Australia Tours in January 2026
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10 best Australia trips in January 2026
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Indian Pacific Train with Sydney & Perth
- 3 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Melbourne Loop Tour (Accommodated)
- Best of Tasmania (including Port Huon)
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- Essence of Australia 14 Days
- Complete Australia Highlights 14 days
- Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
- 2 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Overland Escape (Accommodated)
- Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time & it went very smoothly. I appreciate also that she would contact us to see how things were going.”
Stanley, traveled in March
Duration 15 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates16 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$3,966
Duration 13 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Broken Hill, Adelaide, Nullarbor National Park, Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company January departure dates
See All Departure Dates18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 25 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$9,435
3 Day Great Ocean Road & Grampians Melbourne Loop Tour (Accommodated)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was well organised and adaptable to the changing (hot!) weather conditions. Really enjoyed the hike up in the Grampians and down to the waterfall.”
Sinclair, traveled in December
Duration 3 days Destinations Melbourne, Geelong, Anglesea, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, Warrnambool, Grampians National Park, Halls Gap, MacKenzie FallsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Autopia Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates11 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 18 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$994
Duration 9 days Destinations Launceston, Stanley, Waratah, Corinna, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Hobart, Port Arthur, Tasman Island, Hartz Mountains National Park, Port HuonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates11 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left 18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$5,595
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a small group of like-minded people. We loved it!!”
Lorene, traveled in October
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia January departure dates
See All Departure Dates11 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left 25 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left From
- NZ$11,934
Duration 14 days Destinations Melbourne, Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates16 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$3,490
Duration 14 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Gold Coast, Cairns, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates16 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$4,391
Duration 8 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Lucinda, Mission Beach, AthertonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$3,960
Duration 2 days Destinations Melbourne, Geelong, Anglesea, Apollo Bay, Otway, Port Campbell, Halls Gap, Adelaide Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Autopia Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates12 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 19 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$638
Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was planned perfectly, it was a smooth running of the trip where I didn't have to worry about anything.”
Leah, traveled in September
Duration 28 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator INTRO Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 14 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$5,699
What people love about Australia Tours in January
- Oz Intro
Definately the best week in my life, the guys help you sooo much in travelling and working in Australia, more than you can imagine doing in a week. Meet so many great people and have the time of your life!
- 7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return - from Perth
This was the first time I had done a tour like this and it was an amazing experience. We packed a lot in, so it was both exhausting and inspiring! The tour guides were really professional and very capable. I appreciated their ability to adapt to changes and personal circumstances. Thank you!
- Oz Intro + Work
I really enjoyed this tour! Such a great week to introduce you to Aus! Tom has been great and so much fun, helping us with everything we need and helping us plan the rest of our time in Aus. Great activities the weekend in port Stephans was great! The sand boarding and dolphin cruise was awesome! Great accommodation right in the middle of the city close to everything you need. Would defiantly recommend this it’s such a good way to meet new people and so much fun!
What our customers ask about Australia Tours in January 2026
What's the weather like in Australia during January tours?
January brings summer temperatures across Australia with distinct regional variations. The northern cities of Cairns and Gold Coast experience temperatures of 30-35°C (86-95°F). The Great Barrier Reef area offers clear warm waters ideal for water activities. Sydney and other southern destinations maintain milder temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Recent travelers on TourRadar note: "The weather was perfect for outdoor activities and swimming at locations like Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef."
What are the most popular destinations to visit in Australia during January?
The summer season draws visitors to Australia's coastal and tropical destinations. The Great Barrier Reef Whitsunday Islands Cairns Gold Coast and Sydney top the list. North Queensland's mix of rainforest and reef experiences attracts visitors to Port Douglas and the Daintree region. Properties like Flynn Hotel Cairns and Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas serve as popular bases. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Having traveled to 50+ countries now this tour was one of the most epic trips I've ever done."
Are there any special events or festivals in Australia during January?
January's calendar features nationwide Australia Day celebrations on the 26th alongside city-specific events. Sydney comes alive with its Festival offering free outdoor concerts art installations and performances. Melbourne hosts the Australian Open tennis tournament drawing international crowds. Premium hotels like Crown Towers Melbourne fill quickly during these events making early bookings essential.
What wildlife experiences are best in Australia during January?
The summer month presents prime opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitors can watch whales in Hervey Bay spot kangaroos during early morning national park visits and observe koalas in their natural environment. A TourRadar participant notes: "We saw incredible marine life while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in January - the water visibility was perfect and we spotted sea turtles reef sharks and colorful fish."
Is January peak season for tourism in Australia?
As Australia's high season accommodation and activity bookings require 3-6 months advance planning. This applies especially to sought-after experiences like Great Barrier Reef tours and Sydney harbor cruises. Morning activities prove popular for avoiding peak heat particularly in tropical areas. One reviewer advises: "Book early morning reef tours for better conditions and fewer crowds especially during the summer peak season."
What are the best beach destinations in Australia for January?
Summer beach destinations range from Sydney's Bondi Beach to the Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach and Byron Bay. Luxury coastal stays at The Byron at Byron or Intercontinental Hayman Island offer premium beachfront experiences. According to a TourRadar visitor: "The beaches were absolutely perfect in January - we loved staying right on Bondi Beach and exploring the different coastal spots."