Mates reunited, cocktails were drunk and hair was chopped as thousands rejoiced in jubilant scenes on the streets of Melbourne when the clock struck midnight and the city’s long-suffering residents were finally released from the world’s longest lockdown.

After Victoria had met its 70% Covid vaccination target, Victoria lifted its stay at home orders on Thursday at 11:59pm 

Revellers celebrated from their apartment balconies while car horns could been heard blasting in the background as overjoyed Melburnians enjoyed their first taste of freedom since August.

Daniel Andrews, I wish you all the best in your attempts to lock them again.

The city has been locked down for 262 consecutive days – a world record. Non-essential businesses were closed and millions of people have been kept in their homes. They are prohibited from going outside after 9pm and cannot travel more than 5km. 

Even though there is no medical evidence to the contrary, they are forced outside to wear a mask.

Now fully-vaccinated residents are finally free, celebrations mirrored a wild New Year’s Eve party in the nation’s culinary capital as partygoers descended on pubs, flashing their double-jab status upon entry to eagerly awaiting hospitality staff, who had spent much of the day getting ready for the influx of patrons. 

Others were happy to finally have their nails and hair done at midnight. Salons are expected to open for business for a while, with more appointments available.  

Overjoyed Melbourne residents savoured their first drink in a pub since August as the city's lockdown lifted (pictured)

 Overjoyed Melbourne residents savoured their first drink in a pub since August as the city’s lockdown lifted (pictured)

Shake it up!: A cocktail bartender is back in action mixing drinks as the city goes wild on its first night of freedom

Get up and dance!: The city’s first night of freedom sees a cocktail bartender back in action mixing drinks.

Wild scenes erupted on the streets of Melbourne as the clock struck midnight, with millions of long-suffering residents cheering on the end of the world's longest lockdown (pictured, mates at 3 Monkeys on the city's Chapel Street)

Wild scenes erupted in Melbourne’s streets as midnight approached. Millions of long-suffering people cheered on the end the longest lockdown in history (pictured, mates at 3 Monkeys, on the city’s Chapel Street).

Cheers!: A groups of mates toast to the end of Victoria's gruelling stay-at-home orders at a Melbourne bar on Thursday

Cheers!: A group of friends toasts Victoria’s end of the grueling stay at home orders at a Melbourne Bar on Thursday

As swarms of residents flocked to bars and restaurants to reunite with their mates, there were jubilant scenes.

Even fast food chains such as McDonald’s saw huge crowds. Video shows diners lining up in the parking lot to enjoy a late-night meal after months of being under a strict 9pm curfew. 

Although there is some relief that the worst has passed, it is still too early for people to stop wearing face masks indoors or outdoors.

Other restrictions that are not liked will still be in effect, as well as strict capacity limits for venues and events.

Melburnians couldn't wait any longer to catch up with their mates rushing to pubs as the clocks hit midnight (pictured at Leonard's House of Love in South Yarra)

Melburnians couldn’t wait to catch up with their mates, so they raced to the pubs just before midnight (photo taken at Leonard’s House of Love South Yarra).

Party animals hit the streets as the city got it's first taste of freedom since August when Melbourne's sixth lockdown was called

As the city received its first taste of freedom since August, when Melbourne’s sixth lockdown was opened, party animals took to the streets.

A hospitality worker brings a round of shots to the table as wild celebrations go long into the night in Melbourne

A waiter brings a round of shots to the table, as wild celebrations last well into the night in Melbourne

Premier Daniel Andrews finally agreed to lift the brutal restrictions earlier this week as the beleaguered state neared its vaccination target of 70 per cent

Premier Daniel Andrews finally agreed earlier this week to lift the severe restrictions, as the beleaguered country neared its vaccination target for 70% 

Some sick of their lockdown hairstyle even made a midnight trip to hair salons (pictured at the Flaunt It salon in Truganina in the city's outer west)

Some were so sick of their locks that they made a midnight visit to the hair salons (pictured at Flaunt It salon, Truganina’s outer west).

