Day trips to Byron? Covid test costs explained

The Queensland Government is yet to reveal if those wanting to cross the border for a day trip will have to shell out for a Covid-19 PCR test.

The Queensland Government is still yet to reveal if those wanting to cross the border for a day trip to northern NSW in December will be set back $150 per person for a Covid-19 PCR test.

When the state reaches the 80 per cent fully-vaccinated, travellers from a hotspot state can return home and cross the border from by road or air without any form of quarantine.

This also means that Queenslanders can travel to and from the border for day trips to popular coastal destinations in the lead up to Christmas.

But current regulations state that travellers must not only be fully vaccinated, but must present negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Queensland.

According to Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, who provide Covid-19 PCR tests for travel, the cost of a test starts at $145.

So, will a day trip to Byron Bay or a visit to family or friends down south cost $150?

Queensland Health is yet to announce whether PCR tests for travel will be available at public testing sites.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said today currently interstate travellers coming into or returning to Queensland would need to produce a negative PCR test, even if that meant paying.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce called on the Australian Government drop testing requirements during the airline’s AGM on Friday and said that conditions were frustrating for vaccinated travellers who would “reasonably expect to move freely and easily”.

“Hopefully, these conditions – particularly PCR testing at every turn – is dispensed with as Australia becomes more confident living with Covid. Surely that’s something we’ve all earned.”