5 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
1ST APRIL TO 5TH APRIL 2021
The ancient towering 12 Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks at Port Campbell, off Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Experience amazing food and beverage destinations along this spectacular coastline. Gourmet cheese makers, craft beers, hand-made chocolates plus real dairy ice cream made from fresh milk and fresh cream from local producers. Yum!
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Queenscliff Maritime Museum, Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre, Colac Botanic Gardens, Red Rock Volcanic Reserve, Apostle Whey Cheese, GORGE Chocolates, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell National Park, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Timboon Cheesery, Timboon Fine Icecream, Otway National Park, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Forrest Brewing Company, Tarndwarncoort Homestead, Hastings Ostrich Farm and Barwon Park Mansion.
CRUISE
Searoad Ferry to Queenscliff.
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
4 nights in Colac.
PRICE
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Twin Share Room First Tour: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: Single Room Supplement: Deposit: |
$2,345 per person $2,320 per person $2,295 per person $2,270 per person $ 190 per person $200 per person upon booking |
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: THURSDAY 1ST APRIL, 2021
HOME TO COLAC
As always, we are collected from home and taken to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours crew and luxury touring coach then make our way to Sorrento port to board the Searoad Ferry across “the Heads” to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. Established in 1838 as a pilot station to guide ships through the Rip (the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay), Queenscliff is imbued with olde worlde character, historic hotels and homes, stores, rugged beaches and even a bona fide fort, built to defend Port Phillip Bay. Our first stop is the Queenscliff Maritime Museum featuring the last Queenscliff life boat and covers the maritime history of Queenscliff, Southern Port Phillip and the Bass Strait interface. After lunch, we’re off to the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre for a fascinating insight into Victoria’s marine and freshwater environments by one of the Centre’s Education Officers. We continue on to our destination Colac, where we can unpack just the once, as this is our home for the next 4 nights.
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
As always, we are collected from home and taken to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours crew and luxury touring coach then make our way to Sorrento port to board the Searoad Ferry across “the Heads” to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. Established in 1838 as a pilot station to guide ships through the Rip (the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay), Queenscliff is imbued with olde worlde character, historic hotels and homes, stores, rugged beaches and even a bona fide fort, built to defend Port Phillip Bay. Our first stop is the Queenscliff Maritime Museum featuring the last Queenscliff life boat and covers the maritime history of Queenscliff, Southern Port Phillip and the Bass Strait interface. After lunch, we’re off to the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre for a fascinating insight into Victoria’s marine and freshwater environments by one of the Centre’s Education Officers. We continue on to our destination Colac, where we can unpack just the once, as this is our home for the next 4 nights.
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
day 2: FRIDAY 2ND APRIL, 2021
COLAC AND THE RED ROCK VOLCANIC RESERVE
Colac, with a population of over 10,000 people is situated on the southern shores of Lake Colac and is the main centre of a prosperous closely settled agricultural district. We’ll take a drive through tour of the town taking in the sights. As well as the town and the lake we make a stop at the Botanic Gardens dating back to the nineteenth century. Listed on the Australian Heritage register, the gardens contain a number of significant specimens. After our tour of the town and a morning tea break we depart Colac on our sight-seeing tour of the Red Rock Volcanic Reserve. We leave the highway west of Colac and travel to Alvie where we will stop for our picnic lunch. From here we’ll take the short drive to the Red Rock Lookouts. Volcanic cones, craters and crater lakes are the main features of Red Rock. From the lookouts there is a panorama across what is perhaps the 3rd largest volcanic plain in the world.
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
Colac, with a population of over 10,000 people is situated on the southern shores of Lake Colac and is the main centre of a prosperous closely settled agricultural district. We’ll take a drive through tour of the town taking in the sights. As well as the town and the lake we make a stop at the Botanic Gardens dating back to the nineteenth century. Listed on the Australian Heritage register, the gardens contain a number of significant specimens. After our tour of the town and a morning tea break we depart Colac on our sight-seeing tour of the Red Rock Volcanic Reserve. We leave the highway west of Colac and travel to Alvie where we will stop for our picnic lunch. From here we’ll take the short drive to the Red Rock Lookouts. Volcanic cones, craters and crater lakes are the main features of Red Rock. From the lookouts there is a panorama across what is perhaps the 3rd largest volcanic plain in the world.
