Queensland has reopened its state border to fully-vaccinated NSW and Victoria residents for the first time in months - but with tough quarantine and travel rules.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced visitors would finally be allowed across the border once the state hit the 70 per cent fully-vaccinated milestone.
The premier took to Twitter on Sunday to announce the target had been met.
'We just hit 70% double dosed. Keep it up Queenslanders,' she wrote.
The reopening of the border comes with tough travel rules with Queensland only accepting arrivals by plane, forcing travellers into 14 days of quarantine and limiting their movements across the state.
The restrictions will only be eased when 80 per cent of residents have been fully-vaccinated with the target expected to be reached by December 17.
The month-long wait has sparked criticism though, with infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin revealing the state could safely reopen by December 6.
Queensland has reopened its state border to fully-vaccinated NSW and Victoria residents for the first time in months - but with tough quarantine and travel rules
The reopening of the border comes with tough travel rules with Queensland only accepting arrivals by plane, forcing travellers into 14 days of quarantine and limiting their movements across the state
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced visitors would finally be allowed across the border once the state hit the 70 per cent fully-vaccinated milestone
'What's clear as we move forward, the more people vaccinated in our population, the better off we will be,' he told Channel Nine's Today Show on Monday.
'We have achieved an important milestone here. It makes sense to ease the restrictions. Which we're doing in a gradual and sensible way.'
Dr Griffin said the strong uptick in vaccination meant the 80 per cent target was likely to be reached early, which meant residents could enjoy more freedoms sooner.
'What is important is what this is about, getting people protected so we can open up safe so we can withstand the virus in our community,' he said.
'Everyone who gets vaccinated contributes and will contribute to bringing forward the opening date.'
Queensland closed its border with New South Wales on July 22 as Sydney's Delta outbreak began to escalate.
The first big hurdle for eligible southern visitors to get back to Queensland this month is that they must have had their second dose at least 14 days ago, Health Minister Yvette D'Ath confirmed.
That means if your second Covid-19 vaccination happened less than 14 days ago you can't go to Queensland - even if you are fully vaccinated.
Trips to the beach, partying with friends and scenic road trips are also out of the question until you've gone through a tough 14 day home quarantine stint.
Those freedoms will be possible right away when the state reaches its next big milestone next month of 80 per cent.
The month-long wait has sparked criticism with infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin revealing the state could safely reopen by December 6
Queensland is set to re-open to fully vaccinated domestic visitors as early as Sunday - but visiting the beach, partying with mates or a road trip is out of the question for at least two weeks after landing
Sunbaking on a Queensland beach is a rite of passage for most Aussies, but interstate visitors allowed back to the Sunshine State when it hits 70 per cent fully vaxxed won't be allowed to leave their quarantine rooms for two weeks
The first big hurdle people hoping to visit Queensland this month must face is that they must have had their second Covid-19 jab at least two weeks before flying - any less and they can't go
Fully-vaccinated visitors who qualify must home quarantine for 14 days in appropriate accommodation, within a two-hour drive of where they landed.
They cannot leave quarantine for exercise during that period.
Upon their arrival, travellers driving from the airport must use a private car, a hire car with contactless pick-up, or a lift booked with an endorsed transport provider nominated by Queensland
