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Why you should travel to Australia in January: Festivals and Experiences

Travel to Australia to experience summer all over again if you want to get away from the cold and dark weather that dominates the northern hemisphere in January. This incredible island is known for its outstanding wildlife and scenery, and its vast size accommodates a variety of cities, towns, and villages with a variety of things for visitors to see and do.

For many years, Australia has been a popular destination for extended vacations, appealing to families, couples, solo travellers, and backpackers alike. Arriving in January will provide you with incredible weather that is ideal for the many miles of beach that surround the country, but there is also plenty to do.

Kangaroos are not the only reason why you should travel to Australia in January
Kangaroos are not the only reason why you should travel to Australia in January

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January is right in the middle of Australia’s summer season, with beautiful weather all over the country and although January is peak tourist season in Australia, the country’s size means that it is easy to find solitude and quiet if you travel away from busy cities and beaches.

There are also numerous cultural events in Australia in January, so if you visit during the month, you’ll have plenty to do. Here are some of them that our friends at Tourism Australia think you’d love.

Travel to Australia: Festivals in January

Start 2023 off right with these upcoming festivals in Australia. Add a relaxing folk music festival, an exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibition, and an indigenous immersion to your travel itinerary.

Cygnet Folk Festival (Cygnet, Tasmania)

The Cygnet Folk Festival, one of Australia's most iconic folk music festivals and a good reason to travel to Australia in January
The Cygnet Folk Festival, one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals and a good reason to travel to Australia in January

The Cygnet Folk Festival, one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals, is a showcase of eclectic music genres featuring local and international talent, as well as a diverse range of arts. The festivities, set against the breathtaking scenery of Tasmania’s Huon Valley, provide a vibrant and rich cultural experience through music, dance, poetry, and local handicrafts. From the 13th to the 15th of January.

Get your tickets here.

Frida Kahlo: The life of an icon (Sydney, New South Wales)

For the first time in Australia, experience a one-of-a-kind biographical exhibition focusing on the life and works of inspirational artist Frida Kahlo. The exhibition includes seven transformative experiences as well as numerous souvenirs to bring a little bit of Frida’s magic into your home. Held on January 4th.

Get your tickets here.

Kakadu Full Moon Feast (Darwin, Northern Territory)

On the full moon, discover the world’s oldest living culture while relaxing in the wilderness of Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu National Park. Enjoy a four-course Indigenous-inspired menu accompanied by local stories and music. Runs on select dates beginning in early November.

Get your tickets here.

Travel to Australia: Experiences in January

Discovering giants, discovering Sydney’s nightlife, and browsing exhibitions featuring Indigenous artists and sacred artefacts are just a few of the exciting new experiences available in Australia this January.

The Giants of Mandurah (Mandurah, Western Australia)

The Giants of Mandurah is a completely free exhibition and great stop when you travel to Australia in January
The Giants of Mandurah is a completely free exhibition and great stop when you travel to Australia in January

The Mandurah Giants have visited Western Australia! A free exhibition created by world-renowned Danish sculpture artist, Thomas Dambo, these large sculptures are scattered across Mandurah and the Peel region, with one in Subiaco. The Bindjareb People of the Noongar Nation, the Peel region’s traditional custodians, have shared stories of the land on which each giant is placed on signage in each location. Make time in your itinerary to stay in Mandurah – one day will not suffice if you want to see all of the giants!

Find out more here.

Local Sauce Tours (Sydney, New South Wales)

Local Sauce Tours offers Secret Bar Crawl routes through Sydney’s CBD and The Rocks. The tour accommodates up to 12 guests and is ideal for solo travellers, expats, and singles looking to meet new people while exploring Sydney’s best small bars. The tour takes you to an average of four bars over three and a half hours, from Cantina OK!, one of the top 50 bars in the world, to Frankie’s Pizza.

Find out more here.

Kangaroo Island Touring (Kangaroo Island, South Australia)

Kangaroo Island Touring Company will take you on a tour of Kangaroo Island’s unique landscape with knowledgeable and experienced guides. Travellers can sample local delicacies in private bush settings, choose from a variety of curated tours, or even request a bespoke itinerary tailored to their specific needs. Guests are transported in Mercedes Benz vehicles for a luxurious ride, which is available to both in-house guests and the general public.

Find out more here.

READ MORE: We developed this Australia travel guide to get you started

taypani milaythina-tu: Return to Country (Hobart, Tasmania)

taypani milaythina-tu: Return to Country is an innovative exhibition featuring the work of 20 Tasmanian Indigenous artists. The exhibition, which runs until February 12, 2023, investigates the relationships between the community and Ancestral objects, particularly those held in institutions outside Tasmania.

Find out more here.

Feared and Revered Exhibition (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)

Feared and Revered: Feminine Power Through the Ages, which was released in December, celebrates femininity and cultural traditions from six continents and 5,000 years. The exhibition will feature over 160 objects from the British Museum, including sacred artefacts, contemporary artworks, and more, as well as Australian Indigenous representations of female ancestral figures and popular cultural embodiments of the divine.

Find out more here.


If you need any more reasons to travel to Australia, then this is the list for you. If you feel we’ve left anything off the list or have any amazing festivals, concerts or experiences you want to share, leave us a comment.

Kenny B
Kenny B
Kenny is an aspiring writer and someone who loves to discover new places and experiences. He is looking to build a career in travel.

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