021 (for Vaccinated Travellers)
NSW and Victoria Borders now open to each other (for Vaccinated Travellers)
WA will be closed till Feb 2022 at this stage
For all updates Check the links below.
The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click Here
For Up to date border restriction information Click Here
Currently WA and QLD remain largely closed to most of East Coast Australia and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click Here
23 October
Most Australian States have announced domestic border reopening plans with the exception of WA . International access has also been released for Vic, NSW and possibly QLD in the near future before Christmas.
Please check the links below for details as rules change rapidly.
16 October
Victoria to open its border with NSW from 20 October subject to travellers having negative covid test. See links below for details.
The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click Here
For Up to date border restriction information Click Here
Currently WA and QLD remain largely closed to most of East Coast Australia and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click Here
15 October
Sydney Opens to the International Market 01 November
5 October
The Australian Government has confirmed it international reopening plan for the Australian borders for more information Click Here
For Up to date border restriction information Click Here
Currently WA and QLD remain largely closed to most of East Coast Australia and for more information see the links below . For WA borders rules change with little notice and for WA restrictions Click Here
26 August
By way of update East Coast Australia lockdowns continue. Check the links below for updates. QLD has closed its borders tighter an WA has its own system and basically has a new extreme rating for NSW.
12 August
With much of east coast Australia in lockdown restrictions are constantly changing keep checking the links for updates. Western Australia is the most complex and most restricted state so we have set up a clearer direct link below .
23 July
New Zealand Trans Tasman Pause
For all other Australian Updates
22 July
QLD to close border to all of NSW including regional areas not impacted by Covid from tomorrow at 1 AM. Check the border link below for more updates. (some exemptions apply to border regions)
21 July
Recent cases of Covid have been found in NSW, VIC, SA, and QLD the changes have resulted in some border restrictions and closures
For all updates on Australian state restrictions see this link “Australian Borders Link”
for some additional media coverage see below.
Latest press updates including New Zealand
Rail Cancellations
For any one booked on the Ghan or other Journey Beyond services see below for details.
Our team are currently working through all bookings and ask you please check the below dates to advise your affected clients of these suspensions.
The Ghan – suspended services
Wednesday 21st July Darwin – Alice Springs – Adelaide
Wednesday 21st July Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Saturday 24th July Darwin – Alice Springs – Adelaide
Sunday 25th July Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Wednesday 28th July Darwin – Alice Springs – Adelaide
Whilst current advice states that South Australia will enter into a 7 day lockdown from 6pm this evening, if the restrictions are lifted early we hope to begin operation again. Therefore, we are suspending the above departures and will reassess the below departures on Friday 23rd July.
Wednesday 28th July Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Saturday 31st July Darwin – Alice Springs – Adelaide
Indian Pacific – suspended services
Wednesday 21st July Sydney – Adelaide – Perth
Sunday 25th July Perth – Adelaide – Sydney
Wednesday 28th July Sydney – Adelaide – Perth
Sunday 1st August Perth – Adelaide – Sydney
Wednesday 4th August Sydney – Adelaide – Perth
Sunday 8th August Perth – Adelaide – Sydney
Wednesday 11th August Sydney – Adelaide
We are hopeful the Indian Pacific will resume services for the below departures however, we will be closely monitoring the situation and providing further details soon.
Thursday 12th August Adelaide – Perth
Sunday 15th August Perth – Adelaide
The Overland – suspended services
Thursday 22nd July Adelaide – Melbourne
Friday 23rd July Melbourne – Adelaide
Sunday 25th July Adelaide – Melbourne
Monday 26th July Melbourne – Adelaide
Thursday 29th July Adelaide – Melbourne
Friday 30th July Melbourne – Adelaide
The Overland is scheduled to resume for the below departures.
Sunday 1st August Adelaide – Melbourne
Monday 2nd August Melbourne Adelaide
Thursday 5th August Adelaide – Melbourne
Friday 6th August Melbourne – Adelaide
We understand how devastating these announcements are to the travel industry and your clients. If you have any affected bookings, we will issue you with a Future Travel Credit so you can re-book your clients up to 31 December 2022.
