Top End punters head to pubs and shops as Darwin lockdown lifts

It was time to celebrate in the streets of Darwin on Thursday as the Covid-19 lockdown ended for Greater Darwin.

PUBS across Darwin turned on the taps and quenched the thirst of punters as the Greater and Palmerston Darwin lockdown lifted.

Non-essential shops such as retail stores and nail salons also opened their doors for afternoon trading. Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said while there was a negative impact on businesses over the lockdown and week of restrictions, it was far better than an extended lockdown.

“We will always take three days versus three months,” he said. He estimated venues that could open would operate at 30-40 per cent below average for the next week. “A lot of people just wait until they don’t need to wear a mask (to go out),” he said.

Ray and Dianne Cook enjoy their first drink as Darwin's 72 hour lock down ended on Thursday. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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Regional Victorians Ray and Dianne Cook arrived in Darwin on Sunday night and enjoyed their first beer at the Tap Bar on Thursday. “It’s like New Year’s Eve today, in the best part of the world, (it’s) nice to get out,” Mr Cook said.

Darrell Matuschka, sporting an impressive mullet, also hails from Victoria and had to bunker down in his tent during the lockdown. He’s been staying in Darwin for the past three months and was happy to head back to his daily watering hole – Wisdom Bar and Cafe.

“It feels good sitting out here having a beer,” he said.

Backpacker Tyler Beamand only arrived in town on Friday.

Darrell Matuschka enjoys his first beer out on Mitchell St as Darwin's 72 hour lock down ends at midday. Picture Glenn Campbell

Leon Forrest, Tyler Beamand and Robyn Coburn cheer to the end of Darwin's 72 hour lock down ends at The Tap Bar on Mitchell St. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Her first beer was extra sweet after she was forced to undergo a three-day detox from booze as the hostel she was at did not allow alcohol in the rooms. She said she was glad to be out with mates drinking a Great Northern beer. Sporting a well kept mullet was another Victorian, Mathew Page, who said he was glad for a short sharp lockdown. “I might go for a bit of a drive around and have a look and then run amok on the town,” he said.