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."

Australia Tours in January 2027

250+ Australia tours

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Nature & Wildlife
Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"It is a stunning part of the world and I so am glad that I went on this tour which enabled me to experience it!"
Giorgio, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach,Atherton,Cairns,Great Barrier Reef+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Great Barrier ReefEast AustraliaSouth East QueenslandQueensland+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Via Travel Australia
From
US$2,895per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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17 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
31 Jan, 2027
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City & Culture
7-Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Amazing views, beautiful sunrise hikes, (bush) camping in swags and learning so much about geological and cultural history."
Minke, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Yulara, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru,Watarrka National Park,Kings Canyon,Coober Pedy,Flinders Ranges,Wilpena Pound,Quorn,Clare,Adelaide+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Untamed Escapes
From
US$1,241per person
Price based on Shared Room
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17 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
31 Jan, 2027
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City & Culture
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"It was an excellent tour very well balance between the time spent in each place, the included hours, the hotels and transportation."
Ignacio, traveled in August
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Melbourne, St Kilda, Uluru,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Yulara,Sydney,Bondi Beach,Gold Coast,Surfers Paradise,Mount Tamborine,Springbrook,Currumbin,Cairns,Kuranda,Daintree National Park+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
From
US$2,241per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Nature & Wildlife
Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour - via Great Ocean Road & Grampians
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"What a beautiful way to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide!"
Tiziana, traveled in April
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park,Port Campbell,Grampians National Park,Bordertown,Adelaide+4 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
10% Off
From $413
US$371per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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11 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
18 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Adelaide to Melbourne 3 Day Overland Tour via Grampians and Great Ocean Road
4.8 (9 traveler reviews)
"The tour was a font of knowledge and entertaining throughout."
David, traveled in January
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Adelaide, Bordertown, Grampians National Park, Halls Gap,Warrnambool,Great Ocean Road,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Loch Ard Gorge,London Bridge,Great Otway National Park,Apollo Bay,Melbourne+8 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadEast AustraliaVictoria+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
10% Off
From $659
US$593per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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13 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
20 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours
2.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"This tour far exceeded our expectations! The cities, flights, activities, schedule was carefully curated."
DAVE, traveled in December
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Otway,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Loch Ard Gorge,London Bridge,Yulara,Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,Uluru,Cairns,Port Douglas,Daintree National Park,Mossman Gorge,Cape Tribulation,Sydney,Bondi Beach,Blue Mountains+14 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
15% Off
From $4,368
US$3,713per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Walk Tasmania’s Capes, Freycinet & Maria Island
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Launceston, Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay, Swansea,Maria Island,Darlington,Orford,Tasman National Park,Cape Hauy,Port Arthur,Cape Raoul,Hobart+8 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,540per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Best of the South West Tour
4.3 (7 traveler reviews)
"Great overview of area and right amount of time at each stop. Loved having a short bus so could see more."
Debi, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Perth, Busselton, Margaret River, Cape Leeuwin,Hamelin Bay,Pemberton,Walpole,William Bay,Albany,Stirling Range National Park,Esperance,Cape Le Grand National Park,Norseman,Kalgoorlie,Coolgardie,Hyden,York+13 more
Age Range
Ages 13+
Country Region
Western Australia
Operated in
English, German
Operator
WA NT TOURS
15% Off
From
US$3,155per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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31 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Oz Intro + Work
4.7 (52 traveler reviews)
"You will get to see the best of East coast. I did stuff I would never do at home and am gratefull for the things I did and are still yet to come."
BeNtE, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast AustraliaGold Coast+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,044per person
Price based on Shared Room
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4 Jan, 2027
5 spaces left
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Iconic Australia: A 12-Day Grand Discovery
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We had an absolutely incredible time on our trip to Australia."
Hillary, traveled in May
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns, Sydney
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier Reef
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,535per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
City & Culture
Perth to Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef 7 Day Original Tour
4.7 (75 traveler reviews) award winner
"An awesome way to explore and experience WA without the hassle of driving yourself."
MARIA, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Perth, Nambung National Park, Jurien Bay, Geraldton,Kalbarri,Kalbarri National Park,Monkey Mia Reserve,Denham,Coral Bay,Ningaloo Reef,Exmouth,Cape Range National Park,Carnarvon,Lancelin+10 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Australia West CoastWestern Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
10% Off
From $1,383
US$1,245per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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8 Jan, 2027
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15 Jan, 2027
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Hiking & Trekking
Famous 5 - 5 day Tour of Tasmania
4.7 (185 traveler reviews)
"It was a great tour to dicover Tasmania."
Socvanny, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Dove Lake,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Freycinet National Park+10 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
TasmaniaCradle Mountain+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
10% Off
From
US$759per person
Price based on Shared Room
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2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania
4.4 (96 traveler reviews)
"The guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The pace was reasonable although it was apparent that the short beach visits were fillers."
Clive, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hobart, Mount Field National Park,Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park,Queenstown,Strahan,Henty Dunes,Macquarie Harbour,Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park,Dove Lake,Sheffield,Launceston,St Helens,Bay of Fires Conservation Area,Freycinet National Park,Richmond,Mount Wellington,Port Arthur,Tasman National Park+16 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Tasmania
Operated in
English
Operator
Under Down Under Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,106per person
Price based on Shared Room
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2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Boutique Tour
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"If you are looking for a stress free introduction to the Australian East Coast, this is it!"
Bryan, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie,Byron Bay,Noosa,Rainbow Beach,Fraser Island,Brisbane+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Via Travel Australia
10% Off
From
US$3,179per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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10 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
24 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Nature & Wildlife
Perth to Exmouth: 6 Day Coral Coaster One Way Adventure Tour
4.5 (21 traveler reviews)
"The tour, and the whole experience, far exceeded my expectations. A great itinerary - we saw and did some amazing things."
Deborah, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Perth, Nambung National Park, Geraldton, Kalbarri,Kalbarri National Park,Denham,Monkey Mia Reserve,Coral Bay,Cape Range National Park,Exmouth+6 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Australia West CoastWestern AustraliaNingaloo Reef+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,324per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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8 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 Jan, 2027
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