12 July
The recent Covid outbreak has prompted Victoria to Close its border with NSW / ACT and South Australia to close for travellers from NSW however for updated information from the source use the following link “Australian Borders Link”
7 July
NSW Government has extended its stay at home orders for Metro Sydney for another week till 16 July 2021. Check the “Australian Borders link” below as many states have their own classification systems.
30 June
NSW introduces border passes for some states check the NSW website for updates and the link below for updates for each state.
29 June
Keep your eye open for changing travel conditions, especially , WA and QLD. QLD had gone into lockdown for certain areas today. Tas has implemented border restrictions from 6pm for QLD. Check the Australian Borders Link below for up to the minute information.
28 June
There are restrictions across most states of Australia currently some imposing border restrictions as well as quarantine requirements for people who have already traveled to some destinations. for up to date information check the link below or state websites directly
23 June
Restrictions now in Place for all states and territories relating to NSW please check the link below for updates
Victoria restricts entry for some NSW residents
SA / WA advises new restrictions for Travellers from NSW
QLD Lifts restrictions for Victorians to travel to that state and introduces restrictions from some local government areas in NSW
Check relevant websites as Victoria and QLD change their requirements regularly. Also some border passes are required to be applied for in advance of travel dates
Update from Hamilton Island
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22 June
NZ pauses its travel bubble with NSW
NZ Resumes Travel Bubble with VIC
18 June
Please check the website below for updates
QLD Introduces travel declaration for All Interstate travellers
The advice below is from Hamilton Island
Please note the following ongoing requirements announced by the Queensland Government today for those travelling to Queensland until advised otherwise.
New Queensland Travel Declaration Pass required from this Saturday 19 June
The Queensland Government has announced today that no matter where you are travelling from in Australia, guests will need to complete a Queensland Travel Declaration to be able to enter Queensland. This comes into effect from 1am Saturday 19 June 2021.
Queensland Police presence at the Hamilton Island Airport
There will be a Queensland Police presence at Hamilton Island Airport, checking all arrivals for Queensland Travel Declaration Passes from this Saturday 19 June.
A reminder about COVID hotspots and Interstate Exposure Venues
If guests been in a COVID hotspot in the last 14 days they cannot travel to Hamilton Island. You also need to check the Interstate Exposure Venues as in some cases this may also impact ability to travel. If you have guests due to travel with an upcoming booking from a declared hotspot or specific exposure venue, please call our trade reservations to discuss travel options (137 333)
Please check the Queensland Government website first
Please make sure to check the Queensland Government website for a handy list of FAQs and a link to the Queensland Declaration Form.
27 May
New Restrictions have been announced in borders and many states are now closing their borders for Victorian travellers please check the “Australian Borders Link“
Victorian Press Update Sydney Morning Herald
25 May
There have been new cases of Covid19 in the community in Victoria which have promoted new restrictions from other states in particular Victoria check the Australian Borders link below for more details.
07 April
For Australian domestic borders please use this link to keep updated with changes
The Trans Tasman “travel bubble” opens 19 April
Travel on or after 19 April 2021
Be prepared for COVID-19 to disrupt your travel
While it’s currently safe to travel without quarantine, this could change very quickly. The New Zealand Government advises all travellers that an outbreak of COVID-19 could cause a change to the conditions you’re travelling under. This could mean you may not be able to travel on the date you’ve booked. By travelling at this time, you’re accepting that it’ll be your responsibility to manage any COVID-19 related travel disruption and associated costs. Ensure you check the terms and conditions of your tickets and travel insurance.
Quarantine-free travel to Australia from New Zealand
Being able to undertake quarantine free travel between New Zealand and Australia is an important step back towards normal. But we are not yet back at normal.
Eligibility to travel
To be eligible to travel to Australia quarantine-free you must meet Australian requirements https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
All travellers into Australia are required to present at check-in an Australian Travel DeclarationOpens external site in a new window confirming that you’ve been in New Zealand 14 days before your date of departure and haven’t been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hotspot.
Plus, if you’re arriving into Sydney from New Zealand, you’ll also need to complete the New South Wales Government New Zealand arrival declaration form if arriving into NSW or Other states arrival form if arriving into another Australian state within 24 hours of your arrival into Australia. You’ll be required to show a copy of your confirmation email on arrival, and this can be either a paper copy, screenshot of the confirmation, or the email.
