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Best destinations to visit in January in Oceania

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Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
8.7
Compared with most big cities, this one has surf beaches within a short ferry or bus ride of the centre. The Manly ferry crosses the harbour past the Opera House. Bondi Beach is busy in January. The Sydney Festival adds concerts and shows across the city. Days are warm and sunny.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Bondi Beach
  • 🎭 Admire the Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay
  • 🌉 Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
8.7
This city was the capital of Australia from 1901 to 1927 and still has grand Victorian buildings. The Australian Open tennis tournament is held at Melbourne Park in January. Laneway cafes and street art are found across the centre. The Great Ocean Road is a long day trip. Days can be very hot.
Highlights:
  • 🏏 Watch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
  • 🌆 Admire city views from the Eureka Skydeck
  • 🎨 Explore the laneways full of vibrant street art and cafés
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
8.5
Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains surround this adventure town on New Zealand's South Island. Days are long and warm in January, with daylight lasting late into the evening. Bungy jumping, jet boating and paragliding are all offered. The Routeburn Track and Milford Sound trips are in the same region.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw
  • ⚡ Zipline through the pine trees at Bob's Peak
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
Adelaide
Festivals, wine and laid-back charm
7.4
Colonel William Light planned this city in 1837 with a grid of streets surrounded by parkland. The Tour Down Under cycling race is usually held in January. The Central Market sells local cheese and seafood. Wine regions such as McLaren Vale and the Barossa are an easy drive away. Days are hot and dry.
Highlights:
  • 🏟️ Catch a game or event at Adelaide Oval
  • 🌿 Wander through the lush Adelaide Botanic Garden
  • 🛒 Explore fresh local produce at Adelaide Central Market
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
Steam rises from the ground in this geothermal town, where hot springs and mud pools are easy to visit. Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu have geysers and coloured pools. Maori hangi meals are cooked in earth ovens heated by steam. Redwood forest trails are shady on hot days. Mountain bike tracks are popular.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Taupō
Volcanic Lake, Adventure and Hot Springs
8.2
This town sits on the shore of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The lake is warm enough for swimming and kayaking in January. Huka Falls is a short walk from town. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a day hike through volcanic scenery, is within easy reach. Trout fishing is popular.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore the geothermal wonders of Craters of the Moon
  • 🛶 Kayak to the famous Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
  • 🌊 Witness the thunderous power of Huka Falls
Byron Bay
Bohemian Beaches and Laid-Back Vibes
8.3
About 5,000 people live in this small beach town, but crowds are large in January. Cape Byron Lighthouse stands on the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Surf schools teach beginners at The Pass. Markets and cafes have a relaxed mood. Dolphins are often seen from the beach.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak with dolphins in the clear coastal waters
  • 🏄‍♀️ Surf the waves at Main Beach or Wategos Beach
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's easternmost point
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
8.7
Families visit a lavender farm in the northeast to photograph rows of purple flowers, which are in full bloom from December to mid January. Walkers make a short climb to a lookout over Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula, where days are near 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Tour the convict ruins at Port Arthur Historic Site
  • ⛰️ Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park trails
  • 🏖️ Hike to Wineglass Bay and marvel at its white sand
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
8.6
Sheep farmers settled the Wanaka area in the 1800s. The town is still small and relaxed. Compared with Queenstown, crowds are smaller. Lake Wanaka has a famous lone willow tree standing in the water. The Roys Peak track has wide views and is steep. Mount Aspiring National Park is nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🧗‍♂️ Climb the world's highest waterfall via ferrata at Wildwire
  • 🌳 Snap photos of the iconic Wanaka Tree by the lake
  • 🥾 Hike Roys Peak for breathtaking lake and mountain views
Kangaroo Island
Wildlife, Wonders and Rugged Coast
8.6
Kingscote on the north coast was the site of the first British settlement in South Australia in 1836. Today January has sunny days near 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so sea lions sleep on the sand at Seal Bay while koalas rest in the eucalyptus trees at Hanson Bay.
Highlights:
  • 🦭 Swim with playful sea lions at Seal Bay
  • 🪨 Marvel at the Remarkable Rocks and their surreal formations
  • 🦘 See wild kangaroos and koalas roaming freely at Flinders Chase
Abel Tasman National Park
Waves crash against rugged basalt cliffs
9.0
This small national park lies on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, beside Tasman Bay. Golden beaches and clear bays are reached by a coastal walking track about 60 kilometres long. Kayaks and water taxis are easy to book. Seals rest on the rocks near Tonga Island.
Highlights:
  • ⛺ Camp beneath stars on the park's designated sites
  • 🛶 Kayak along golden beaches, spot dolphins nearby
  • 🏞️ Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track, sunrise to sunset
South Island
Majestic fjords and alpine peaks
9.3
The Southern Alps run down the spine of the island, with glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox on the wet west coast and dry golden hills to the east. In January days are long and sunny so hikers walk the Routeburn Track while sheep graze beside blue lakes such as Tekapo and Pukaki.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore Fiordland's Milford Sound sunset cruise
  • ⛵ Cruise Abel Tasman National Park
  • 🏞️ Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing sunrise
North Island
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.6
Beachgoers at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula dig their own pools in the sand at low tide, where hot spring water rises from below. January has sunny days near 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so Waiheke Island vineyards and the long beaches of Northland are busy with local families.
