How Melbourne embraced its first day of freedom – starting at the stroke of midnight

Some partied the night away, others were up at the crack of dawn to line up for their first cafe hit, and others queued to shop, shop, shop

Melbourne residents have become somewhat accustomed to the world changing overnight. But for what felt like the first time, they went to bed on Tuesday knowing they would wake up to a better version of their city.

Australia's second-biggest city has been under harsh lockdown since July and although many businesses and individuals suffered greatly there is no denying it was effective.