Before you travel, remember to:
check for any restrictions in the locations you intend to travel to, and
register your travel on safetravel.govt.nz but note that Government assistance is unlikely to be available.
Crossing the border
29 March
With some Covid cases in Brisbane over the weekend there have been some restrictions on travellers from the impacted areas in Brisbane
Please check the link below for updates
15 Feb
Following an outbreak in Victoria there are border restriction to all states except NSW
For more official updates see the link below
01 Feb
WA goes in to lockdown for a week from today and travel is restricted to and from WA for most states.
QLD Opens borders for all states except WA
Vic has its own system but has opened to all except the Sydney LGA area of Cumberland (Check below for details)
Check the link below as many states are unpredictable in relation to their border restrictions
28 Jan 2021
QLD re opens for tourism from 01 Feb where NSW residents will be able to travel to QLD please use the link below as conditions change regularly.
SA re opens for tourism on Sunday subject to conditions see the link below
Victoria due to re open to NSW but have their own system so check the link below.
ACT open to all of Sydney today
22 Jan 2021
Please note the border updates, In particular Victoria as it has its own system changing regularly.
Victoria Open to more Post Codes in NSW
12 Jan 2021
All travellers now need a permit to enter Victoria.
Victoria has created its own traffic light system of defining hot spot areas which is different to the national definition’
31 December
South Australia, NT and Victoria change border restrictions with parts of Sydney and NSW
Victoria to close border with NSW from midnight 01 Jan
https://www.smh.com.au/coronavirus-pandemic
24 December
NT open to Sydney again (Source Sydney Morning Herald)
The Northern Territory has opened up to most of Sydney and removed previously declared coronavirus hotspots except for the northern beaches area.
“The Greater Sydney area, including the Blue Mountains along with the central coast, will be removed (as hotspots) effective immediately,” Acting Northern Territory Chief Minister Nicole Manison said.
People from Sydney can now visit the NT unless they’re from the northern beaches as hotspot declarations lift today.
People from Sydney can now visit the NT unless they’re from the northern beaches as hotspot declarations lift today.CREDIT:LUIS ENRIQUE ASCUI
“The list of hot spot suburbs in the northern beaches area, which will be defined by suburb and postcode, will be listed on our coronavirus website shortly.”
Ms Manison said the NT Government will reinstate hot spot areas if they feel it’s necessary.
“The Territory has been the safest place in the country and that has been for good reason. Every decision on every day for the last 10 months has always been about keeping Territorians safe and putting them first, and that is something that we will never change.”
21December
As of today border restrictions are in place by all states that apply to travellers and residents from greater Sydney. Due to the fluid nature of these changes please check the link below for details.
18 December
New border restrictions have come in to effect fro residents in NSW and in particular residents on the Northern beaches. This is a fluid situation and check the link below for updates. Victoria and QLD will require permits for NSW residents, residents from hot spots will not be granted a permit. for more updates check the border updates tab below
WA now has quarantine provisions as does QLD for some NSW residents, check the link for updates
17 December
From 18 December WA introduces mandatory 14 day quarantine for travellers from NSW
9 December
International borders closed until early MarchTravel ban extended to Mar (Travel Daily)
INTERNATIONAL outbound
travel by Australians will not
be possible until at least midMar 2021, after Minister for
Health Greg Hunt declared a
three-month extension to the
human biosecurity emergency
declaration (TD breaking news
yesterday).
The emergency period has now
been in place since 18 Mar 2020,
when the Smartraveller advisory
for all destinations across the
globe was lifted to the highest
“Do not travel” level.
Hunt said the Australian
Health Protection Principal
Committee had advised that
“the international COVID-19
situation continues to pose
an unacceptable public health
risk,” with the extension of the
biosecurity emergency period
seen as an “appropriate response
to that risk”.
The update means the
Overseas Travel Ban Emergency
Requirements Determination
2020 remains in place until 17
Mar 2021, which stipulates
that “an Australian citizen or
permanent resident must not
leave Australian territory as a
passenger on an outgoing aircraft
or vessel,” with some exemptions
allowed including air or ship crew
members, people whose travel
is associated with essential work
at an offshore facility or people
travelling on official government
business.
Exceptional circumstances
provisions also allow exemptions
to the measure to be granted
by the Australian Border Force
Commissioner.
