On Friday, May 15, when the first phase of eased restrictions came into effect, cafe owner Steven Fischer said it was "almost like a normal day".

Although his cafe, Hit'N 'Run, continues to operate as takeaway only, Mr Fischer said online orders and government support had helped keep the business afloat.

"Our income hasn't been as badly affected as cafes that depend on food sales," he said. "We've stayed open for takeaway and have had plenty of people coming in to buy beans or order online. We have slowed down because there are less people in town, but the government help has made a big difference."

Next door at Aquatique surf shop, general manager Justin Bellwood said sales had almost returned to normal.

"March and April were a bit of a disaster," he said.

"But May has been really good. People are back out spending because they've been isolated at home, and some have extra money from the JobKeeper payment."

Mr Bellwood said the store had adapted to the new normal of social distancing and COVID-19 hygiene.

"At the start the instructions were that people had to shop with a purpose - they weren't allowed to just browse," he said.

"That's been lifted now, but we have to put all clothing that's been tried on in isolation for 72 hours and make sure it's cleaned. Most customers have been pretty good about social distancing and using hand sanitiser."

Mr Fischer said despite the challenges, he believed the government had made tough choices that protected people's health.

"There's always going to be disgruntled people," he said.

"But we're all in the same boat and we'll all have to pay for it later. We'll get through it."