Why not embrace your spontaneous side and set off for a holiday this January? With a little luck and planning, you’ll arrive just as most of the Christmas holidaymakers are heading home. From big-city escapes to tropical retreats, these are the best last-minute travel ideas for January.
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1. Vanuatu
Venture to Vanuatu, where prime scuba dive sites, white sand beaches, and waterfalls await. With direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, it’s easy to hop over on a last-minute getaway. If you’re coming with the kids (or are simply a kid at heart), zipline over the top of banyan trees, splash into cobalt blue waters on a rope swing, and bumble down a dirt road on a buggy adventure.
Vanuatu is also home to the majestic Mount Yasur Volcano, where you’ll peer into its crater and be mesmerised by pits of hot lava. When it’s time to wind down, find the nearest sandy beach and spend your day under the shade of a palm frond.
Start your trip here:
2. Hobart, Tasmania
January is one of the best times to hang out in Hobart. With perpetually sunny skies and water warm enough to swim in, summer brings life into Australia’s most southern city. Come hungry and dine on local produce from the farmer’s markets. Then, escape to the countryside to sip wine in the Coal River Valley.
For some action, trek to the top of Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) or Mount Nelson, go mountain biking or discover Hobart’s intriguing past on a self-guided walking tour of the city. There are plenty of museums and galleries to pop into.
Start your trip here:
- Check flights to Hobart
- Stay at the quaint Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
- Rent a car from Hobart airport
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
If you’re looking for an adventurous start to the new year, you’ll find it in the town of Queenstown, New Zealand. Stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, search for the national icon at Kiwi Park, and take a gondola ride up to the top of town onboard the Skyline Queenstown. You can test your fear of heights through bungy jumping and skydiving, then let your heart rate settle at a tranquil day spa. From thrills to chills, Queenstown won’t disappoint.
Start your trip here:
4. Patagonia, Chile
For natural splendour where mountain peaks brush against blue skies and tranquil turquoise lakes await, Patagonia is a top last-minute travel destination in January. Patagonia stretches between Chile and Argentina, and there are few places more beautiful in the world. Direct flights connect Sydney to Santiago, making it easier to reach than it initially may seem. January sees sunny skies, long days and nights just warm enough to sleep under the stars.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at Torres Del Paine, a dazzling national park in Southern Patagonia. Or, beat the crowds and head to Chilean side of Tierra Del Fuego, famous for its wind-sculpted trees.
Start your trip here:
- Check flights to Chile
- Stay at the Rio Serrano Hotel and Spa for unparalleled views
- Rent a car from Santiago de Chile airport
5. Tokyo, Japan
A land of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, Japan beckons to the adventurous spirit of Australians seeking a travel experience unlike any other. Take it over to Tokyo for a taste of big city living, where some of the world’s best restaurants, museums, art galleries, and hotels are ready for you. For serenity, stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. For a hipster hangout, head to the lively neighborhood of Shinjuku. Test your fear of heights at the top of Tokyo Tower, and treat your tastebuds to a Michelin-starred restaurant–Tokyo has the most out of any city in the world!
Start your trip here:
6. Margaret River region, Western Australia
Wander over to Western Australia’s Margaret River Region for pristine beaches, impeccable wine, and farm-to-table dining. On the coastline, you’ll find sugar-sand beaches like Gnarabup, Prevelly Beach, Injidup, and the surfing paradise of Main Beach. Inland, wineries weave between forests of karri trees and limestone caves.
If you’re keen to rough it, trek along on the Cape-to-Cape track from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, camping along the way. Or, if you prefer something more upscale, check into one of the region’s quiet and quaint luxury retreats, like the Injidup Spa Retreat.
Start your trip here:
7. Johannesburg, South Africa
Joburg, South Africa’s largest city, is a hub for wildlife watching, surfing, city living, and embarking on a South African road trip. Direct flights link Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg, making it one of the most accessible long-haul destinations for last-minute travel ideas in January. In the city itself, learn about the country’s past at the Apartheid Museum and the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct.
When it’s time to venture further, head to Kruger National Park to search for the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. In January, the park is lush with vegetation and bird life as it’s in the midst of South Africa’s wet season.
Start your trip here:
8. Northern Rivers Region, New South Wales
You don’t have to travel far to go on a grand adventure. The Northern Rivers Region is home to surfer safe havens, coastal cycling beaches, waterfalls, a string of lighthouses, cafes, art galleries, and untouched wilderness. Find your second home at beach towns like Byron Bay and Ballina, or head a little inland to the eco-conscious community of Mullumbimby.
Start your trip here:
9. Bohol Island, Philippines
January is one of the best times to visit Bohol Island in the Philippines. The island has sugar sand beaches in spades, making it a relaxing place to spend a last-minute travel getaway. When it’s time for some action, journey through emerald valleys on a Loboc River Cruise, explore the azure waters inside Hinagdanan Cave, learn about the big-eyed tiny-bodied tarsiers, and see the natural wonder of Chocolate Hills.
Start your trip here:
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Want more last-minute travel inspiration?
- Where to go in February: best destinations for Australians
- How to turn a long weekend into an adventure: top hacks for mini trips from Australia
- Your holiday budget: how much can you save?
- Enjoy a staycation with these Australia’s top cities on a budget
- Did you know that last-minute trips are good for your wellbeing? The science behind spontaneous travel
