Melbourne punters have let loose on their first 'Freedom Friday' to celebrate the end of a world record-breaking lockdown by taking shots, hosting street parties, doing burnouts on one of the city's main roads - and not long after - dealing with the wrath from killjoy police officers.
Victoria officially lifted its stay-at-home orders at 11.59pm on Thursday after 262 long days in a hard lockdown, with the Covid-weary state finally clocking its 70 per cent vaccination target and unlocking new privileges to those who are double-jabbed.
Less than 24 hours after the state was freed thirsty revellers were spotted dancing on top of cars and pushing each other around in supermarket trolleys on Chapel Street and downing pints on the footpath in St Kilda.
Footage of the frivolous activities showed the star attraction of the night were a bevy of turbocharged cars revving their engines in Melbourne's CBD, prompting a number of cheers from youths lined up outside of various pubs and eateries.
Police were forced to intervene when the partygoers began throwing glass bottles at passing cars but it didn't deter the crowd from chanting 'freedom, freedom!'
Revellers on Chapel Street weren't shy in making their feelings known as joy over the world's longest lockdown ending spilled onto Melbourne's streets
A group of youngsters - having spent 262 long days in lockdown - enjoy their first full night of freedom by riding through the streets in a supermarket trolley
Frivolous Victorians couldn't be stopped on Friday night as they dragged their friends onto moving cars and partied long into the morning on Melbourne's Chapel Street
The lads are here! There were mullets aplenty among the crew of misfits who were spotted enjoying a night out in Melbourne's CBD
The star attraction of the night were a group of souped up turbocharged cars revving their engines in Melbourne's CBD, prompting a number of cheers from youths lined up outside of various pubs and eateries
Anyone trying to drive down the city streets was greeted by a gang of youths who were ready to party well into the night
Taxis were quick to help those wanting to move on and find fun elsewhere clamber on to their next destination
Oops: Victoria Police watched on as revellers paid them no mind - but they were forced to intervene when glass bottles were thrown
In quieter suburbs large queues of eager residents lined up to eat at their favourite restaurants, while those lucky to snag a table reservation enjoyed biting into their first meal at a restaurant in months.
Diners at restaurant Claypots Barbarossa were fortunate enough to be serenaded by a live band while they soaked in the atmosphere.
Outdoor diners filled restaurants in the CBD's buzzing Hardware Lane as residents rejoiced at being able to leave their homes.
Friends finally reunited at pubs for pints of beer and glasses of wine, with groups of rowdy revellers seen in Collingwood enjoying their freedom beverages.
While Melburnians flocked to bars and restaurants, others were keen to finally get their beauty treatments in order at local nail salons.
Even Premier Dan Andrews stepped out to enjoy Freedom Day celebrations with his wife - but his festivities were far more tame.
Instead of 'getting on the beers' - a phrase made famous by Mr Andrews during a press conference in March 2020 - he got on the white wines with his wife Catherine as they caught up with a mother's group at Drinkwell in Melbourne's lively suburb of Fitzroy.
'Catching up with the mother's group on Zoom just isn't the same,' Mr Andrews wrote on Twitter.
There was nary a mask in sight out the front of pubs as revellers finally caught up with their friends after months apart
Shout out the the firies! Slow moving vehicles were instant targets for those wanting to hitch a ride
No business was safe - not even the local bakery - as youngsters climbed on top to watch the joy from a different vantage point
Plenty of cars skidded down Chapel Street to showcase how thrilled they were at finally getting a taste of freedom
Hands up if you're ready for a good time! Dressed up Melburnians took to the streets in droves, stopping traffic as they went
A White Claw seltzer in hand, one excited pubgoer is held up by a police officer in the city
Bike lines and regular lanes were taken up by walkers heading on to their next watering hole
Victoria officially lifted its stay-at-home orders at 11.59pm on Thursday after 262 long days in a hard lockdown
Turbocharged cars were the main attraction in Prahran as excited punters spilled onto the roads
A group of youths were spotted climbing onto the tray of a ute as it made its way through the busy crowds
In contrast: The premier and his wife were seen laughing and enjoying the company of the mother's group and their children as they sat at a table filled with food and drinks
Instead of 'getting on the beers', Mr Andrews got on the white wines with his wife as they caught up with a mother's group
'Today Teddy, Naomi, Monty and their mums finally met up - in person. And we thought that called for a celebration.'
The premier and his wife were seen laughing and enjoying the company of the mother's group and their children as they sat at a table filled with beverages.
Mr Andrews even held one of the children on his lap during the visit as everyone in attendance enjoyed their first outing.
Before his post-lockdown celebrations on Friday, Mr Andrews took to Twitter to post a series of gushing tweets to mark the easing of restrictions and revealed how 'bloody proud' he was of Victorians.
'As my kids say - there's a big vibe today,' he wrote.
'You can feel the optimism. You can sense the pride in what's been achieved.
'And after everything it's taken to get here, we absolutely deserve to feel that way,' he added.
Mr Andrews said that the state went through a difficult time together, but the sacrifices have allowed them to open up again safely.
'I'm trying not to sound like some kind of soppy Dad here, but I am proud, bloody proud of this state,' he continued.
Drinks for the gang! Pubs and restaurants were brought back to life on Friday evening as punters returned for drinks and a bite to eat
Time for a shot? Alcoholic beverages were poured thick and fast for the thirsty Victorians who joined the festivities on Friday
Lines were long as fully-vaccinated Victorians took full advantage of their new freedoms
Delight was plain to see on the faces of those who have endured almost a full year in lockdown
One group of friends donned party hats for the occasion as Melbourne was brought to life once more
Drinks from the footpath? For those who couldn't find a seat, there were alternative arrangements planned for
'We've gone through such a hard time together, this pandemic has been exhausting in every sense of the word.
'And the fact that we're here today, and opening up, is only because of the sacrifices made by every one of us.'
But the premier reminded his constituents that the pandemic isn't over, and things won't simply return to normal right away.
'People won't just spring back from this either, the pandemic isn't over, and feeling a bit anxious about all this is normal,' he wrote.
'So if you're heading out today - please just remember that this will take time, not everyone will be so ready to throw open their front door.'
'And the process of reopening won't be without flaws either, we all know that. It will take a lot of patience and understanding,' he added.
Mr Andrews urged residents planning to enjoy a night out at hospitality venues to be mindful of staff getting accustomed to the new rules in place.
'So if you've got a booking, and something goes wrong, please - don't take it out on the staff.'
'It isn't their job to update the apps, and the last thing they need is an argument about vaccines.'
Shots (and bellies) were on show come Friday evening in Melbourne
Friends finally reunited at pubs for pints of beer and glasses of wine, with groups of rowdy revellers seen in St Kilda and Collingwood enjoying their freedom beverages
Two women happily pose for a photo as they they celebrate Freedom Day with a glass of wine
While Melburnians flocked to bars and restaurants, others were keen to finally receive their beauty treatments at nail salons
Women were captured at nail salons as they looked to receive some glam treatment to prepare