Hunt noted the restrictions
are reviewed regularly, and “can
be amended or removed at any
time based on the expert medical
advice”.
The updated recommendation,
which is still subject to ratification
by the Governor General, also
imposes limitations on the
movement of cruise vessels, but
interestingly Hunt also noted the
Government was “working closely
with state and territory agencies
and the cruise sector to develop
a framework for the staged
resumption of cruise ships in a
manner that is proportionate to
the public health risk”.
More
8 December
The WA Border is now open to all states without quarantine restrictions except for Sth Australia where travellers still require a 14 day Quarantine period. For all updates please check the government websites as per the link below for the most up to date information
Australian Updated Domestic Travel Restrictions
1 December
WA to reopen border to Vic and NSW from 8 DEC
24 November
23 November
NSW Borders now open to all Australian States and Territories and New Zealand
Australian Domestic Border Restrictions
International border restrictions into Australia
16 November
Border Updates for South Australia
13 November
All Australian State Borders in track to open by Christmas except WA
Australian Domestic Border Updates
5 November
NSW to have all borders open by 23 November allowing all Australian States and New Zealand toVisit
International Border restrictions into Australia
2 November
Qld eases some borders
THE Queensland Government
has confirmed its domestic
border restrictions will be lifted
later this week for all areas of the
country, except greater Sydney
and Victoria.
The state’s Premier Annastacia
Palaszczuk, re-elected to the
job over the weekend, said her
government would review travel
from Sydney and Victoria on 01
Dec, providing no guarantees
travel restrictions would be
abolished by that date, despite
both areas recording very low
infection rates in recent weeks.
Taking aim at the decision not to
uniformly allow travel was Qantas
chief Alan Joyce, who lambasted
the move as “ridiculous” on Fri,
suggesting it would do significant
damage to Qld’s tourism sector.
“Sydney is the biggest city in
Australia and it probably has one
of the best track records globally
of managing a virus that is clearly
going to be with us for a very long
time,” Joyce said.
“Queensland may find that
by the time it does open up to
Sydney, people have made other
plans,” he added.
Joining the chorus of critics
was industry body Airlines for
Australia and New Zealand
(A4ANZ), which labelled the
decision “baffling”, especially in
light of an agreement by the state
at a National Cabinet meeting for
a unified approach to borders.
“Classifying…greater Sydney
as a ‘hotspot’ when they do not
meet the definition agreed to
from the Acting Chief Medical
Officer is hard to understand,”
said Chairman Graeme Samuel.
MEANWHILE, WA will ease
its hard borders to “low risk
jurisdictions” by 14 Nov, with
travellers from NSW and Vic still
needing to quarantine for 14 days
and pass a COVID test on day 11.
QLD Border Closed to Metropolitan Sydney and Victoria Until December at Least
27 October
NSW residents free to travel to Tasmania without quarantining as of next week
NSW residents will be free to travel to Tasmania without quarantining as of next week.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein announced today that as of next week, NSW would be re-classified as a “low-risk” area.
This change would mean that anyone entering Tasmania from NSW would not have to quarantine at all. That change will come into effect from next Friday, November 6.
“What we want to see from a jurisdiction that we open up to is less than five unknown cases in 28 days,” he said.
NSW currently has six in that time span, but Mr Gutwein said at this stage, on balance, the state is “very safe”.
“We’ve targeted that Friday, November 6, but obviously we will take public health advice.”
19 October
The Trans Tasman border bubble is in effect allowing customers from New Zealand to Travel to NSW and NT
10 October
Tasmania to possible open for domestic tourism for all states except Victoria on October 28
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
Northern Territory Removes Sydney and NSW from Hotspot list and removes border restrictions from NSW travellers
6 October
2 October
The QLD Premier has announced it will open its border to NSW residents from 01 November 2020
28 September
SA has a new link for restriction advice a border pass is required when travelling
https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions
All other advices can be found at the link below
https://www.health.gov.au/news/state-quarantine-requirements-for-interstate-travel
22 September
With cases falling Across Australia strong consideration is being given to South Australia being open to New South Wales in Days.
