COVID-19 restrictions forced the beaches to close near Australia's largest city, as scorching spring temperatures sent thousands of people to the coast. Beachgoers were also warned to stay away from Sydney's most famous sand arc at Bondi as it neared capacity.

Heading to the coast is a past-time quintessential Australian. But the warmer weather in the southern hemisphere is testing the nation's plans to keep the coronavirus in check. Visitor numbers are now limited, and two beaches south of Sydney have been closed to avoid overcrowding.

Swimmers were also told to avoid Bondi and Coogee, as thousands of people flocked to two of Sydney's most popular sand arcs.

COVID-19 marshals and the police were on patrol to ensure that people were kept a towel-length apart. The authorities have indicated that the response of the public has been encouraging.

But the beachgoers had mixed opinions about the safety measures.

Approximately 27,000 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Australia since the outbreak of the pandemic and 900 people have died. Most states and territories have been able to contain coronavirus.

No new infections have been reported by Queensland in the past day. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the community is taking care of hygiene and distancing advice.

"Once again, I just want to congratulate the Queenslanders on the great work they have done. The results we've had because of our health response have been that Queenslanders have been listening. We've seen that time and time again, whether it's dealing with cyclones and natural disasters, whether it's dealing with bushfires, the Queenslanders come together. It's an incredible story, "said Palaszczuk.

However, the Lockdown measures still apply in the city of Melbourne. Residents can only leave their homes for essential activities. Health officials said that restrictions would ease later this month if the rate of infection continues to decline.