MELBOURNE’S LITANY OF LOCKDOWNS 

Lockdown 1: March 31, 2020 – May 12, 2020 – 43 Days

Lockdown 2: July 9, 2020 through October 27, 2020 – 111 Days

Lockdown 3 – February 13, 2021 to February 17, 2021 – 5 days

Lockdown 4: May 28, 2021- June 10, 2021 – 14 Days

Lockdown 5: From July 16, 2021, to July 27, 2021 — 12 days

Lockdown 6: From August 5th, 2021, to October 21st, 2021 – 78 days starting October 14 

The good news? The controversial 9pm curfew in the city has been repealed along with the 15km travel restriction.

Residents can now move freely around the Metropolitan Area, but regional travel is still not possible. 

Hospitality venues like pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants are allowed to reopen for seated and outdoor service only, with a capacity limit of 20 fully-vaccinated patrons indoors and 50 outdoors.

Before nightclubs, stand-up drinking, and dancing in venues are allowed, the vaccination rate should be at least 80 percent.

General retail will also have to wait until the next vaccination milestone, predicted to be achieved in early November, before trading can return to normal.

Non-essential shops can only operate outdoors or with the help of a permit. Click and collect  

A maximum of 20 people can be accommodated indoors and 50 outdoors in entertainment venues such as cinemas or physical recreation.

Personal services such as hAfter the fashion-conscious city went for 78 consecutive days without a trim, airdressers and beauty salons are allowed to return to work with a maximum of five clients.

But anyone entering any non-essential venue in the state must prove their vaccination status upon entry when they check in via QR code with the Service Victoria app.

The green tick can also be shown in the Medicare Express app. Visitors who are unable to prove that they have had the jab may be denied entry.

Revellers are seen drinking at 3 Monkeys on Chapel Street as Melbourne opened up from lockdown at midnight (pictured)

Revellers seen drinking at 3 Monkeys in Chapel Street as Melbourne reopened from lockdown at midnight (pictured).

A group of young men pose for a photo in front of the iconic Flinders Street Train Station as the lockdown lifts - meaning millions are finally allowed out late at night with the curfew scrapped

A group photo of young men poses in front the iconic Flinders Street Train Station. The lockdown lifts are used to photograph the train station. Millions finally have the right to go out late at night, with the curfew lifted.

A full bar waits for cocktails as party-goers celebrate the end of Melbourne's brutal stay-at-home orders - with masks still mandatory unless eating or drinking

As party-goers celebrate Melbourne’s end to its brutal stay-at home orders, there is a full bar waiting for cocktails. Masks are still required if eating or drinking.

A massive queue is seen lining up at Leonard's House of Love in South Yarra as Melbourne opened up from lockdown at midnight

As Melbourne opened at midnight, a huge queue gathered at Leonard’s House of Love South Yarra.

Residents can allow up to 10 visitors to their homes, while outdoor gathering limits are increased from 10 to 15.  

Visitors to your home don’t need to have all their vaccines, but it is strongly recommended by the state government. Outdoor gatherings are subject to the same rules. 

Funerals, religious services, and weddings can be held with 50 fully-vaccinated guests outside and 20 indoors.

Schools are for children in elementary school Year 3 to Year 11 will start returning to the classroom part-time.

Children of fully vaccinated parents will be able to reopen early childcare. 

The long-awaited reopening of the airport was originally scheduled to take place on October 26th. However, premier Andrews expedited the process and praised Victorians”mighty’ efforts.

Huge lines were scene at McDonald's at midnight with customers thrilled to dine in for a change and enjoy the first late night feast in months

McDonald’s was packed at midnight. Customers were thrilled to be able to eat in and enjoy the first late-night meal in months.

There were some yawns but cooped-up Melburnians couldn't wait any longer to hit the town as they lined up at Leonard's House of Love in South Yarra

There were some yawns but cooped-up Melburnians couldn’t wait any longer to hit the town as they lined up at Leonard’s House of Love in South Yarra

Salons can now open to a maximum of five fully-vaccinated customers, with some even booking in for midnight appointments (pictured in Melbourne's outer west at Truganina)

Salons can now be opened to up to five fully-vaccinated clients. Some customers even book in for midnight appointments (pictured at Truganina in Melbourne’s outer west).