In Addition NSW is considering opening up to regional parts of Victoria
Queensland Remains Closed to NSW however will open up to Nth NSW shortly
Updates from the Sydney Morning Herald Below
12 Sep
Northern Territory Set to Re Open to Tourists From Sydney and NSW from 09 October
11 September
New Tourism Australia Coronavirus Update Pages
9 September
04 September
Australian States have reached agreement to provide a roadmap for opening , with the exception of Western Australia which will remain closed for the foreseeable future
It is expected that the International borders to Australia will be closed until December
The ABC Reports Borders to be closed till December travel
Updates on Australian Domestic Borders
19 August
Latest Domestic Updates
https://www.health.gov.au/news/state-quarantine-requirements-for-interstate-travel
QLD Border is expected to be closed till Christmas
Border closure extension to be closed until just before Christmas possibly according to press reports
Tasmania extends (From Travel Daily)
border closure
TASMANIAN Premier Peter
Gutwein has revealed the state’s
borders will remain closed until
01 Dec, citing the need for
neighbouring states to contain
COVID-19 as the reason.
Speaking yesterday in
parliament, Gutwein said the
border extension would provide
the time needed for Tasmanians
and businesses to adjust to the
relaxation of restrictions.
“It will give us time to build the
community’s trust in our border
measures to protect Tasmania
from areas in the rest of the
country,” he said.
5 August
NSW introduces mandatory hotel quarantine for any passengers from Victoria
4 August
Lizard Island
In May 2020, the Queensland Government advised that its State borders are to remain closed until a date in September, 2020 in response to the current Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s stance has significant flow-on effects for domestic commercial air capacity making access to the Cairns extremely difficult. With the current restrictions in place coupled with the biosecurity restrictions around travel to Cape York in the State’s north, Lizard Island will now reopen on September 1, 2020.
We would like to encourage guests currently holding bookings in the Australian winter to consider transferring their bookings to Spring and beyond. This time of year at Lizard Island is idyllic, with land and sea temperatures resting in the easy mid-20C/77F degrees range.
Latest National Updates
Interstate Domestic
https://www.health.gov.au/news/state-quarantine-requirements-for-interstate-travel
International
3 August
Victoria in stage 4 restrictions and curfew as well had been declared a State of Disaster
29 July
QLD To Close its borders again from Saturday
20 July
Some delays in Tasmania’s borders and Western Australia remains closed, QLD is open except to Victoria and certain hotspots in Sydney and NSW. Travel for Victorian’s interstate is banned in most situations and NSW / Vic Boarder is closed from Victoria to NSW. The below federal Government link gives the most accurate updates.
08 July
Unfortunately a setback for Victoria however the rest of Australia is opening as planned
Cairns Aquarium is Re-Opening!
Cairns Aquarium are super excited to announce our re-opening date of
Saturday 27 June
We will be open daily from 10am-3pm (27 June – 12 July)
Then 13 July onwards Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm.
Last admission 2pm.
Our re-opening products will be General Admission, Dive with the Sharks & Dundee’s Lunch Combo packages.
For General Admission tickets, bookings are not necessary. Dive with the Sharks reservations need to be made between 9am-2pm the day prior in order for us to organise staff and equipment.
Our educational talks & presentations are temporarily unavailable.
VIP packages, Aquarium by Night & 5D Explorer are temporarily unavailable for booking.
Diving with the Sharks is now available to book!
An experience for everyone, whether you are a certified diver or have never breathed underwater before, you can take the plunge into the Cairns Aquarium Reef Tank!
Your Dive with the Sharks experience begins at 12:00pm with a medical check, then our experienced dive team will ensure that you are comfortable with the SCUBA equipment and breathing underwater, before it’s time to dive into Cairns Aquarium’s underwater world!
Available 12pm Mon-Fri (not available on weekends or Public Holidays)
Total duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
No previous diving experience required
*Must pass Medical Check
Dundee’s at the Cairns Aquarium will be open from 25 June.
LUNCH: Wed to Sun 11.30am-3pm
DINNER: Thurs, Fri and Sat from 5.30pm until late
CAFE HOURS: Wed to Sun from 10am-4pm
07 July
Also
Global Ballooning closes flights in Melbourne and the Yarra ValleyGiven the current escalation in Covid 19 infections in the greater Melbourne regions and the government implementing lockdown measures, we unfortunately will have to suspend the sale of our public flights bookings in both Melbourne and the Yarra Valley until the 1st of August 2020. We will continue to offer private & group bookings in the Yarra Valley & Mansfield although we will require this to be confirmed prior to booking.
