Queenslanders embrace eased restrictions, crowds form at markets, cafe’s, beaches

Crowds have returned in huge numbers to a controversial Brisbane market in scenes similar to those that made headlines several weeks ago amid outrage over customers disobeying social distancing rules. SEE THE NEW PHOTOS

QUEENSLANDERS have embraced their new-found freedom today with the state’s cafes, restaurants, parks, beaches and salons inundated.

From early this morning groups could be seen holding bootcamps in parks, having coffee at cafes dining in, for the first time in almost eight weeks.

In some areas it looked like many had “forgotten” about the pandemic that effectively shutdown the state, the country and the world.

At the Jan Power markets, hundreds of people could be seen swarming stalls, in scenes similar to those condemned several weeks ago.

Crowds at the Powerhouse Brisbane Markets, New Farm. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Police have confirmed they will be out in force, working to educate and warn people not abiding by social distancing rules, before progressing to fines.

Cafes and restaurants that have opened have been full all day, with sittings of up to 10 at a time, with large line-ups for takeaway.

People out and about. Burleigh Heads. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Outback pubs are preparing to open their doors to up to 20 diners tonight, with many forgoing lunch and only opening this evening.

While salons have had roaring trades across the state this morning.

Table service at take away, people enjoying the new lifted restrictions at Cafes, Teneriffe . Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Cafe Alfons Owner Johnathon Ede said this Saturday has brought more customers to the cafe than the last few, but still feels the limited chairs made minimal impact.

“We’re grateful things are taking a step forward,” Mr Ede said.

“We did see a slight increase in trade today which we attribute to more people just coming out to play,

“We don’t attribute it to putting tables out, there are just more people, that’s it”.

Table service at Cafe 63, Sydney St, New farm, People enjoying the new lifted restrictions at Cafes around New Farm. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

As restrictions lift, people are now able to visit their homes away from home, and families “couldn’t wait” to sit along sunrise shores.

“We’ve been coming to Straddie since we were little kids, I used to come here as a little girl with family friends, we even got married over here in 2015,” Madeline Bird said.

“It’s one of our favourite places to go, it’s nice to be out in the fresh air,

“We’ve just spent the day on the beach and we haven’t moved, we couldn’t wait to come back over here and we’re just so happy we can”.

COVID-19 restrictions lifted to allow day trips to North Stradbroke Island. Stradbroke Flyer bus driver Willie Clarke celebrates at the Cleveland terminal. May 16, 2020. Picture: Renae Droop

Mark Nicolaidis and his friends took advantage of the opportunity, as they gathered together for a picnic at Kangaroo Point, finally able to switch back from virtual Friday drinks.

“During this period we obviously haven’t been able to catch up, we’re quite a close friend group so we’d been doing virtual meets every Friday,” Mr Nicolaidis said.

“I’m so happy to be back outside, it was nice to have a picnic and be able to kick around the footy again”.

Outbacks towns are allowed to open their cafe and restaurant doors to allow 20 people from today, with Birdsville Tavern organising “a big roast night” for their guests.

Birdsville Tavern General Manager Ben Fullagar said he’s excited the tavern is able to slowly reopen, as it “feels like it’s been forever”.

“It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve had our doors open, it was a real community shock,” Mr Fullagar said.

“Tonight we’re doing a big roast night, we’ve got our 20 people booked in and have the tables spread out,

“We’re looking forward to having a nice evening”.