A wild night is in store at at 3 Monkeys on Chapel Street as Melbourne threw off the shackles of its lockdown - which cumulatively became the longest in the week since the Covid pandemic began

A wild night is in store at at 3 Monkeys on Chapel Street as Melbourne threw off the shackles of its lockdown – which cumulatively became the longest in the week since the Covid pandemic began

Revellers screamed in celebration from their apartment balconies, while car horns could be heard blaring in the background as overjoyed Melburnians got their first taste freedom since August (pictured, revellers in the city)

Revellers celebrated from their balconies as they shouted in joy, while car horns were heard blasting in the background as overjoyed Melburnians enjoyed their first taste of freedom since August (pictured, revellers around the city).

“These are things that we can bring forward Because of the Victorian community has done so well in getting vaccinated so fast and in such great numbers,’ Mr Andrews said on Sunday when he announced the lockdown would finally end.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our community for coming forward to make these decisions to protect themselves, protect their loved ones, and protect us all from this pandemic.”

‘To allow the rules to change to open up and normalise, to get our buddies back, to focus on living our lives as normal or as close as possible to normal. 

Later, Andrews tweeted: ‘Bring forward your haircut and tell Mother you’ll come over for dinner. 

Melburnians have spent 262 days locked down since the pandemic in early 2020. They endured six separate stints of stay-at-home orders, with all non-essential businesses being forced to close.

Recently, the city surpassed Buenos Aires, the Argentinian capital. The most secure place in the world 

In the hours leading up to midnight, the city was technically still locked down and subject to curfew. This left Melburnians trapped in what Michael O’Brien (Liberal MP) called the “twilight zone”. 

He tweeted, “I can’t leave my home and break curfew for science/Covid – but I can travel anywhere in Melbourne in 40 minutes because science/Covid,” 

In the lead up to the clock striking midnight, the city was technically still in lockdown and subject to the curfew leaving Melburnians in what opposition Liberal MP Michael O'Brien called 'twilight zone'.

In the hours leading up to midnight, the city was technically still locked down and subject to curfew. This left Melburnians trapped in what Michael O’Brien (Liberal MP) called the “twilight zone”. 

It was martinis in the moonlight for this group of friends who travelled to Melbourne's Prahran for their first night of freedom

This group of friends enjoyed martinis under the moonlight as they travelled to Melbourne’s Prahran to experience their first night of freedom.

Victoria officially lifted its stay-at-home orders at 11:59pm on Thursday after the beleaguered state smashed its 70 per cent Covid vaccination target late into the evening (pictured, people out on Chapel Street)

After the state’s failure to reach its 70% Covid vaccination target, Victoria lifted its stay at-home orders on Thursday at 11:59pm (photo taken by Chapel Street residents)

Anyone entering any non-essential venue in the state must prove their vaccination status upon entry when they check in via QR code with the Service Victoria app (pictured, mates checking into a Chapel Street bar)

Any person entering any non-essential state venue must show proof of vaccination when they check in via QR code using the Service Victoria app. (pictured, mates checking in to a Chapel Street Bar)

Another significant milestone was also reached on Thursday with over 90 of the state having received their first dose (pictured, revellers out after midnight struck)

On Thursday, another significant milestone was reached. More than 90 state employees received their first dose. (Photo: revellers at midnight).

Hundreds were arrested for clashing police during the brutal lockdown period.

Victoria Police was also criticised for its inflexible approach to enforcing the strict lockdown restrictions. 

The vast majority of the weary residents did not comply with the restrictions and went ahead to get vaccinated.

On Thursday, the state surpassed the 70% target. More than 90 people received their first dose.    

Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that the longest road had been traveled in Victoria, and that it is now that the long road really opens up tonight.

“This is not a large opening in the first step. We move cautiously, but with a deliberate approach in Australia so that we can safely expand. 

“That is the key.” We want to keep our doors open as soon as we open them.

Revellers stop to pose for a photo as a jubilant atmosphere washes over Melbourne in the wake of the abolished lockdown

Revellers pose for photos as a joyful atmosphere sweeps Melbourne after the removal of the lockdown

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: 'The longest road has been journeyed in Victoria and that long road really starts to open up tonight' (pictured, a man getting a well-deserved round of beers - and a Jaeger shot)

Scott Morrison, Prime Minister, stated that Victoria has traveled the longest road and that long road will open up tonight. (pictured, a man enjoying a well-deserved round – and a Jaeger shot).

