A year after their famous fourth-round clash in Melbourne and just months after their sensational semi-final at the US Open, in which Djokovic prevailed in five,
Wawrinka finally gained his revenge, winning 2-6 6-4 6-2 3-6 9-7 in four hours.
It was the first time since 2006 that the Serb had been beaten by Wawrinka and his 25-match winning run Down Under and 28 overall to a juddering halt.
The Swiss star will now meet Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych for a place in the Melbourne final.
Djokovic was bidding to become the first man since Roy Emerson to win four straight Australian Open titles, and he had not lost a match since the US Open final in September.
The champion went match point down in the 16th game of the match and handed Wawrinka victory at the first time of asking after pullling an easy volley into the tramlines.
Wawrinka raised his arms in celebration after reaching the semi-finals at a major for just the second time in his career.
"Last year it was really tough but this year I came back, it's a new year," said a delighted Wawrinka. "I did not start well, I was not feeling great on the court. I tried everything. He's an amazing champion and he never gives up but I'm really, really, really happy."
Meanwhile, Djokovic said: "He took his opportunities. He deserved this win today. I congratulate him absolutely. There is nothing I can say. You know, I gave it my best. I gave it all.
I tried to come out as the winner. I tried to fight till the last point as I did in a very similar match we did last year fourth round, same court, but it wasn't to be this time."
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