Australia Tours in January 2026
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10 best Australia trips in January 2026
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
- 10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
- Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
- Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest - 9 Day Boutique Tour
- Highlights Western Australia: Outback Coast & Wave Rock Package
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Tasmanian Discovery - 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Snorkel To Adventure)
- Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed the hikes, the swags and the landscapes.”
Manon, traveled in January
Duration 6 days Destinations Perth, Busselton, Margaret River, Walpole, Albany, Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Untamed Escapes January departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 12 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$1,546
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotel locations was perfect near city center, hotel is clean and perfect.”
Lilbeth, traveled in June
Duration 10 days Destinations Melbourne, Sydney, 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 $2,479
5% Off- NZ$2,355You save $124
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 2 day and 1 night KI tour was more than I could ever expect. The glamping was nicely organized and I slept really well.”
Hanna, traveled in February
Duration 2 days Destinations Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Penneshaw, Kingscote, Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay Age Range Ages 12+ Operator See Adelaide and Beyond January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
5% Off- NZ$1,021
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We would recommend this tour to anyone considering an extensive tour of Tasmania.”
Rachel, traveled in September
Duration 10 days Destinations Hobart, Queenstown, Tullah, Stanley, Devonport, Launceston, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Bicheno, Freycinet National Park, RichmondSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates12 Jan, 2026 6 spaces left 19 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From
5% Off- NZ$3,622
Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest - 9 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good overview of what Queensland can offer, spectacular views.”
Yves, traveled in July
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Atherton, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Mossman GorgeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia January departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left 18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $6,786
15% Off- NZ$5,768You save $1,018
Duration 10 days Destinations Perth, Fremantle, Pemberton, Walpole, William Bay, Albany, Stirling Range National Park, Hyden, Wave Rock, YorkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, German, French Operator WA NT TOURS January departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 15 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$6,411
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
2 Reviews 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 $4,269
5% Off- NZ$4,056You save $213
Tasmanian Discovery - 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Knowledgeable guide and great fellow.”
Paul, traveled in November
Duration 6 days Destinations Hobart, Mount Field National Park, Queenstown, Strahan, Tullah, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Launceston, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Bicheno, Freycinet National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left From
5% Off- NZ$2,390
Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Snorkel To Adventure)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole experience of snorkeling and scuba diving is fantastic. Definitely an unforgettable memory.”
Yafang, traveled in November
Duration 3 days Destinations Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 9 spaces left 5 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
5% Off- NZ$935+$106 upfront costs
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tours that were booked for us everyday were interesting, and adventurous!”
Ashley, traveled in April
Duration 12 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Fitzroy Island, Green Island National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 4 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
5% Off- NZ$4,562
What people love about Australia Tours in January
My first tour with Nullarbor was Adelaide to Perth three years ago. The weather wasn't great but the guides, Craig and Anna, were. I really wanted to see the Cape again but in good weather so when I learned that Anna was running the Perth to Esperance tour last summer I decided to do it. The weather was choppy that summer so I watched the long range forecasts for a fine break. In late February I caught a gap and jumped in. The tour was fantastic. Anna had decided to reverse the itinerary to maximize the weather, which was an inspired decision. We followed the Coast right down to Albany and then across to the Cape. A perfect pace. Small hops from camp to camp and then two of the most beautiful nights at Lucky Bay. The light was great so I was able to shoot lots of great video. The water was warm and beautifully calm. Due to the heavy rains the past few weeks the wildflowers were out and the trees in bloom. We had a group of 12. Nice people who fitted in fine. Anna made everyone her friend from the start so there were no issues along the way. Anna is a great tour guide. She's worked very hard to find the best locations, the best routes and alternatives. We had a couple of serious detours due to washouts so she had some pretty long hauls to get us in and out of the Cape. Big days, no complaints. The food was great. Everyone got stuck in at mealtimes to get the work done. Looking back now I feel that it's her light touch around people, her smile and sense of humor, and her passion for Australian natural history that makes her such a great tour guide. It's these qualities above all else that make her the stand out winner of this year's competition in my eyes.
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
- Oz Intro + Work
Crazy week, Colin was a total babe, met loads of new mates, couldn't knock anything. Proper value for money and have no idea how they make a profit! Favourite activity was probably either the boat ride in the harbour or the meal int the rotating Westfield tower. Cheeky tip for the Westfield tower, get the whole table to go for the $25 house drink deal and stagger everyones drinking so every time the waiter/waitress brings a few drinks over, a few more drinks are ordered so it hurries them up a bit and you get way over your moneys worth! ;)
This was an amazing adventure for me and my daughter. Was the perfect trip. Can't speak highly enough for the guide and his knowledge, genuine passion and love for the island. Tour wasn't rushed but we still saw so much.
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
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."