WA's intrastate travel restrictions came into effect at 11.59pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 banning people from moving between the state's regional boundaries.
The measure was taken by the state government to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Western Australians that are currently outside of their region and are able to return, were told to make their way home before the travel restrictions came into effect.
Some exemptions apply for people who travel for work purposes; attend medical appointments; transport freight; do not have access to groceries or supplies within their region; are returning to a place of residence; attend school or an educational institution; care for family members; and approved compassionate grounds.
Construction and freight industries, in particular, can continue to operate despite these new measures.
Check points and mobile police patrols will be in place to monitor travel across boundaries and ensure people are doing the right thing.
People are encouraged, where possible, to assist police by preparing documentation, such as a letter/email/SMS from an employer, to support their legitimate travel.
WA Police are enforcing the regional travel ban and could fine people up to $50,000 for breaking the rules.
Premier Mark McGowan said the message to Western Australians was clear - do not travel within WA. All non-essential intrastate travel must cease.
"Anyone planning to travel outside of their region for non-essential purposes must stay home, and we urge anyone that is currently outside of their region to return home immediately," he said.
"We understand these measures may be inconvenient, but they are vital to ensure we continue to protect their fellow Western Australians and stop the spread of COVID-19.
"There are exemptions that will allow people to continue to travel for work, to deliver freight, attend medical appointments and compassionate grounds.
"Whilst tradesmen and workers within industry, in particular the construction industry, are exempt from the new intrastate travel restrictions, they must remain vigilant with social distancing practices and hygiene on site."
Prior to the regional travel ban being enforced residents in Dunsborough had reported an influx of holiday homes filling with cars and people from Perth.
A real estate agent told the Mail they had been receiving calls from Perth families for a number of weeks who were looking to rent homes in Dunsborough during the pandemic.
Last week, City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley pleaded with accommodation providers in the region to cancel any travel bookings they had for at least the next four weeks.
Mr Henley told accommodation providers to cancel their bookings in an attempt to deter travellers who might have been seeking to flout the regional border closures.
The mayor's appeal to accommodation providers was made on behalf of the broader South West community, with support from the Augusta Margaret River Shire and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.
"As diligently as we follow all the advice provided, we simply cannot cope with an influx of visitors at this time," he said.
Augusta Margaret River Shire President Ian Earl said resources in the region were limited and people should consider the additional strain they would put rural on hospitals.
"Our hospitals and emergency services cannot deal with an influx of people," Mr Earl said.
"Our supermarkets cannot deal with an influx of people.
"So our message is clear. Please stay home and do not travel here."
Mr Earl warned against some visitors using the region as a haven to ride out COVID-19 restrictions.
"We need to ensure the resources we do have can be directed at supporting the elderly and more vulnerable members of our community," he said.
"Whilst we're a welcoming and inclusive community, we do need to put ourselves first on this occasion.
"Visitors considering coming down here to ride out COVID-19 restrictions will be contributing to the strain on resources, so please do not come," he said.