Hundreds of people in Sydney rushed into the waves at the city's famous Bondi Beach today as Australia took the first steps in easing coronavirus restrictions.
Dozens of eager surfers jumped railings and hit the water even before the beach officially opened at 7am (local time), five weeks after police sealed the area off because of large crowds ignoring social distancing orders.
More swimmers and boarders lined up patiently and cheered as council workers moved fences aside to allow them through. Although there were large numbers in the sea, the sand remained largely empty as people are still barred from sunbathing or gathering on the shore. "Surf and go" signs urged people to move on when they had finished in the water.