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
DAY 3: SATURDAY 3RD APRIL, 2021
THE TWELVE APOSTLES GOURMET TRAIL
Today is a day for tempting the tastebuds as we follow the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail! We make our way to Cooriemungle to visit Apostle Whey Cheese, a genuine ‘paddock to plate’ operation. We’ll have an interesting chat and a chance to taste their wares! It’s then a short trip to our next stop: GORGE Chocolates, producers of handmade chocolates using a special type of Belgian chocolate. At Princeton we pick up the Great Ocean Road where it rejoins the coast and runs the full length of the Port Campbell National Park. We pass the Twelve Apostles - huge pillars looming out of the surf, carved over time by the fury of the ocean; Loch Ard Gorge, where in 1878 the iron hulled clipper Loch Ard was driven out onto rocks offshore. Of the 50 or so on board only two were to survive, being swept into the narrow gorge now named after their ill-fated vessel. After lunch in Port Campbell we’re now off to Timboon to the Timboon Cheesery. We’ll have a talk and the chance of a taste of their specialty product. Last call today is Timboon Fine Icecream, a refreshing way to end our Gourmet Trail day!
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
Today is a day for tempting the tastebuds as we follow the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail! We make our way to Cooriemungle to visit Apostle Whey Cheese, a genuine ‘paddock to plate’ operation. We’ll have an interesting chat and a chance to taste their wares! It’s then a short trip to our next stop: GORGE Chocolates, producers of handmade chocolates using a special type of Belgian chocolate. At Princeton we pick up the Great Ocean Road where it rejoins the coast and runs the full length of the Port Campbell National Park. We pass the Twelve Apostles - huge pillars looming out of the surf, carved over time by the fury of the ocean; Loch Ard Gorge, where in 1878 the iron hulled clipper Loch Ard was driven out onto rocks offshore. Of the 50 or so on board only two were to survive, being swept into the narrow gorge now named after their ill-fated vessel. After lunch in Port Campbell we’re now off to Timboon to the Timboon Cheesery. We’ll have a talk and the chance of a taste of their specialty product. Last call today is Timboon Fine Icecream, a refreshing way to end our Gourmet Trail day!
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
DAY 4: SUNDAY 4TH APRIL, 2021
OUT AND ABOUT IN OTWAY
We make our way back to the coast to Glenaire, where we again connect with the Great Ocean Road through the Otway National Park to Cape Otway. Steeped in history and surrounded by beauty, the Cape Otway Lighthouse is an unforgettable experience. In 1848 the lighthouse became the beacon of hope on a dangerous coastline and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia. We will enjoy a morning tea break here with time to explore before heading back along the Great Ocean Road, through Apollo Bay and back inland to Forrest, where we stop at the Forrest Brewing Company, a small 600 litre brew house and brew-pub located in the old general store in Forrest. All their beer is brewed on site, hand bottled, hand labelled and bottle conditioned. We’ll have the opportunity here to view the brewing process and also enjoy a light lunch in their charming restaurant! Our last stop before heading back to Colac is to Tarndwarncoort Homestead, one of Australia’s oldest family farms and is also the birthplace of Australia’s first breed of sheep – Polwarth. It will be an interesting visit with afternoon tea and a tour of the gardens and homestead.
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
We make our way back to the coast to Glenaire, where we again connect with the Great Ocean Road through the Otway National Park to Cape Otway. Steeped in history and surrounded by beauty, the Cape Otway Lighthouse is an unforgettable experience. In 1848 the lighthouse became the beacon of hope on a dangerous coastline and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia. We will enjoy a morning tea break here with time to explore before heading back along the Great Ocean Road, through Apollo Bay and back inland to Forrest, where we stop at the Forrest Brewing Company, a small 600 litre brew house and brew-pub located in the old general store in Forrest. All their beer is brewed on site, hand bottled, hand labelled and bottle conditioned. We’ll have the opportunity here to view the brewing process and also enjoy a light lunch in their charming restaurant! Our last stop before heading back to Colac is to Tarndwarncoort Homestead, one of Australia’s oldest family farms and is also the birthplace of Australia’s first breed of sheep – Polwarth. It will be an interesting visit with afternoon tea and a tour of the gardens and homestead.
