Art galleries and museums to reopen from 1st June as NSW Government lifts regional travel ban

The NSW Government has today announced an easing of its Coronavirus restrictions that will allow art galleries, libraries and museums to reopen from 1st June as well as permitting recreational regional travel within the state.

Announcing the lifting of restrictions, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advised “NSW citizens will be able take recreational trips across NSW, as long as they maintain social distancing and good hygiene (giving) everyone a much-needed break and help get small businesses and the tourism industry moving again.

“You can go on a holiday with your family and friends, but know the holiday you're taking from 1 June will be different to a holiday you have taken before.”

The change will allow for travel for the Queen's Birthday long weekend, which will come as relief to struggling regional tourism operators, who have been hit by the twin disasters of both the bushfires and the Coronavirus lockdown.

A media release announcing the easing from the NSW Government also had positive news for NSW’s Alpine region, indicating that visitors will be able to travel to the Snowy Mountains region from next month.

However, it stopped short of advising that ski resorts will be able to open, with NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro stating “very pleased to share that this means we will have a ski season this year, however holidaymakers should be aware that ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should make contact before visiting.”

Acknowledging that NSW ski resorts will not be open on June long weekend, Thredbo subsequently advised “while we welcome the lifting of the NSW travel ban … please note that Thredbo Resort will not be opening the snow season for skiing and snowboarding over the June long weekend. This means there will be no skiing/snowboarding or any opening weekend events in Thredbo over 5-8 June 2020.”

Announcements on when NSW’s ski resorts are able to open are expected to follow.

The NSW Government’s announcement follows the relaxation of some restrictions from last Friday, including the permitting of up to 10 customers dining in cafes, restaurants and pubs.

These restrictions will be further eased as of 1st June to accommodate up to 50 seated patrons at which time registered clubs will also open.

Premier Berejiklian went on to say “we want people to enjoy themselves and feel free but please know that nothing we do is the same in a pandemic."

Images: Thredbo's new gondola under construction in readiness for the upcoming snow season.