January 2026 Australia Calendar: Full List of Holidays, Festivals, Big Events, and Celebrations
Overview of January 2026 in Australia
January is one of Australia’s liveliest months. It’s midsummer, school holidays continue, and cities fill with outdoor events, concerts, and sport. The month includes national holidays, community festivals, and world-famous tournaments that draw millions of spectators.
Whether you’re planning travel, business campaigns, events, or editorial content, the following guide gives you a clear view of everything happening across Australia in January 2026.
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| January 2026 Australia calendar |
1. Official Australia Public Holidays in January 2026
New Year’s Day
Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026
Status: National public holiday
New Year’s Day is observed nationwide. Most workplaces, banks, and government offices close. Families spend the day at beaches, parks, or barbecues. Major fireworks displays from New Year’s Eve continue to attract visitors in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Additional New Year’s Holiday (Some States)
Several states and territories may declare an additional public holiday when New Year’s Day falls midweek or near a weekend. These vary by local legislation. Employers and schools publish updated schedules late in 2025.
Australia Day
Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
Status: National public holiday
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| Australia Day is on January 26 every year |
Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The day includes citizenship ceremonies, concerts, barbecues, and firework events. Many communities also host reflection ceremonies recognising First Nations history and culture. Debate around the date continues nationally, and some organisations choose to work through the holiday or promote “Day of Reflection” programs.
2. Major Festivals and Cultural Events in January 2026
Australia’s summer festivals reach full speed in January. Cities come alive with art, food, music, and community celebrations.
Sydney Festival
Dates: Early–late January (2026 program typically runs the full month)
The Sydney Festival is one of the country’s largest arts events, featuring theatre, dance, outdoor performances, and large-scale installations. The festival takes over Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Parramatta, and pockets of the CBD. Tickets often sell out early.
MONA FOMA (Hobart & Launceston)
Dates: Mid–late January
Tasmania’s MONA FOMA (Museum of Old and New Art: Festival of Music and Art) attracts national and international audiences. Expect experimental performances, pop-up installations, and summer nightlife around the harbour precincts.
Falls Festival (Various Locations)
Dates: Early January (location-specific)
Falls Festival typically runs across New South Wales, Victoria, and other host states. It features global artists, camping zones, and multi-day music programming. January crowds are large, and accommodation near festival sites books out months ahead.
Woodford Folk Festival (Queensland)
Dates: 27 December 2025 – 1 January 2026
Although it begins in December, most festival-goers attend across New Year’s week. Workshops, street performances, folk music, and cultural storytelling define the event. It influences early-January travel across southeast Queensland.
Parkes Elvis Festival (New South Wales)
Dates: 7–11 January 2026
One of Australia’s most iconic themed festivals. Visitors celebrate Elvis Presley with tribute concerts, parades, dance competitions, and costumes. The festival transforms the town of Parkes into a retro, music-driven celebration.
Tamworth Country Music Festival (New South Wales)
Dates: 16–25 January 2026
This is Australia’s biggest country music event, drawing performers and fans from across the country. The Golden Guitar Awards close the festival. Tamworth becomes extremely busy—transport, hotels, and camping grounds fill quickly.
Midsumma Festival (Melbourne)
Dates: Late January – early February 2026
Midsumma is Melbourne’s major LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival. It includes exhibitions, theatre, community events, and the Midsumma Carnival in Alexandra Gardens. It remains one of Australia’s most important diversity celebrations.
Adelaide Fringe & Perth Fringe World – Early Launch Events
Dates: Late January previews and openings
Although the main festivals run in February–March, some previews and early events begin in late January. Fringe seasons help boost summer tourism in both cities.
3. Major Sporting Events in January 2026
Australia is a global sports destination in January. Several world-renowned tournaments take place during the month.
Australian Open (Melbourne)
Dates: 19 January – 1 February 2026
The Australian Open is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It draws international athletes, media, and spectators to Melbourne Park. The tournament drives travel demand, hospitality sales, and city-wide activities.