OVERNIGHT: Colac Central Hotel Motel, COLAC
DAY 5: MONDAY 5TH APRIL, 2021
COLAC TO MELBOURNE
This morning we head for Winchelsea where we pay a visit to Hastings Ostrich Farm. Ostriches are majestic, flightless birds, weighing up to 180kg and laying eggs over 1.5kg. Our tour guide will answer any questions we may have about these fascinating birds. Winchelsea was first settled in 1837 and was named after one of the Cinque Ports in England. There are many historic buildings and an old bridge in the town. After lunch in Winchelsea, we’ll visit Barwon Park Mansion, for a tour of this beautiful home built in 1869 and later bequeathed to the National Trust. It is noted for the fine cast iron balcony verandah, its bluestone construction and the ornate furnishings. We then head for home, where our chauffers will be waiting to take us to our very door, a lovely end to an exciting tour!
This morning we head for Winchelsea where we pay a visit to Hastings Ostrich Farm. Ostriches are majestic, flightless birds, weighing up to 180kg and laying eggs over 1.5kg. Our tour guide will answer any questions we may have about these fascinating birds. Winchelsea was first settled in 1837 and was named after one of the Cinque Ports in England. There are many historic buildings and an old bridge in the town. After lunch in Winchelsea, we’ll visit Barwon Park Mansion, for a tour of this beautiful home built in 1869 and later bequeathed to the National Trust. It is noted for the fine cast iron balcony verandah, its bluestone construction and the ornate furnishings. We then head for home, where our chauffers will be waiting to take us to our very door, a lovely end to an exciting tour!
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up from home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
For Victorian passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas. At the end of your tour, you will be safely returned home with memories of a sensational tour.
Luxury Touring Coaches
Our full size 3 axle luxury coaches have only 34 -36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and huge leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Climate control air conditioning & Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach also has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. The coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier. Tour Director. Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure your travel experience is memorable.
Tour Director
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure
your travel experience is memorable.
Best Available Quality Accommodation
Ensuite motel accommodation each night.
Attractions
All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
All Meals
Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea, lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“...The abundance of Food Artisans and producers in the area gives visitors the chance to savour several amazing food and wine experiences along the spectacular coast and scattered throughout the inland crater country....”
12apostlesfoodartisans
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Balance due on invoice approximately 30 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to departure date.
Prices include GST and all taxes.
Cancellation 30 to 8 days before tour departure date, 20% Refund of Tour Cost
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date, No Refund
On or after tour date departure, No Refund
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurer at the time you pay for your tour.
Clipboard (Not shown on live site)
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Rockhampton, Gracemere Hotel, Cattle Sale Yards, The Spire Tropic of Capricorn, Botanic Gardens and Zoo, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Singing Ship - Emu Park, Yeppoon, Archer Park Rail Museum, Rockhampton Art Gallery, The Capricorn Caves, Langmorn Cattle Station, Great Keppel Island, Thunderegg Park, Mount Morgan Historical Museum and Mount Morgan Railway Museum.
CRUISE
Coral Luncheon Cruise
RAIL
Purrey Steam Train
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
7 nights in Rockhampton
Rockhampton, Gracemere Hotel, Cattle Sale Yards, The Spire Tropic of Capricorn, Botanic Gardens and Zoo, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Singing Ship - Emu Park, Yeppoon, Archer Park Rail Museum, Rockhampton Art Gallery, The Capricorn Caves, Langmorn Cattle Station, Great Keppel Island, Thunderegg Park, Mount Morgan Historical Museum and Mount Morgan Railway Museum.
CRUISE
Coral Luncheon Cruise
RAIL
Purrey Steam Train
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
7 nights in Rockhampton
PRICE
|
Twin Share Room First Tour: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: Single Room Supplement: Deposit: |
$4,845 per person $4,795 per person $4,770 per person $4,745 per person $ 560 per person $200 per person upon booking |
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours will match single travellers who wish to twin share, with another single traveller of the same gender.
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
However, if this is not possible, you shall be provided with single accommodation at the twin share fare (no additional cost).
