The Best Things To Do Around Australia This January
New year, who dis? Happy 2018, y’all!
There are a bunch of great things happening around our beautiful country in January, and we reckon you should check them out.
Adelaide
Adelaide French Festival
Parlez-vous Français, Adelaide? We sure hope so, because in January, South Australia will be celebrating all things French at the Riverbank precinct, where you can feast on the country’s culinary and cultural delights. Think flowing wines, decedent food, music, film, visual art and more.
Entry is free. It’s going to be magnifique!
Where: King William Street, Adelaide
When: Friday, January 12, to Sunday, January 14, 2018
Moonlight Cinema
The best time to relax in Adelaide this summer is during those wonderful balmy nights. And what better way to unwind than at one of the country’s most beloved open-air cinemas, Moonlight Cinema?
It’s returning for another season, offering a jam-packed program of blockbusters. If you’re feeling snacky, Moonlight Cinema has you covered with LA-style food trucks, a candy bar and even a fully licensed bar.
Prices start at $13 and can be purchased via the website.
Where: Botanic Park, Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide
When: Friday, December 1, to Sunday, February 18, 2018
American Idiot The Musical
Finally, all that pent-up teenage angst has an outlet: Tony and Grammy Award-winning rock musical American Idiot is coming to Adelaide this January.
The musical is the brainchild of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer, featuring every song from Green Day’s career-shaping album, American Idiot, as well as a selection of songs from the band’s back catalogue.
Tickets start at $80 per person, and can be booked online.
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide
When: Friday, January 19, to Sunday, January 28, 2018
Brisbane
RSPCA Pop-Up Adoption
The biggest pet adoption event of the year is back, and we are bloody excited. 485 animals found a home at the 2017 event, and the RSPCA’s goal is to re-home more than 500 animals at the event in 2018, meaning it’s perfect if you’re looking to provide a fur-ever home for a new little buddy.
Even if you aren’t adopting, swing by the Pop-Up Adoption and hang out with some dogs. Entry is a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going towards assisting animals in need.
Where: Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre, cnr Merivale and Glenelg Streets, South Brisbane
When: Saturday, January 13, 2018
Big Bash Cricket: Brisbane Heat vs. Melbourne Renegades
The summer of Big Bash cricket is back, bigger and better than ever.
Both the KFC Big Bash League and rebel Women’s Big Bash League are sports fan favourites this summer, with more than a million expected to attend games all summer.
You can catch Brisbane Heat at their Gabba fortress five times this summer, including the big one — their crucial clash with the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday, January 27.
Where: The Gabba, Vulture Street, East Brisbane
When: Saturday, January 27, 2018
Canberra
Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular
What better way to end Australia Day than kicking back with some friends and enjoying an incredible fireworks display on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Yep, Australia Day night in the nation’s capital is set to go off, with the best vantage points available at Regatta Point, the lawns of the National Library or Rond Terrace.
Get there early to enjoy the entertainment and great atmosphere. Then, from 9pm the sky will light up with a dazzling display of fireworks. Grab your pals and a picnic rug — it’s gonna be lit.
Where: Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
When: Friday, January 26, 2018
Songlines: Tracking The Seven Sisters
Take a journey across the Australian desert in this Indigenous art exhibition, which shares an ancient way of holding culture and telling stories.
See stunning artworks, immerse yourself in the National Museum of Australia’s state-of-the-art digital dome or visit the vibrant art centre.
Tickets are $15 and can be booked online.
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
When: Friday, September 15, to Sunday, February 25, 2018
Darwin
Australia Day Ute Run
The ute is the vehicle of choice for many Territorians and the annual Australia Day Ute Run incorporates a street parade of 450 vehicles.
The cavalcade winds its way from Hidden Valley Raceway through Darwin, culminating in an NT-style party at the Winnellie Greyhound Track. The event includes a barbeque and ute-ish activities such as muffler throwing.
This year marks the 16th year of the event, which raises money for Variety, a children’s charity.
When: Friday, January 26, 2018
Where: Hidden Valley, Darwin
Hobart
Hobart International
Hobart International will see some of the world’s top female tennis players battle it out in the lead up to the Australian open.
The event attracts some of the biggest names in the sports, with many of the world’s top tennis players having played in the event, including Serena Williams, Dinara Safina and Australian number one, Sam Stosur.
Tickets start at $20 and can be booked online.
When: Sunday, January 7, to Saturday, January 13, 2018
Where: Hobart International Tennis Centre, 2 Davies Avenue, Queens Domain
Hobart Twilight Markets
You’ll find Hobart’s Friday night markets at Long Brach, Lower Sandy Bar, overlooking the Derwent River. The market mixes gourmet fare with local and artesian produce, fashion, art, home decor, and craft.
