Q&A: How far from home can you exercise in Melbourne

Turns out people in Melboume and Mitchell Shire are not allowed to stray from home to do exercise. Anyone who does faces a hefty fine. No more long bike rides to Beach Rd to stay fit, no more running around The Tan if you live three suburbs away. Here are the rules.

Locked-down Victorians will be fined $1652 for travelling out of their neighbourhood to exercise, under a strict new coronavirus regime.

In a significant shift, the state government has issued clarified advice which explicitly limits where people can pursue outdoor recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, playing golf and fishing.

Here is what you need to know.

WHERE YOU CAN AND CAN’T GO TO STRETCH YOUR LEGS

What is the updated advice?

Victorians in lockdown areas — metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire — must exercise and shop as close to home as possible.

My favourite coffee shop is three suburbs away. Can I go there?

No. You should go to the one closest to your home.

I live in Spotswood but go walking around the Tan because I feel safe there. Can I continue to do this?

No. You should go walking at your nearest safe place.

I am a member of a golf course 15km away but there is a public course around the corner from my house. Where am I allowed to play?

If you are a member of a sporting club, you can attend. This does not apply if it involves entering regional Victoria from Melbourne.

Forget Albert Park Lake. If you live too far away you can no longer go there for a jog. Picture: AFP

I live in Coburg but I love exercising around the Botanical Gardens. Is this OK?

No. You should exercise in the park closest to your home.

I want to take the kids to the next suburb for a bike ride. Can I drive there and then go riding?

No. You should bike ride at the closest available location to your home.

I’ve been looking forward to doing the Bay Trail bike ride but I live in Mulgrave. Can I drive my car down to hit the trail?

No. You should go to your closest bike trail.

Cyclists are no longer allowed to take long rides around Melbourne to stay fit, even if they don’t get off their bike to stop for a coffee. The State Government says you must ride as close to home as possible. Picture: Getty

How far away from my house can I ride my bike, power walk, jog or run?

You should show common sense and go the minimum distance to achieve your exercise needs.

My closest fishing spot is not as good as my favourite one 15km away. Can I go there?

No, you should go to the place closest to home.

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