Hi Everyone,
As we visited Queensland during the Christmas and New Year period, the Queensland government required all visitors to have a RAT test prior to arrival (negative result) plus obtain a permit online before entering the state. We have read online that this permit can be easily obtained provided you have all the required information but the rules have since changed this week where the government are lifting all permit requirements. When we started our road trip, the sun was shining brightly with no sign of any cloud which was perfect for a safe drive up the highway. The drive was pretty smooth throughout the journey as the new highway have reduced the travel time up to the Gold Coast by over an hour plus with the new road, it was much easier to drive compared to what it used to be.
Once we started approaching the border towards Queensland, we started to see lots of signs advising drivers to get their permits ready. We printed all of our permits and have them ready on the dashboard in case the officer wanted to see each of them as we pass. We were expecting to see a huge line at the checkpoint but from what we can see on Google Maps, the line was only yellow meaning there was no complete stop. I couldn't imagine what other people went through a week before we arrived as that would have been the busiest period before Christmas so we count ourselves lucky. We also think that the timing of the day for arrival plays a big factor to the line as we arrived around 7.30pm meaning most people would have been having dinner or have arrived much earlier than us.
As we were approaching to the boarder, the traffic was super slow but not stopped. From a 2 lane highway merged to 1, everyone had their permits ready. We had ours on the dash and was waved through immediately. That as much smoother than expected! Now lets head over to the resort! Let our holiday begin!!
PS - If you are now traveling from one state to another in Australia, best to double check all the rules from each government as I find the rules change literally weekly if not daily. Before we left, I checked the news every single day to make sure we have the correct documentation, even though we are Australians, the moment you miss a permit or test, they can deny you of entry and you will have no where to stay but in NSW as accommodation is pretty tight now due to the school holidays.
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Pretty crazy with all this several rules and checks. It can be exhausting at times.
Gosh tell me about it. Its been really stressful just trying to keep up with the changes and try not to get in trouble.
Nice place, it cools so good and calm.I do wish to travel the world 🙂
Australia does have some really cool places and since we can't go overseas, it is the best time to visit these beautiful places just right at our doorstep
That’s nice 🙂 hope it’s fun there.
In my country we don't have these kinds of checks, but I wish we did.
Why would you want to have these checks? its so much trouble and hassel :(
Oh you have those too. It's annoying and quite stressful to obtain here. Those place looks amazing btw
Yeah pretty annoying but luckily they stopped it this week so less hassel for anyone driving up now. Hope you have been well :)
i love travel, thank you for share photos
thanks for dropping by :)
The checkpoints are gradually adapting to the situation. Other places are also avoiding cumbersome procedures
It's pretty annoying these checks but luckily its not longer required