There will be live music from local artists to add to the already incredible Tasmanian atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax on a Friday night.
Where: 17 Beach Road, Sandy Bay, Tasmania
When: The first and third Friday or each month
Melbourne
The Canadian Club Racquet Club
The Racquet Club is coming back to Birrarung Marr on Melbourne’s Yarra River to transform the park into the perfect spot in the city to enjoy a refreshing drink, good tunes and watch the Australian Open, live on a giant screen.
DJs will be hitting the decks throughout the Grand Slam’s two weeks and Canadian Club drinks will be spilling from the taps. If you can’t get to Rod Laver Arena, this is the next best thing.
Entry is free.
Where: Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne
When: Monday, January 15, to Sunday, January 28, 2018
Summer Gin and Tonic Bar
What better way to start a night out than with a cheeky cocktail?
Melbourne Gin Company has teamed up with the coffee makers at Patricia to bring you a season of summer delights. The curated menu features the famed gin company’s selection of dry gin and mixtures, each drink having an individual flavour profile.
The menu changes every fortnight, too, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find the perfect cocktail. They’re just $10 each.
Where: Patricia, Cnr Little Bourke and Little William Streets, Melbourne
When: Friday, December 22, to Friday, February 23, 2018
So Freshtival
There ain’t no party like a nostalgia party. The Gaso is throwing a party dedicated to everyone’s favourite pastime, So Fresh CDs — compilations of the biggest hits and soundtrack to your school socials.
Expect DJ sets featuring the The Pussy Cat Dolls, Destiny’s Child, S Club 7 and a bit of old-school Britney.
Tickets are $13 if you book online, or $20 at the door.
Where: The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith Street, Collingwood
When: Friday, January 5, 2018
Perth
Falls Downtown
Falls Downtown, the Western Australian leg of the iconic music and art celebration, Falls Festival is headed back to take over Fremantle’s Oval Precinct in January.
Alongside what will be WA’s largest (and flashiest) outdoor beer garden, you’ll get to see all your favourite artists in an unmatched, chilled-out atmosphere.
It’s set to be a huge weekend, with artists like Flume, Liam Gallagher, Foster and The People, The Kooks and tonnes more all on the bill.
A day pass ticket will cost you $150, or $280 for the entire weekend. You can book via the website.
Where: Fremantle Oval, Parry Street, Fremantle
When: Saturday, January 5, to Sunday, January 6, 2018
Twilight Markets
Beat the heat this January by heading to the Twilight Markets at Perth City Farm. There are hundreds of stalls to check out, with the main focus being sustainable and eco-friendly products.
The market is dog friendly, so grab your pooches and your pals and bring a gold coin donation for entry.
Where: Perth City Farm, 1 City Farm Place, East Perth
When: 4:30pm to 8:3opm, every second Wednesday until April 18, 2018
Sydney
Ashes Test: Australia v England
Cricket fans, rejoice! The biggest event on the NSW sporting calendar will see England and Australia face off in the final test of the 2017/18 Ashes Series at the SCG.
Tickets are still available for the fourth and fifth day, and that’s when you’ll want to be if the fellas in the Baggy Greens make it a clean sweep.
Tickets start at $112 and can be booked via the website.
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park Road, Moore Park
When: Thursday, January 4, 2018
Field Day
Start your new year right with some sweet tunes and good company at the iconic Sydney venue, The Domain.
Field Day is Australia’s most popular boutique music festival, famed for its super friendly atmosphere and quality lineups, featuring a mix of hip-hop, indie, house and electronic artists from around the globe. 2018’s line up includes Flume, Princess Nokia, DJ Snake and heaps more.
Tickets start at $160. To see the full line up or to book tickets, visit the website.
Where: The Domain, St Marys Road, Sydney
When: Monday, January 1, 2018
Sydney’s Open-Air Cinema
How you choose to spend a summer’s afternoon is up to you, but we reckon kicking back and watching a film with the incredible Sydney Harbour as your backdrop is bloody hard to beat.
The St. George OpenAir Cinema is back for its 22nd season, with a blockbuster line-up of flicks to boot.
Oh, and forget popcorn and choc-tops: For the 2018 season, the cinema is teaming up with Matt Moran’s Sydney restaurant Chiswick to bring a mouth-watering menu to the outdoor cinema.
Tickets start at $35, and are on sale now.
Where: Mrs Macquarie’s Point (Opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens)
When: Sunday, January 7, to Saturday, February 17, 2018
Check out Qantas flights and begin your next adventure.
(Lead Image: Alvin Balemesa)
