10 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
27TH APRIL TO 6TH MAY 2021
With cool summers, a rich cultural history and stunning rolling countryside, the Glen Innes Highlands is the home of Australia's premier Celtic Festival. Held amidst the ethereal Australian Standing Stones this celebration of all things Celtic includes a street parade, dancing, massed pipe bands and poetry. Be completely absorbed by the unique history of the Celtic nations.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Benalla Street Art, Vietnam Veteran's Commemorative Walk, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Land of The Beardies History House and Museum, Emmaville Mining Museum, 28th Australian Celtic Festival, Gibraltar National Park, Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame and the Tungamah, Goorambat and Devenish Silo Art.
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
4 nights in Glen Innes.
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: |
$3,995 per person $3,945 per person $3,920 per person $3,895 per person $645 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: tuesday 27th april, 2021
MELBOURNE TO WAGGA WAGGA
After our morning pick up service we join our deluxe O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and travel via the Hume Highway to Seymour where we’ll take a little time to view the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk. The centre piece of this Walk is the wall, made up of panels of DigiGlass with the name of every Serviceman and Woman who served, in their various capacities in that conflict. Arriving into Benalla for lunch, we’ll drive around the city taking in some of the Street Art – artists from around the world were brought together to paint murals on bare walls, some over three stories high. We continue onto Wagga Wagga, home for the night.
OVERNIGHT: International Hotel, WAGGA WAGGA
After our morning pick up service we join our deluxe O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and travel via the Hume Highway to Seymour where we’ll take a little time to view the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk. The centre piece of this Walk is the wall, made up of panels of DigiGlass with the name of every Serviceman and Woman who served, in their various capacities in that conflict. Arriving into Benalla for lunch, we’ll drive around the city taking in some of the Street Art – artists from around the world were brought together to paint murals on bare walls, some over three stories high. We continue onto Wagga Wagga, home for the night.
OVERNIGHT: International Hotel, WAGGA WAGGA
day 2: wednesday 28th april, 2021
WAGGA WAGGA TO DUBBO
An early start this morning, as we head off along the Goldfields Way, stopping at Parkes for lunch. We then drive on to Dubbo where we visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, one of the largest open plain zoos in the world. We are joined by a local guide who will board our coach and provide us with an insight into the animals and zoo (with plenty of stops for explanations and photos). After our visit we check in to our hotel in Dubbo.
OVERNIGHT: Comfort Inn Blue Lagoon, DUBBO
An early start this morning, as we head off along the Goldfields Way, stopping at Parkes for lunch. We then drive on to Dubbo where we visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, one of the largest open plain zoos in the world. We are joined by a local guide who will board our coach and provide us with an insight into the animals and zoo (with plenty of stops for explanations and photos). After our visit we check in to our hotel in Dubbo.
OVERNIGHT: Comfort Inn Blue Lagoon, DUBBO
DAY 3: thursday 29th april, 2021
DUBBO TO GLEN INNES
Following breakfast we make our way to Tamworth, where we’ll stop to purchase lunch. From here we drive to Uralla, where we enjoy an afternoon break. Our last leg takes us via Armidale into Glen Innes, known fondly as the ‘Land of the Beardies’ and the Celtic Capital of New England. We check into our motel - home for the next four nights.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
Following breakfast we make our way to Tamworth, where we’ll stop to purchase lunch. From here we drive to Uralla, where we enjoy an afternoon break. Our last leg takes us via Armidale into Glen Innes, known fondly as the ‘Land of the Beardies’ and the Celtic Capital of New England. We check into our motel - home for the next four nights.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
DAY 4: friday 30th april, 2021
GLEN INNES AND THE CELTIC FESTIVAL
