Best places to visit in Australia in January
Five Australian destinations for the perfect January getaway.
January, the middle month of summer, is typically characterised by lazy days at the beach, watching the Australian Open tennis in the evenings, and cool summer adventures down south. Whether it’s trout fishing in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, whale watching in Bremer Bay, or witnessing the striking Tasmanian lavender farms in full bloom, January is a beautiful time to visit Australia.
Bremer Bay, Western Australia
Whales, Bremer Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Where: 5.5-hour drive from Perth
Weather in January: 15 - 26°C (59 - 78.8°F)
Highlights: From January to March, Western Australia’s Bremer Bay is abundant with whales. Orcas (killer whales), sperm whales and pilot whales all congregate in the Bremer Canyon to feed. In fact, so many orcas congregate here that it’s said to be the largest gathering of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. So bring your camera and get ready to meet one of the most elusive species in the ocean — it’ll be hard to miss them this time of year.
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Best places to visit in Australia in February
Central Highlands, Tasmania
Fishing, Central Highlands, Tasmania © Driftwater
Where: 1.5-hour drive from Hobart
Weather in January: 11 - 24°C (51.8 - 75.2°F)
Highlights: For fishing enthusiasts, summer is the perfect time to visit the Central Highlands. Tasmania is famous for its brown, brook, and rainbow trout, and mayfly fly fishing is at its best during the summer months. Best of all, you’ll be fishing in lakes and streams at the foot of mountain ranges amid some pretty epic scenery.
Melbourne, Victoria
The Australian Open, Melbourne, Victoria © Greg Elms
Where: A 30-minute taxi or shuttle bus ride to the city centre from Melbourne airport
Weather in January: 16 - 26°C (60.8 - 78.8°F)
Highlights: The Australian Open is one of the biggest events in tennis and every January fans flock to Melbourne to be a part of it. The action takes place at Melbourne Park, a cluster of stadiums and outdoor courts right next to the city centre. While in Melbourne, be sure to take the time to wander through the city’s iconic laneways, have a drink at a rooftop bar, and dine at some of Australia’s most famous restaurants.
Launceston, Tasmania
Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Nabowla, Tasmania © Luke Tscharke
Where: Fly directly to Launceston airport or drive 2.5 hours from Hobart
Weather in January: 12 - 25°C (53.6 - 77°F)
Highlights: January is the prime time to visit Tasmania’s most renowned lavender farm; located a 50-minute drive from Launceston, Bridestowe Estate is the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. This spectacular farm is famous (especially on Instagram) for its dazzling views, as a sea of purple paints the horizon during December and January.
Port Lincoln, South Australia
Shark cage diving with Adventure Bay Charters, Port Lincoln, South Australia © Adventure Bay Charters
Where: A 7-hour drive from Adelaide
Weather in January: 16 - 26°C (60.8 - 78.8°F)
Highlights: Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula's east coast, is home to some of the world's largest great white sharks. If you’re brave enough, you can see them in a cage diving experience with Calypso Star Charters, Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions, or Adventure Bay Charters. Or if you’d prefer something a little more relaxing, book a swimming experience with the friendly sea lions or dolphins at Baird Bay, 284 kilometres (176 miles) from Port Lincoln.
