Aussie cities resembling ghost towns amid the coronavirus outbreak

Australia’s major cities are resembling ghost towns amid the coronavirus outbreak, with a majority of people staying home – leaving major attractions and public transport bare.

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The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the Australian economy.

Streets once bustling with people and activity, near city centres and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, now lay bare with the odd person in sight.

Sydney’s Milsons Point Wharf amid the coronavirus outbreak. Picture: Joel Carrett/AAP

Circular Quay in Sydney, which is usually very busy with tourists, is now bare. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP

It is particularly eerie, especially at major tourist attractions like Manly and Bondi Beach, where it was only days ago when thousands of beachgoers were seen playing in the water and soaking up the sunshine.

Empty Bondi beach photographed. Picture: Monique Harmer

Even airport terminals are resembling ghost towns after major airlines cut services and suspended flights indefinitely.

This! Bondi Beach.
On a day when the rest of the world is in total lockdown and we’re expected to observe #SocialDistancing.
As you were Aussies! pic.twitter.com/cNUhDM8K9P

— Michael Tomalaris (@miketomalaris) March 20, 2020

Bondi Beach. 8:30am. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/G5qlVNbuii

— Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) March 25, 2020

On Wednesday Virgin Australia Group stood down about 8000 of its 10,000 workers until at least the end of May and slashed domestic flight capacity in the wake of the coronavirus border restrictions.

Grounding 125 domestic aircraft from Friday and suspending all Tigerair Austalia services for the foreseeable future, it is no surprise people are not lining up to board at terminals like at the Brisbane Airport.

The empty Virgin and Tigerair Australia terminals at the Brisbane Airport. Picture: Peter Wallis

As a result to the change of pace nationwide, social media users have uploaded a number of posts sharing their surprise at how vacant spaces around them have become.

It is a direct result of Prime Minister Scott Morrison enforcing stage two of the nation’s lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Video I was sent of Eastland (Ringwood Vic) today. Ghost town #covid19australia #coronavirusau pic.twitter.com/I4xho84gYE

— Wendy Lagos (@Lagos_Wendy) March 25, 2020

Even major public transport hubs are feeling the burden of the infection.

Southern Cross Station in Melbourne has been pictured empty, along with major art districts like the city’s famous ‘Hosier Lane’.

The areas are usually bursting at the seams with people travelling to and from work or just enjoying Melbourne’s scenery.

An almost empty platform at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Picture: Stefan Postles

Melbourne’s famed street art laneway ‘Hosier Lane’ is near empty. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty

The Queen Victoria Market — which is still open — is also quiet.

The normally bustling Queen Victoria Market is significantly quieter with many people staying home or avoiding large crowds. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

It is a common sight along Flinders Street and Flinders Street station as well.

An empty Flinders Street and Flinders Street station in Melbourne, which is usually bustling with people on every day of the week. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty

In Queensland, the number of motorists on the Pacific Highway has reduced significantly, particularly with the QLD and NSW boarder closing this week to stop the infection’s spread.

It is a similar appearance in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, following the shut down of non-essential services including retail, entertainment, sporting, food and wellness facilities.

A near-empty footpath on Edward Street in the heart of Brisbane’s city. Picture: Dan Peled

In South Australia, roads coming into the state are being checked by police after it closed it borders and people were put into 14 day isolation due to the COVID-19 virus.

South Australian Police stopping vehicles near the SA border 5kms east of Pinnaroo, South Australia.

South Australian Police stopping vehicles near the SA border 5kms east of Pinnaroo, South Australia.

Cafes and railway stations are also quiet, with few people around them.

General view of people having their morning coffee on the Parade at Norwood in Adelaide, Monday, March 23.

Adelaide railway station at 10.15am on Tuesday.

Originally published as Aussie cities resembling ghost towns amid the coronavirus outbreak