TOUR MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: THURSDAY 5th august, 2021
MELBOURNE TO ROCKHAMPTON
With pickup from home, we transfer to Melbourne Airport to join our flight to Rockhampton via a stopover in Brisbane. We will be met in Rockhampton by our coach crew and taken directly to our hotel accommodation at Korte’s Resort a family owned and operated resort.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
With pickup from home, we transfer to Melbourne Airport to join our flight to Rockhampton via a stopover in Brisbane. We will be met in Rockhampton by our coach crew and taken directly to our hotel accommodation at Korte’s Resort a family owned and operated resort.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
day 2: friday 6th August , 2021
CATTLE SALE YARDS, TROPIC OF CAPRICORN
After breakfast slap on that Akubra! It’s time to take in the dust and drama of the largest sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere. Central Queensland Livestock Exchange formerly known as the “Gracemere Sale yards” commenced operations in January 1953. Located at Gracemere, just 8 km from Rockhampton the cattle sales are a weekly highlight for both locals and visitors. Watch fair dinkum farmers and cattle graziers bidding big bucks as they stock up at the live auctions. After lunch, we head to the Visitors Centre, to see the Spire Tropic of Capricorn, before heading to the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo to experience beautiful tropical Queensland foliage and zoo exhibits at this spacious garden and sanctuary near the city’s tranquil Murray Lagoon. Enjoy tranquility amid the palm trees, spectacular Banyan fig trees, as well as the Japanese Garden and an arboretum for tropical fruit trees. Be transported to the Queensland desert in the Arid Garden and walk along a boulevard of fragrant tamarind trees. Then to top all this off, the zoo is part of the Gardens. Watch cassowaries, sleepy koalas, wombats, collection of reptiles and mischievous dingoes. Don your Akubra again, as we enjoy a meal at Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel established in 1862. We not only enjoy the country food but also watch cowboys and cowgirls buck their way around the indoor rodeo arena while we sink our teeth into the Great Western’s steak.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
After breakfast slap on that Akubra! It’s time to take in the dust and drama of the largest sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere. Central Queensland Livestock Exchange formerly known as the “Gracemere Sale yards” commenced operations in January 1953. Located at Gracemere, just 8 km from Rockhampton the cattle sales are a weekly highlight for both locals and visitors. Watch fair dinkum farmers and cattle graziers bidding big bucks as they stock up at the live auctions. After lunch, we head to the Visitors Centre, to see the Spire Tropic of Capricorn, before heading to the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo to experience beautiful tropical Queensland foliage and zoo exhibits at this spacious garden and sanctuary near the city’s tranquil Murray Lagoon. Enjoy tranquility amid the palm trees, spectacular Banyan fig trees, as well as the Japanese Garden and an arboretum for tropical fruit trees. Be transported to the Queensland desert in the Arid Garden and walk along a boulevard of fragrant tamarind trees. Then to top all this off, the zoo is part of the Gardens. Watch cassowaries, sleepy koalas, wombats, collection of reptiles and mischievous dingoes. Don your Akubra again, as we enjoy a meal at Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel established in 1862. We not only enjoy the country food but also watch cowboys and cowgirls buck their way around the indoor rodeo arena while we sink our teeth into the Great Western’s steak.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
DAY 3: saturday 7th August, 2021
CROCODILE FARM, EMU PARK AND YEPPOON
After breakfast we head to the Koorana Crocodile Farm. Owned and operated by the charismatic croc crusader John Lever, this working crocodile farm will place us just metres from some salty giants! Be entertained and informed by John and his passionate staff as they escort us around the pens on a fully guided tour. Have your photo taken whilst holding a baby croc, learn why crocs sit there with their mouths wide open (amongst many other fun facts) and, at the end of it all, try a croc kebab! After the farm we head to Emu Park, and stop at the famous Singing Ship – it’s easy to spot, atop the headland with time if you like to make our way to the Centenary of Anzac Memorial Walk. The 175-metre boardwalk ends with a viewing deck below the Singing Ship. From here we can enter the outside Memorial Gallery, which displays artwork telling the WWI story. We also stop off in Yeppoon for a look on our way back to the Motel.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
After breakfast we head to the Koorana Crocodile Farm. Owned and operated by the charismatic croc crusader John Lever, this working crocodile farm will place us just metres from some salty giants! Be entertained and informed by John and his passionate staff as they escort us around the pens on a fully guided tour. Have your photo taken whilst holding a baby croc, learn why crocs sit there with their mouths wide open (amongst many other fun facts) and, at the end of it all, try a croc kebab! After the farm we head to Emu Park, and stop at the famous Singing Ship – it’s easy to spot, atop the headland with time if you like to make our way to the Centenary of Anzac Memorial Walk. The 175-metre boardwalk ends with a viewing deck below the Singing Ship. From here we can enter the outside Memorial Gallery, which displays artwork telling the WWI story. We also stop off in Yeppoon for a look on our way back to the Motel.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
DAY 4: sunday 8th august, 2021
RAIL MUSUEM, ART GALLERY AND CAPRICORN CAVES
First stop today is a visit to the Archer Park Rail Museum, where we’ll be treated to fascinating exhibits of rolling stock, and a ride of the Purrey Steam Tram which puffs along a short track. Later today we visit the Rockhampton Art Gallery which houses the finest collection of mid-twentieth century Australian art in regional Queensland.
