Queenslanders could be allowed to visit far-flung states before they're allowed to return to NSW and Victoria.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has suggested Queensland's border with NSW may not be reopened for months.
"I would say that things would look more positive towards September," she told the ABC on Monday, when asked if a change by the end of May was likely.
The premier has promised to review the border closure at the end of each month.
On Sunday she warned it would be irresponsible to allow border crossings when there's still active community transmission of coronavirus in NSW and Victoria.
Asked about Queenslanders being allowed to visit the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia under a "travel bubble" arrangement, she said:
"I could see that happening before NSW and Victoria. But that's a matter for the premiers there as well."
Queensland's chief medical officer and the deputy premier will travel to Rockhampton on Monday as an aged care facility remains in coronavirus lockdown.
The premier has expressed great frustration with a nurse who kept working at the North Rockhampton Nursing Centre after developing symptoms, and while waiting for coronavirus test results.
"Everyone has a personal responsibility here to make sure that if they are sick, they are not turning up to work," she said on Monday.
A total of 235 staff and residents at the centre have been tested and cleared, with officials waiting on another 37 results.
But Deputy Premier and Heath Minister Stephen Miles says it will be another 12 days before everyone is in the clear.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .
