Queensland will open its borders to interstate COVID-19 hotspots at 1am on Monday, December 13, earlier than initially planned.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland will reach the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target this week.

She said the milestone will be welcome news for families.

“This is going to be a very, very special time of the year,” she said.

The border was due to open up on December 17.

“It will be as of 1am Monday December 13, Queensland borders will re-open especially to those hotspots, NSW, Victoria and the ACT.”

Travellers will need to have had a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travelling and will need to get tested again on day 5.

Travellers can arrive by road or air, but must be fully vaccinated.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll advised travellers to “pack their patience” with police predicting lengthy delays at the border for those travelling by road.

In other welcome news for border zone residents, those who are vaccinated will be able to move freely between the two states, without the need for a PCR test.

While the news allows NSW residents to holiday in the Sunshine State sooner, Jim Wilson told the Courier Mail’s Peter Gleeson many frustrated listeners have already cancelled their trips.

“Queensland has lost a lot of goodwill,” Mr Gleeson agreed.

“There’s been reputational damage because of the uncertainty and lack of clarity.

“But I think for once, the Premier has listened.”

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Image: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Facebook