Cricket: Big Bash League (Nationwide)
Dates: December 2025 – January 2026
Matches run across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra. January hosts key games leading into the finals. The league attracts families and holidaymakers.
Cricket: Australia vs International Touring Teams
January often includes One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches. The 2026 schedule will be confirmed by Cricket Australia, but major games usually fall in mid-January.
Tour Down Under (South Australia)
Dates: Mid-January 2026
Australia’s premier cycling race returns with city-to-coast routes and street-festival energy. The Tour Down Under Festival includes food stalls, music, and free public events around Adelaide.
Surfing Competitions (Queensland, NSW, WA)
January is prime time for surf championships and local contests along the Gold Coast, Bondi, Margaret River, and Torquay. Conditions vary, but crowds gather at major beaches.
4. Community Observances and Cultural Dates
New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Carryover Celebrations)
Large cities hold extended celebrations on 1 January as crowds gather at beaches, parks, and waterfronts.
Orthodox Christmas
Date: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Orthodox Christian communities in Australia celebrate Christmas with liturgies and family gatherings. Larger services occur in Sydney and Melbourne.
Epiphany
Date: Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Observed in churches nationwide, Epiphany includes masses, blessings, and traditional ceremonies.
Lunar New Year Preparations
Official date: 17 February 2026
Chinatown districts in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth begin early decorations and events in late January. These include lion dances, markets, and night-time displays.
5. Travel, Weather, and Seasonal Notes for January 2026
Peak Summer Tourism
January is Australia’s busiest domestic holiday month. Expect crowded airports, busy highways, and full resorts, especially along the east coast and in Tasmania.
Weather Conditions
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Hot temperatures across most states
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Tropical storms possible in Queensland and the Northern Territory
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Bushfire risk heightened in rural and regional areas
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Cooler conditions in Tasmania and parts of Victoria
Weather impacts travel, so flexibility and early planning help.
School Holidays
Most schools remain closed until late January, influencing visitor numbers at beaches, theme parks, zoos, and outdoor events.
Retail Patterns
January is a strong retail month with:
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Back-to-school sales
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Post-Christmas clearance events
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Travel and outdoor-equipment promotions
Brands often tie campaigns to summer themes, sport, and Australia Day.
6. Full Australia Calendar: January 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday / Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year’s Day | Public holiday |
| 1–2 Jan | Thu–Fri | New Year celebrations | Nationwide |
| 1 Jan | Thu | Woodford Folk Festival final day | Queensland |
| Early Jan | — | Falls Festival | Various states |
| 6 Jan | Tue | Epiphany | Christian observance |
| 7 Jan | Wed | Orthodox Christmas | Cultural observance |
| 7–11 Jan | Wed–Sun | Parkes Elvis Festival | NSW |
| Mid Jan | — | MONA FOMA | Tasmania |
| Mid Jan | — | Tour Down Under | South Australia |
| Mid Jan | — | Big Bash League final rounds | Nationwide |
| 16–25 Jan | Fri–Sun | Tamworth Country Music Festival | NSW |
| Late Jan | — | Midsumma Festival starts | Melbourne |
| Late Jan | — | Lunar New Year early events | Major cities |
| 19 Jan – 1 Feb | Mon–Sun | Australian Open | Melbourne |
| 26 Jan | Mon | Australia Day | Public holiday |
FAQs
1. What are the national public holidays in January 2026?
New Year’s Day and Australia Day. Some states may add an extra holiday near 1 January.
2. When is Australia Day in 2026?
Monday, 26 January 2026.
3. Is January a good time to visit Australia?
Yes, but it’s peak season. Expect hot weather, busy beaches, and crowded attractions. Cities host major festivals and world-class sports events.
4. When is the Australian Open?
19 January to 1 February 2026 in Melbourne.
5. Which January festivals draw the biggest crowds?
Sydney Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Parkes Elvis Festival, MONA FOMA, and major sports events like the Australian Open and Big Bash League.
6. Are shops open on public holidays?
Most shops open on 26 January, though hours vary by state. New Year’s Day has more restrictions.
