Melburnians have been flocking to bars and restaurants and even Kmart as they celebrate the end of a gruelling four-month lockdown.

With restrictions still in place on the number of people allowed in certain venues, bookings had to be made hours in advance by those eager to finally “get on the beers”.

Over 10,000 people had walked through the doors of Kmart at 6 am this morning, according to the group’s managing director Ian Bailey.

“I now officially declare Melbourne restaurants open for business,” Angus and Bon steakhouse owner Liam Ganley said as he cut a ribbon to cheers, confetti and applause.

Limits are capped at 20 people indoors and 50 outside, which some businesses say will be hard to make a profit but are happy they can reopen again after 16 weeks of closures.

Mr Ganley said his venue was inundated once the reopening was confirmed by the premier.

“(We) opened the bookings up, had  2000 book in two or three hours.  So we are booked weeks in advance.”

One diner taking advantage of the midnight opening said it “feels like New Year’s Eve”.

Pubs were allowed to reopen at 6 am and patrons are extremely eager to make use of their newfound freedom.

“We are booked solid for the next four or five days,” publican Vinny McGrath told Today this morning.

“It is awesome. It is a great day, a really good day. The elation yesterday of just getting delivery drivers in, getting beers delivered, getting wine delivered, it is awesome.”

9News reporter Elisabeth Moss said champagne was on ice for some businesses ready to fling open their doors.

“The venues we’ve spoken to say they’re already at COVID capacity for tonight. That means that come midnight, many of them will have 20 people seated, at a distance, having dinner, enjoying a drink again,” she said.

Hundreds of people rushed to Kmart as they took advantage of the retailer’s trading hours.

A booking system was also implemented for those desperate to visit the store.

Beauty salons will also reopen from this morning but customers must wear a face mask.

Some salon owners say that rule will make it near impossible to do their jobs.

As Melbourne opens up from today, Victoria’s contact tracers will be in the spotlight to quickly identify any potential virus cases that emerge.

The government is reportedly considering bringing in a QR code check-in system, similar to what many businesses use in NSW and the ACT.