Australia in January

So it's another new year for Australia / New Zealand travel and while economic conditions may have deterred some distance voyaging in 2008, 2009 may be a turning point for fresh new travel into fresh new locations. At least, we hope so... So have a happy new travel year and let's hit the road or fly.

A dazzling fireworks display, particularly in Sydney, ushered in the first day of January after a New Year's Eve night of celebrations. And that's just the beginning of an activity-filled Australian month that includes the Sydney Festival, the Australian Open, Australia Day and Sydney's Chinese New Year Festival which takes place for three weeks before and after Chinese new year which this year opens on Australia Day.

• Australia in January
• Where to Stay in Sydney
• Where to Stay in Melbourne

Photo: Maria Sharapova, 2008 Australian Open women's singles chamption (Quinn Rooney / Getty Images)