You’d be a “mad cow” to miss works from Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Sidney Nolan, Margaret Olley and Lloyd Rees (to name but a few!). This afternoon we visit the Capricorn Caves. The Cathedral Tour has something for everyone. Hauntingly beautiful music showcases the Cathedral Chamber’s amazing natural acoustics, and the accompanying light show transports you away to a totally different world. Walk through the Zig Zag passage and suspension bridge, finishing with a sense of adventure. This cave has easy walking with some stairs, and is well lit and wheelchair accessible. After a great day, we head back to Korte’s Resort for a rest before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
First stop today is a visit to the Archer Park Rail Museum, where we’ll be treated to fascinating exhibits of rolling stock, and a ride of the Purrey Steam Tram which puffs along a short track. Later today we visit the Rockhampton Art Gallery which houses the finest collection of mid-twentieth century Australian art in regional Queensland.
You’d be a “mad cow” to miss works from Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Sidney Nolan, Margaret Olley and Lloyd Rees (to name but a few!). This afternoon we visit the Capricorn Caves. The Cathedral Tour has something for everyone. Hauntingly beautiful music showcases the Cathedral Chamber’s amazing natural acoustics, and the accompanying light show transports you away to a totally different world. Walk through the Zig Zag passage and suspension bridge, finishing with a sense of adventure. This cave has easy walking with some stairs, and is well lit and wheelchair accessible. After a great day, we head back to Korte’s Resort for a rest before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
DAY 5: monday 9th august, 2021
LANGMORN CATTLE STATION
Today we visit Langmorn Station (Creed Grazing Co) a working cattle station offering genuine country hospitality. We step back in time and immerse ourselves in the rich history of Australia’s cattle country pioneers. The owners and operators of the station – The Creed family, will give us a good old fashioned morning tea, then take us on a tour of the farm explaining the workings of the station. We visit the original homestead and see some of the memorabilia of the past, before they serve us a cattle station lunch. We return to Rockhampton with free time to relax around the pool before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
Today we visit Langmorn Station (Creed Grazing Co) a working cattle station offering genuine country hospitality. We step back in time and immerse ourselves in the rich history of Australia’s cattle country pioneers. The owners and operators of the station – The Creed family, will give us a good old fashioned morning tea, then take us on a tour of the farm explaining the workings of the station. We visit the original homestead and see some of the memorabilia of the past, before they serve us a cattle station lunch. We return to Rockhampton with free time to relax around the pool before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
DAY 6: tuesday 10th august, 2021
GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND
Freedom Fast Cats’ take us on a Coral Luncheon Cruise, perfect for those who are interested in viewing coral and colourful marine life up close and personal, without getting your feet wet! Upon arrival at Great Keppel Island, we enjoy morning tea, then depart on the glass bottom boat for a coral viewing cruise. During this time, the expert crew will provide an informative commentary about the history behind Great Keppel Island and surrounding marine life. Lunch will be served on board the ferry. We end the afternoon by either exploring the island village, browsing the Rainbow Hut souvenir shop, or going for a dip or simply relaxing on Keppel’s pristine white beaches before returning to Rockhampton.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
Freedom Fast Cats’ take us on a Coral Luncheon Cruise, perfect for those who are interested in viewing coral and colourful marine life up close and personal, without getting your feet wet! Upon arrival at Great Keppel Island, we enjoy morning tea, then depart on the glass bottom boat for a coral viewing cruise. During this time, the expert crew will provide an informative commentary about the history behind Great Keppel Island and surrounding marine life. Lunch will be served on board the ferry. We end the afternoon by either exploring the island village, browsing the Rainbow Hut souvenir shop, or going for a dip or simply relaxing on Keppel’s pristine white beaches before returning to Rockhampton.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
DAY 7: wednesday 11th august, 2021
MOUNT MORGAN
