Where can Central Coast residents holiday?

October 18, 2021: As our lifestyle begins to return to pre-covid routines, strict travel rules still remain in place for most Central Coast residents, particularly for those who wish to travel to regional NSW and have not been double dose vaccinated.

Central Coast Newspapers inspected the latest published data from the vast amount of complex rules and orders that currently apply in NSW. The source of all this information comes directly from the business section of the nsw.gov.au website. Be aware to check dates and places when researching the rules that apply for your particular situation.

Holidays and/or recreational regional visits

Until 1 November 2021, people in Greater Sydney cannot travel beyond Greater Sydney for a holiday or recreational visits including day-trips.

Central Coast as part of Greater Sydney

Despite the confusing messaging about the Central Coast not being part of Greater Sydney (see previous assertions). Central Coast Newspapers can reveal that the offical NSW Government website quotes today Monday October 18, 2021 the the following:

‘Greater Sydney includes the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong local government areas (see map).’

People outside of Greater Sydney cannot enter Greater Sydney for a holiday or recreational visits including day-trips.

If you want to: 

• leave Greater Sydney and enter regional and rural NSW, or 
• leave regional and rural NSW and enter Greater Sydney 

you need a reasonable excuse. 

Holiday homes and short-term accommodation can only be used by: 

• people who are from the same household 
• if the people are not from the same household, up to 20 fully vaccinated people.  

Sharing a vehicle and carpooling

Rules for sharing a vehicle have changed.

For vehicles and vessels used as a public transport service: 

• passengers and staff must follow the face mask rules

For vehicles and vessels used to provide a private service, for example, party buses, taxis, or vessels used for hosting functions or private charters, the occupier must: 

• have and comply with a COVID-19 Safety plan (if applicable) 
• ensure all people who enter the premises check in with the Service.NSW app or provide contact details to the occupier. 

Rules for fully vaccinated people

You can travel in a vehicle with people you do not live with. You must:

• carry evidence of your name and address
• carry vaccination evidence
• produce that evidence to a police officer or authorised officer on request.

For children under the age of 16 who are not fully vaccinated, you can travel in a vehicle with another person you do not live with. You do not have to carry or produce evidence of your name and address.

Rules for people who are not fully vaccinated

If you are not fully vaccinated, you can only travel in a vehicle with people you live with. You are only allowed to share a vehicle with a person you do not live with if it is:  

• an emergency 
• for a compassionate reason 
• to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person 
• a car being used as a taxi or rideshare. 
• required to use a vehicle for your work 
• to provide a public transport service.

For children under the age of 16 who are not fully vaccinated, you can travel in a vehicle with another person you do not live with. You do not have to carry or produce evidence of your name and address.

Public transport 

People in Greater Sydney cannot travel beyond Greater Sydney for a holiday.

_{Verified information source: Business section of the NSW Government website, October 18, 2021}