Highlights:
  • 🌃 Walk along Auckland’s Sky Tower observation deck
  • 🧙‍♂️ Visit Hobbiton and stroll through the Shire movie set
  • 🔥 Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s hot springs and geysers
Esperance
Australia's Whitest Beaches and Turquoise Waters
8.6
Camping beside the beach at Cape Le Grand National Park is a summer habit for many families from Western Australia. Lucky Bay has white sand where kangaroos rest on the shore. Daytime highs are around 25 degrees Celsius. The sea is cool but clear. Pink Lake and Great Ocean Drive are short trips from town.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Explore Cape Le Grand National Park’s rugged trails and beaches
  • ⛰️ Hike to Frenchman Peak for panoramic coastal views
  • 🏖️ Visit the stunning pink sands and turquoise waters of Lucky Bay
Lord Howe Island
Secluded paradise with crystal reefs and cliffs
9.4
The cry of seabirds and the smell of salt air are part of any walk on this small island, where only 400 visitors are allowed at one time. January has warm calm water in the coral lagoon, so snorkellers swim with turtles and reef fish off Ned's Beach.
Highlights:
  • 🗺️ Explore the historic lighthouse and maritime museum
  • 🏔️ Hike Mount Gower summit for sunrise panorama
  • 🤿 Snorkel at The Pinnacles reef, see diverse marine life
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
9.4
Relaxed and sunny, this bay in the far north of New Zealand has 144 islands. Pohutukawa trees have red flowers in the days around Christmas and January. Boat trips pass dolphins and the Hole in the Rock. Waitangi Treaty Grounds explain the country's early history. Beaches are warm enough for swimming.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
  • 🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
  • ⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village
Victoria
Diverse Landscapes and Cultural Richness
8.3
The Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks rising from the sea along the Great Ocean Road, where January has long sunny days and the cliffs glow gold at sunset. At Phillip Island little penguins waddle ashore at dusk past waiting crowds while wineries in the Yarra Valley hold summer lunches.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Queen Victoria Market with local produce and crafts
  • 🚗 Drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles
  • 🌺 Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens for lush landscapes and exotic plants
Cook Islands
Tropical paradise with year-round warmth
8.1
Rain is common from November to April, but showers are short. Days are warm at about 28 degrees Celsius. Rarotonga has an island road about 32 kilometres long, with beaches and snorkelling at Muri Lagoon. A short flight leads to Aitutaki, which has a bright blue lagoon.
Highlights:
  • 🛵 Explore Rarotonga’s lush jungle trails by scooter
  • 🐠 Snorkel over coral gardens filled with tropical fish
  • 🌊 Swim in the turquoise lagoon of Aitutaki
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
8.2
Compared with other South Pacific islands, this country has easy flights from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. January is in the wet season, so showers are common and hotel prices are lower. Cyclones are possible until April, so check forecasts. Reefs near the Mamanuca Islands are good for snorkelling.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Explore the underwater coral gardens at Rainbow Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Natadola Beach
  • 🌊 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
8.9
These 118 islands lie in the South Pacific, halfway between Australia and South America. The lagoons are about 29 degrees Celsius in January. Overwater bungalows on Bora Bora look over reefs. Moorea has green peaks and calm bays for snorkelling with rays. Showers are common in the wet season and usually short.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the coral gardens of Moorea’s turquoise lagoon
  • 🤿 Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
Norfolk Island
Untouched Paradise with Rich History
7.0
January has warm sunny days near 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so walkers explore the stone buildings of Kingston, a World Heritage convict settlement from 1825 by the sea. Many island families descend from the Bounty mutineers who moved from Pitcairn Island in 1856 while tall Norfolk pines grow along the roads.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore historic Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area
  • 🌅 Climb to Captain Cook Monument for panoramic ocean views
  • 🏊‍♂️ Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Emily Bay
Palau
Pristine paradise with underwater wonders
8.3
Quiet and remote, this island nation has green Rock Islands in a turquoise lagoon. The dry season from December to April has calmer seas and less rain. Divers visit Blue Corner for sharks and fish schools. Snorkellers visit Jellyfish Lake when it is open. Beaches are small and empty.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Paddle a kayak through Palau’s turquoise Rock Islands
  • 🤿 Dive into the stunning Blue Corner reef
  • 🌊 Swim among harmless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake
Samoa
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
7.8
Family life and village customs, known as fa'a Samoa, are important on these islands. Visitors often stay in fales, open beach huts with thatched roofs. To Sua Ocean Trench on Upolu is a deep swimming hole with a ladder. January is in the wet season, so showers are common. Lalomanu Beach has white sand.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the lush jungle on the Canopy Walk
  • 💦 Slide down natural waterfalls at Papase’ea
  • 🌊 Swim in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench
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