A reveller on Chapel Street in Melbourne is seen celebrating through a vehicle's sun roof at midnight as excited crowds took to the streets

As excited crowds took to Melbourne’s streets, Chapel Street saw a reveller celebrating through his vehicle’s sunroof at midnight.

A group of young men prepare to throw back a shot as fully vaccinated residents are now allowed back to the pub (pictured on Chapel Street)

A group of young men prepares to throw back a shot now that fully vaccinated residents can return to the pub (pictured at Chapel Street).

Despite the success, Covid cases are still high in Victoria, despite the vaccination campaign. 

On Thursday, there were 2,232 new locally acquired infections and 12 deaths. 

The number of fatalities in Victoria since the pandemic has now risen to 1,005, with majority coming during the state’s disastrous second wave from July to October in 2020.

The total number of cases in Victoria since the pandemic reached Australians shores now sits at 73,151, with 22,889 infections still active.

There are currently 779 Covid patients in the state’s hospitals. 141 of those cases are in intensive and 96 are breathing through a ventilator. 

Mates catch up over some well-deserved drinks as the clock struck midnight and Melbourne's lockdown was finally over (pictured in South Yarra)

The clock struck midnight, and Melbourne was locked down. Mates reunite over a few well-deserved drinks (pictured in South Yarra).

While there's a major sense of relief that the worst of the coronavirus crisis is now over, it's still too early to ditch the face mask which remains mandatory indoors and outdoors unless eating or drinking (pictured, mates catch up in Prahran)

There is a huge sense of relief that this coronavirus crisis is over. However, it is still too early for people to stop wearing the face mask indoors or outside unless they are eating or drinking. (pictured, mates catch-up in Prahran).

A police officer is seen doing an inspection of a venue in Melbourne after the city emerged from lockdown (pictured) to ensure the remaining Covid restrictions were still being adhered to)

After Melbourne had been released from lockdown, a Melbourne police officer was seen inspecting the venue to ensure that Covid restrictions were being followed.

Wild scenes played out after midnight with revellers bar-hopping long into the evening right across Melbourne (pictured outside 3 Monkeys)

Wild scenes took place after midnight, with revellers party-hopping into the night all across Melbourne (photo outside 3 Monkeys).

Despite the success of the vaccination campaign, Covid cases in Victoria are still stubbornly high with 2232 cases on Thursday (pictured, mates catching up in Melbourne after lockdown ended)

Despite the success of the vaccination campaign, Covid cases in Victoria are still stubbornly high with 2232 cases on Thursday (pictured, mates catching up in Melbourne after lockdown ended)

Victoria’s path to freedom

'Because of everything Victorians have done, tomorrow we can start getting back to the things we love. Thank you Victoria - I'm so proud,' Daniel Andrews (pictured) tweeted on Thursday

“Because of everything Victorians did, tomorrow we will be able to get back to the things that we love. Daniel Andrews (pictured), tweeted on Thursday: “Thank you Victoria – It’s so proud,” 

 Travel 

  • There are no restrictions on how you leave home, and a 9pm-5am curfew has been scrapped for Melburnians who can travel freely within the metropolitan area.
  • Travelling between Melbourne and regional Victoria is not possible, unless there are permitted reasons. 

 Gatherings in the house and public spaces

  • A home will allow up to ten visitors per day (including dependents). 
  • Outdoor gatherings can accommodate up to 15 people 

Locations that offer hospitality, retail stores, and personal services

  • Hospitality venues, including pubs and clubs, will reopen for outdoor and seated service only. There is a maximum capacity limit of 20 fully-vaccinated patrons indoors.
  • General retail will reopen for outside service only, with click and collect services remaining available
  • Entertainment venues, such as cinemas, and physical recreation centers, will be reopened to 20 fully-vaccinated individuals indoors and 50 outdoors.
  • There is a maximum limit of five customers who can open a hairdresser or beauty salon. 

Weddings, funerals and places of worship 

  • Funerals, religious gatherings, and weddings will be permitted with 50 fully-vaccinated persons outdoors and 20 indoors.

Schools and childcare 

  • Students in Years 3 through 11 will begin a staggered return to school. 
  • Children of fully vaccinated parents will be able to reopen early childcare

Masks 

  • Masks will continue to be mandatory indoors and out.