30 June
From July 10 Queensland to reopen its borders to all states and territories except Victoria
Hamilton Island re opens 01 August
We are so pleased to share that Lizard Island will be reopening on 1 September 2020 and we can not wait to welcome you and your guests back to our island paradise.
Par Avion is back in the sky, flying you to Tasmania’s amazing south west, and other destinations too. And for a limited time, Shannon is offering mates rates on a private South West tour.
Still looking to the sky, if you are an early riser you’ll see Global Ballooning is back up there. It’s so good to see balloons in the early morning sky over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Chat to the team about special private flight rates.
While we all wait for the internationals to return, Acacia Luxury Private Tours is back on the road, showing locals and interstaters how to enjoy regional Victoria.
But also passing on sad news and our best wishes to the team at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. All set to open on the weekend, a devastating fire in the Estate’s kitchen pulled things up. Thankfully everyone is okay and there was no damage to the accommodation area or spa. So they are welcoming guests, and taking bookings. https://www.balgownieestate.com.au/
27 June
Some more updates by state and hopefully an announcement on Monday re the QLD border with other Australian states
State by State Update
17 June
Hamilton Island Re Opening:
Hamilton Island is pleased to announce it is planning to re-open on August 1st. The island has gone through some rejuvenation over past months and we are excited about being able to welcome your guests once again. We are taking increased measures to provide a safe and healthy community for our staff and guests through our Hamilton Island Staywell program
Sovereign Hill re-opens 27 June
Village Theme Parks Re Opening
16 June
Staged re-opening for Kakadu and Ulur̲u-Kata Tjut̲a and National Parks
Star Group Re Opening
Star Entertainment Group re Opening
Thank you for your continuing support of The Star Gold Coast, The Star Sydney and Treasury Brisbane over the challenging period.
Please be updated that our business which are currently opening and are also scheduled to open in line with the latest NSW and QLD Government health orders.
The Star Sydney
The Star Sydney restaurants, including Sokyo and Black Bar and Grill, were able to welcome up to 50 diners at a time are currently operating.
The Star Gold Coast are scheduled to open the following restaurants with guest numbers aligned to social distancing guidelines.
The Star Gold Coast – Friday 12 June 2020:
Kiyomi
Cucina Vivo
Nineteen at The Star has already increased its guest numbers from 10 to 20 guests per seating
Garden Kitchen & Bar will reopen from Friday 19 June 2020
Treasury Brisbane – Monday, 15 June 2020:
Fat Noodle
Black Hide
Hotels which are current opening are The Star Residences Sydney, The Darling Sydney and The Darling Gold Coast.
We are currently aiming by end of June to re-open The Star Grand Gold Coast; by July to re-open The Star Grand Sydney and Treasury Brisbane. I will keep you posted with […]
05 June
Qantas Flight information for domestic services revival post Coronavirus
04 June
Great news for the industry with Qantas getting domestic services in Australia ramped up as well as talk of a Trans Tasman Bubble for July hopefully.
20 May
Qantas And Jetstar Announce new arrangements for travelling from 01 June
New South Wales to open to regional tourism from 01 June. QLD and all states except remain closed to interstate and international tourists. Australia’s federal government plan to open up the economy is below
Australian Government roadmap to opening the economy
19 May
Australia begins opening up restrictions
With schools beginning to open up around the country as well as Cafe’s and eating venues there is some normality beginning to return in Australia with the hope of domestic travel in July. Below is a snapshot from one of our industry colleagues WebJet on what the world situation looks like.
10 May
Covid – 19 Virus restrictions begin to lift in Australia
This week the Australian government produced a road map to economic recovery with an easing of restrictions in Australia. Initiatives being considered include a “travel bubble” between Australia where there would be free movement between the two countries. In addition interstate restrictions are set to ease in Australia in the ensuing weeks. There is still no word on the easing of international travel restrictions being eased other than New Zealand.
