Pleas have been issued across the south-west ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Moyne Shire deputy mayor Colin Ryan asked people to stay at home as much as possible, even if it meant disrupting planned holidays and Easter plans.

"Easter is traditionally a busy weekend for Port Fairy and all holiday spots across the south-west but this year is different and I just want to remind people to stay home," he said.

"We welcome you in normal times but this year you must show respect for the people of Port Fairy and the wider community and abide by the requests of the prime minister and the premiers of all Australian states - to just stay home.

"Our cafes and restaurants are closed and it is a difficult time for everyone, so please show respect for everyone and just don't come here.

"The authorities are not talking to everyone except you, these new restrictions are for everyone to follow, especially holidaymakers."

Moyne Shire mayor Daniel Meade said the council was working with local police following reports of visitors not following the stay at home rules.

"We are taking this seriously for the health of our residents and to reduce the burden on regional health services," he said.

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell and Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan issued a similar plea ahead of the long weekend.

"It's not normal for local MPs to be telling visitors to stay away," Ms Britnell said.

"But this is an extraordinary time and to stop the spread of the virus everyone has to do their bit and stay at home."

Mr Riordan said he understood it would be tempting for people to pop down to their holiday homes along the coast.

"Normally we would love to see you but right now it's just not on," he said.

"This virus means we need to make sacrifices for the safety of the community. When this is all over both Roma and I will welcome you back with open arms - but right now, it's best for everyone if everyone stays at home."

A Warrnambool police spokesman said the weekend before Easter saw some out-of-towners exploiting restriction rules by travelling to the south-west for "exercise".

"I've found that people are driving some distance in order to exercise in Warrnambool," he said.

"You don't need to drive to a different town in order to exercise, that is exploiting the exercise rule."

Under Victoria's stage three restrictions, people are allowed to leave their home in order to exercise, which includes dog walking.

There are no specific rules on the distance you are allowed to travel for exercise, however Premier Daniel Andrews last week appealed for people to use "common sense" and not go "driving for miles and being out all day".

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