Glen Innes is in full festival mode today with the official opening of the annual Australian Celtic Festival taking place in the Town Square late this morning. The Australian Celtic Festival is renowned as the premier Celtic event of New South Wales. It is the only Celtic themed festival in Australia to recognise different Celtic Nations each year and have the unique atmospheric benefit of being located at the nationally acclaimed Australian Standing Stones. Each year up to twenty different Clans and representatives from the six Celtic nations turn out in force to hold their annual Celtic ceremonies and spectacles. We’re off to the Land of the Beardies History House and Museum. Essentially a Folk Museum, the collection comes almost exclusively from the town and district, and mirrors the history and development of families, businesses, properties, public utilities, churches and the like. In the spacious grounds are numerous examples of early farm machinery. Several of these are very unusual and well worth a look. We enjoy lunch here before departing on our afternoon tour to Emmaville and the Mining Museum, where a guide will explain the extensive mineral displays including the renowned Curnow Collection. We return to Glen Innes to relax prior to dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
Glen Innes is in full festival mode today with the official opening of the annual Australian Celtic Festival taking place in the Town Square late this morning. The Australian Celtic Festival is renowned as the premier Celtic event of New South Wales. It is the only Celtic themed festival in Australia to recognise different Celtic Nations each year and have the unique atmospheric benefit of being located at the nationally acclaimed Australian Standing Stones. Each year up to twenty different Clans and representatives from the six Celtic nations turn out in force to hold their annual Celtic ceremonies and spectacles. We’re off to the Land of the Beardies History House and Museum. Essentially a Folk Museum, the collection comes almost exclusively from the town and district, and mirrors the history and development of families, businesses, properties, public utilities, churches and the like. In the spacious grounds are numerous examples of early farm machinery. Several of these are very unusual and well worth a look. We enjoy lunch here before departing on our afternoon tour to Emmaville and the Mining Museum, where a guide will explain the extensive mineral displays including the renowned Curnow Collection. We return to Glen Innes to relax prior to dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
DAY 5: saturday 1st may, 2021
GLEN INNES AND THE CELTIC FESTIVAL
Our day is spent immersed in the local Celtic culture of the 28th Australian Celtic Festival. The Australian Celtic Festival is held on the first weekend in May each year based on several factors. Firstly, this time of year sees the Glen Innes Highlands spectacularly swathed in autumn colours. Secondly, in consideration of the definitive four seasons of the region, May is usually devoid of wet weather as experienced over the past 30 years of the festival. There will be events throughout the day including Celtic bands, dances and, of course, the Street Parade*. This year’s festival celebrates Ireland and the Isle of Man, two of the 8 Celtic nations acknowledged in Glen Innes including Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia, and Asturias.
*Until the program is released the day’s itinerary is subject to change.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
Our day is spent immersed in the local Celtic culture of the 28th Australian Celtic Festival. The Australian Celtic Festival is held on the first weekend in May each year based on several factors. Firstly, this time of year sees the Glen Innes Highlands spectacularly swathed in autumn colours. Secondly, in consideration of the definitive four seasons of the region, May is usually devoid of wet weather as experienced over the past 30 years of the festival. There will be events throughout the day including Celtic bands, dances and, of course, the Street Parade*. This year’s festival celebrates Ireland and the Isle of Man, two of the 8 Celtic nations acknowledged in Glen Innes including Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia, and Asturias.
*Until the program is released the day’s itinerary is subject to change.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
DAY 6: sunday 2nd may, 2021
GLEN INNES AND THE CELTIC FESTIVAL
This morning we head back to the Australian Celtic Festival. We will enjoy, anything from; Celtic music and poetry performances by both Australian and international artists to prestigious awards and competitions including: the Australian Celtic Music Awards; Australian Celtic Dance Championships; Australian Celtic Fashion Awards and Australian Celtic Busking Awards. Alongside music and dance the entertainment program includes re-enactment groups, Celtic Strongman event, Kirking of the Tartan, massed pipe bands, children’s entertainment, combined schools’ concerts, boutique stalls including themed food and beverages, poets breakfast souvenirs, merchandise, and a fun run*.
Depending on the programme, there will be entertainment and more events throughout the day.
