Many people ignored the warnings, but the idea that there were no warnings is false.
There are lots of places around the world that I would not travel to before Covid even though the official travel advice was OK.
I have now added NSW and VIC to that list.
Yes I do have relation and friends in those states.
I am part of a travelling group who are looking at our next group holiday. This year is supposed to be out next big trip. However, we have decided that this time it will be within the confines of Qld.