Despite working the night shift at Canberra Hospital on Friday evening Svyeta Daribai was up at 7am on Saturday to purchase a tent for her family's first camping trip.
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The cleaner, alongside her partner Craig and four-year-old Amelia Williams, were among those making the most of an easing of coronavrius restrictions at several ACT national parks this weekend.
From Saturday, campgrounds at Cotter, Kowen and Blue Range were reopened to the public, as was the Centenary Trail Northern Border campsite.
ACT ranger Lizabeth Collier was patrolling the campground at Cotter on Saturday afternoon, she said crowds had complied with social-distancing and hygiene measures.
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"Everyone has been happy and nice and excited to get out," she said.
"I think it's important for people that they're open."
While Cotter operated on a "first in first served" basis, the popular Blue Range campsite was booked out for the long weekend.
Mr Williams said after being laid-off from his job as a travel agent he was sick of sitting at home.
Forced to cancel a trip to Germany in June, the family was getting used to the new domestic-travel normal.
"It's kinda weird. She's loving it so far though," Mr Williams said.
Lorrae and Mark Nye were looking forward to a "sneaky gin" by the fire before retiring early into the new caravan.
Having lost two cars and their previous van due to hail damage in January's storm, travel restrictions had prevented the Googong couple from enjoying a trip in the replacement camper before this weekend.
"As soon as I read they were opening on the 30th I thought 'we're out'," Mrs Nye said.
With their family camping trip at Wee Jasper cancelled this Easter, the couple had donned their flannel shirts and beanies and set up in the backyard.
Both public servants, Mr and Mrs Nye said while they felt for those who'd lost their jobs, they'd quite enjoyed working from home.
"The cons are: alcohol consumption has gone up a bit," Mrs Nye said.
A bit further out of town, Canberrans were also welcomed back to northern sections of the Namadgi National Park for the first time since the Orroral Valley bushfire.
The Bendora Arboretum, Bendora Picnic area, Mt Franklin Chalet and Bulls Head picnic area were reopened, while the remainder of the park and the visitor's centre stayed close.
Honeysuckle Creek campground, Mt Clear campground, Orroral campground and Woods Reserve campground also remained closed for bushfire recovery works.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman issued a statement on Friday warning which warned that rangers will be working with police to patrol ACT parks.
"Anyone found in a closed nature reserve can be given an on the spot fine of up to $1500," Mr Gentleman said.
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While the popular running spot at Mt Franklin Road was open for now, Mr Gentleman warned it might not stay that way for long.
"As we head into the colder months, it is important for the community to note that this road may once again close due to icy conditions," Mr Gentleman said.