Groups of people have been caught gathering in Melbourne gardens today, brazenly flouting stay-at-home coronavirus restrictions despite numerous stern warnings from authorities.

9News captured a group of seven friends kicking back at Carlton Gardens in the city's CBD this afternoon, while numerous clusters of people were spotted having picnics and sunbathing at Flagstaff Gardens.

The shocking non-compliance of the state government's stage three restrictions has sparked outrage online.

Groups flout strict COVID-19 gathering restrictions. (Nine)

It comes after crowds flocked to St Kilda beach last week , blatantly ignoring shutdown obligations.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews today warned people would cop hefty on-the-spot fines if they left the house for "non-essential" reasons.

The fines include $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses under Victorian law.

Victoria Police confirmed nine fines had been issued in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 10 in the state.

Clusters of people have been spotted sunbathing and having picnics at gardens. (Nine)

Another six infringement notices were issued to people by police from South Melbourne (3), Melton (2) and Footscray (1) for breaching the directive to stay at home without a valid reason.

"There are very significant penalties, because if these rules aren't followed, people will die," Premier Andrews said.

"The cost is not measured in terms of dollars, it's measured in terms of lives lost.

"If you can stay home, you must stay home."

A Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman said people should only go out if it "essential".

"Yes, it was a beautiful day today, but we should not be gathering in groups of more than two," she said.

"It's simply not good enough, we are doing our best to try and flatten the curve and this type of behaviour is not helping.

"People need to take this seriously, it could be the difference between life and death."

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