The ABC news article in the link gives more information:
16 April
Delaware North Update
Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and staff, we are extending the closures of the following properties
Lizard Island – closed until 30 June. Scheduled to reopen 1 July 2020
Kings Canyon Resort and Holiday Park – closed until 30 June. Scheduled to reopen 1 July 2020
El Questro remains closed for the 2020 season. Reopening 1 April 2021.
Lane Cove Holiday Park – remains closed until further notice
Pinewood Lodge – remains closed until further notice
If you have any bookings over these extended closures dates, our destination specialists will contact you to assist with alternate travel arrangements.
Voyages Resort Update
Update on Ayres Rock Resort Re OpeningWe hope you are managing through these challenging times and like us can’t wait for the world post COVID-19!
Since our last communication on 22 March we have closely monitored the impact of COVID-19 and due to the ongoing Northern Territory border & remote community closures have made the decision to extend the suspension of Ayers Rock Resort properties and Voyages touring until 31 August 2020, with the exception of the Lost Camel Hotel.
The Lost Camel Hotel will remain open for limited bookings for local residents and others who meet the mandated travel requirements and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines regarding health and safety. For guests travelling from outside the area, we expect a mandatory 14 day self-isolation period will apply. Please refer to our FAQ page for further information.
We will manage the cancellation of reservations booked to arrive up to 31 August 2020 the same way we have for those up to 30 June 2020, whereby Voyages Travel Centre will send out confirmation of the cancellation.
In most instances Voyages standard cancellation policy will apply, however should your client be travelling before the 31st August 2020 we have waived the standard cancellation policy and you are able to re-book your client’s Voyages Accommodation and Tours to a later date (before 31st December 2021) at no additional cost. Existing rates will be honoured on all Voyages Accommodation and Touring.
26 March 2020
We Can’t Wait To Welcome your Customers Back
Well what a year its been !! Fires and now this terrible virus.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on tourism travel, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our daily office operations in Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast where we will have our team working remotely on reduced staffing. During this time, our emails and voicemail system will be checked, but we appreciate your understanding in the meantime if there are some delays in response.
We look forward to the pandemic situation to come under control and for business to return.
At this time, we would like to thank all of our partners who have worked closely with us to build up the business because without your strong support, we could not have achieved the successes we have up to this point. We eagerly anticipate the next opportunity we have to work with you once again.
In the meantime, please take care of yourself and loved ones we will all be back soon, remember were all in this together.
AABH will keep this page updated when we receive news to pass on to you. We also have made the decision to withdraw access to our FIT booking platform to users of this system and if this applies to you you will have received an notification by now. We are also able to make bookings on your behalf if required.
Over the next few months we are also taking advantage of this opportunity by adding additional hotel product to our new hotel only booking system featured in our last newsletter in March.
We are all in this together and will get through it and we look forward to working with you at AABH please let us know if you require anything from our team.
Leon Ellas : leon@aabh.com.au
Mei Teh : Mei@aabh.com.au
Chris Teh: Chris@aabh.com.au
Simon Bernardi: Simon@aabh.com.au
For More information
Update 27th March
Self-isolation rules strengthened for people arriving in Australia
By Eryk Bagshaw Sydney Morning Herald
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all arrivals to Australia will now be quarantined in hotels in the city they arrive in.
“We are going to take further measures to strengthen self-isolation,” he said.
“By no later than midnight on Saturday, states and territories will be quarantining all arrivals in hotel and other accommodation facilities for two weeks.”
The Australian Defence Force will be deployed to enforce the quarantine in hotels across the country.
“We will be turning out the Defence Force to support these arrangements,” Mr Morrison said. “The ADF will be there to put boots on the ground to support the enforcement effort.”
NSW Police will still be responsible for charging people for breaches of the Biosecurity Act.
The Prime Minister said the containment efforts of the population so far in limiting community transmission had allowed the government to focus more of its efforts on the largest threat, which is returned travellers.
“We believe these important actions are the most important we can take right now because of what you’ve done, Australia,” he said.
“By you getting on board with the changes you have needed to make, this means we can target our efforts even more into these areas, where we believe the most critical concern is right now.”
Update 26 March
Qantas and Virgin Australia will suspend all international scheduled flights from 31 March
Most Australian states now have boarder restrictions requiring 14 days self isolation if travelling between states.
All international passengers travelling to must quarantine via self isolation for 14 days
For More information