Today we head out to a “real gem” - The Mount Hay Gemstone Park. This is an internationally known thunderegg fossicking hotspot. Also known as ‘volcanic birthstones,’ thundereggs might not look magic on the outside, but once cut, these stones display stunning star formations – the pretty patterns a result of gas bubbles in molten lava, which have solidified on cooling. They’re all lying at the base of the once active Mount Hay and the best part is that it’s finders keepers! After lining our pockets with precious gems, we head to the historical township of Mount Morgan. Take a fascinating journey into Australia’s amazing gold mining history and delve into its prehistoric past. Visit Mount Morgan’s Historical Museum and the Railway Museum. Once one of the world’s richest gold mines and the busiest town in Queensland at its peak in the early 1900s, we can witness the town’s wealthy past, historic buildings and sites. After a great day, we return to our accommodation to rest or pack for our flight home tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
Today we head out to a “real gem” - The Mount Hay Gemstone Park. This is an internationally known thunderegg fossicking hotspot. Also known as ‘volcanic birthstones,’ thundereggs might not look magic on the outside, but once cut, these stones display stunning star formations – the pretty patterns a result of gas bubbles in molten lava, which have solidified on cooling. They’re all lying at the base of the once active Mount Hay and the best part is that it’s finders keepers! After lining our pockets with precious gems, we head to the historical township of Mount Morgan. Take a fascinating journey into Australia’s amazing gold mining history and delve into its prehistoric past. Visit Mount Morgan’s Historical Museum and the Railway Museum. Once one of the world’s richest gold mines and the busiest town in Queensland at its peak in the early 1900s, we can witness the town’s wealthy past, historic buildings and sites. After a great day, we return to our accommodation to rest or pack for our flight home tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT: Korte’s Resort, ROCKHAMPTON
DAY 8: thursday 12th august, 2021
ROCKHAMPTON TO MELBOURNE
After a leisurely breakfast, we pack our bags and head to the Townsville Airport for our flight home to Melbourne (via Brisbane). As always our chauffeurs await our arrival in Melbourne for our trip home, full of fun memories of our tour to the Capricorn Coast.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
After a leisurely breakfast, we pack our bags and head to the Townsville Airport for our flight home to Melbourne (via Brisbane). As always our chauffeurs await our arrival in Melbourne for our trip home, full of fun memories of our tour to the Capricorn Coast.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Complimentary chauffeur driven transfers
Victorian passengers from Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Torquay, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, Phillip Island and selected areas of Gippsland will be picked up and returned home in a private chauffeured vehicle by one of our professional drivers.
Luxury Touring Coaches
Our full size 3 axle luxury coaches have only 32 -36 passenger seats allowing you even more personal space and extra leg room. Our coaches are fitted with comfortable reclining seats with aisle arm rests, foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Climate control air conditioning & Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach also has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe. The coaches have full air suspension delivering a smooth and quiet ride which also allows us to lower the coach closer to the ground, making boarding and disembarking even easier.
Flights
Economy flights Melbourne to Rockhampton via Brisbane, and Townsville to Melbourne via Brisbane.
Tour Director
Dedicated O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach crew (tour directors) on board to ensure your travel experience is memorable.
Best Available Quality Accommodation
Ensuite motel accommodation each night.
Attractions
All tours and interest venues as per itinerary.
Meals
Full cooked breakfasts, morning tea, lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
3 lunches at own expense as per itinerary.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
The Capricorn Coast. An exciting, diverse and breathtakingly beautiful destination.
Enjoy golden days, balmy nights, brilliant sunsets and moonlit evenings.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Balance due on invoice approximately 45 days prior to departure.
Deposit is fully refundable until 46 days prior to departure date.
Prices include GST and all taxes.
Cancellation 45 to 8 days before tour departure date 20% Refund of Tour Cost
Cancellation within 7 days of tour departure date No Refund
On or after tour date departure No Refund
Travel Insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommended you take out comprehensive travel insurance with
a reputable insurer at the time you pay the balance for your tour.