With many Australian states beginning to repeal some of their stricter coronavirus restrictions late last week, this weekend saw more and more people get outdoors to enjoy the beginning of a gradual return to normal life.
with members of their household or a "plus one" as of Saturday.
Residents were quick to get outdoors, enjoying parks, playgrounds, beaches and hiking tracks around the state.
A police officer speaks to beachgoers at Burleigh Heads on Queensland's Gold Coast. Source: AAP
On the Gold Coast, huge crowds at Burleigh Heads led police to order people to return home and issue $1,334-infringement notices to people breaching the relaxed restrictions.
Queensland Police issued more than 140 fines over the weekend, with police commissioner Katarina Carroll labelling some beachgoers' behaviour "disappointing".
Commissioner Carroll said one of the weekends' worst cases involved a party at an AirBnB, where at least 25 fines were handed out.
In New South Wales, , meaning this weekend marked the first in a while people could legally visit their friends and family.
Sydney's Waverley Council also eased restrictions on Bondi Beach a little further, extending to the weekend.
"Given the responsible conduct of swimmers and surf craft users over the past few days, water access is likely to be available for periods over the weekend," a statement from the council said on Friday, adding that weekend access would be reviewed on a weekly basis depending on beachgoers' behaviour.
Speaking on Monday morning, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was so far pleased with how the state's residents had followed the eased restrictions.
Surfers wait for officials to open Bondi Beach. Source: AP
The Northern Territory saw perhaps , removing its restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather at midday on Friday.
The territory, which has not reported any community-transmitted cases of COVID-19, allowed residents to play golf, swim in public pools, visit national parks, reserves and camping grounds and even go to water parks.
Territorians were allowed to swim in public pools from midday on Friday. Source: AAP
Northern Territory Police were still monitoring residents despite the significantly eased restrictions, conducting 115 compliance checks over the weekend.
In the ACT, two families were also allowed to gather in one household for the first time since the restrictions came into place, with residents given the all clear to enjoy a small dinner party.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr also said residents could enjoy non-essential shopping if they kept up good hygiene and social distancing practises.
Other states had to wait a little longer to begin the transition back to normal life.
No restrictions have been lifted in Victoria, with Premier Daniel Andrews saying the government would review the current restrictions on 11 May.
In Tasmania, eased restrictions did come into place in the state's north-west region, but not until midnight on Sunday.
As of Monday, non-essential businesses and schools in that area will be allowed to reopen.
Members of the public gather in Kings Park in Perth on Friday. Source: AAP
In South Australia, local councils were allowed to reopen playgrounds on Sunday, but the state's limit of 10 people for gatherings remains in place.
, with the state increasing the limit on gatherings from two to 10 last week.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
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