*Until the program is released the day’s itinerary is subject to change.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
This morning we head back to the Australian Celtic Festival. We will enjoy, anything from; Celtic music and poetry performances by both Australian and international artists to prestigious awards and competitions including: the Australian Celtic Music Awards; Australian Celtic Dance Championships; Australian Celtic Fashion Awards and Australian Celtic Busking Awards. Alongside music and dance the entertainment program includes re-enactment groups, Celtic Strongman event, Kirking of the Tartan, massed pipe bands, children’s entertainment, combined schools’ concerts, boutique stalls including themed food and beverages, poets breakfast souvenirs, merchandise, and a fun run*.
Depending on the programme, there will be entertainment and more events throughout the day.
*Until the program is released the day’s itinerary is subject to change.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement.
OVERNIGHT: Rest Point Motor Inn, GLEN INNES
DAY 7: monday 3rd may, 2021
GLEN INNES TO PORT MACQUARIE
We farewell the “Land of the Beardies” and travel via the Gwydir Highway, past the World Heritage listed Gibraltar National Park, in to Grafton where we break for lunch. We continue via Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie for our overnight stop.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
We farewell the “Land of the Beardies” and travel via the Gwydir Highway, past the World Heritage listed Gibraltar National Park, in to Grafton where we break for lunch. We continue via Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie for our overnight stop.
OVERNIGHT: Waters Edge, PORT MACQUARIE
DAY 8: tuesday 4th may, 2021
PORT MACQUARIE TO PARRAMATTA, SYDNEY
We make our way south on the Pacific Highway via Taree through to Sydney, stopping along the way for our lunch break. We continue on through the Central Coast district to Parramatta, on the outskirts of Sydney.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement.
OVERNIGHT: Park Royal Parramatta, SYDNEY
We make our way south on the Pacific Highway via Taree through to Sydney, stopping along the way for our lunch break. We continue on through the Central Coast district to Parramatta, on the outskirts of Sydney.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement.
OVERNIGHT: Park Royal Parramatta, SYDNEY
DAY 9: wednesday 5th may, 2021
SYDNEY TO ALBURY
From Parramatta we travel south in to the Southern Highlands with a morning stop at Bowral and a visit to Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame. We then continue on the Hume Highway to Yass, to stop for a light lunch at Yass Country Kitchen. We spend the afternoon travelling to our overnight accommodation in Albury.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Plus Hovell Tree, ALBURY
From Parramatta we travel south in to the Southern Highlands with a morning stop at Bowral and a visit to Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame. We then continue on the Hume Highway to Yass, to stop for a light lunch at Yass Country Kitchen. We spend the afternoon travelling to our overnight accommodation in Albury.
OVERNIGHT: Best Western Plus Hovell Tree, ALBURY
DAY 10: thursday 6th may, 2021
ALBURY TO MELBOURNE
Silos are drawing crowds to small country towns in Victoria, so this morning we’re off to do a little silo spotting of our own. Tungamah was the first of the Silos painted and it features several Brolgas and a Kookaburra. In St James you will notice a large mural of Sir George Coles, the founder of Coles Supermarkets and the town has a plaque showing where his first business was located. The Devenish Silo was unveiled on Anzac Day Eve 2018 and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War. The artwork is of both a First World War nurse and a modern ay combat medic. The Goorambat silos were painted by famed iconic Melbourne Street artist Dvate, known for his striking renditions of endangered animals from across Australia. Dvate has created another monumental artwork depicting an endangered bird of prey from the area. Whilst in Goorambat we will also see the impressive “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate. We’ll enjoy lunch in Euroa, then travel home this afternoon at the end of a wonderful tour!
Silos are drawing crowds to small country towns in Victoria, so this morning we’re off to do a little silo spotting of our own. Tungamah was the first of the Silos painted and it features several Brolgas and a Kookaburra. In St James you will notice a large mural of Sir George Coles, the founder of Coles Supermarkets and the town has a plaque showing where his first business was located. The Devenish Silo was unveiled on Anzac Day Eve 2018 and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War. The artwork is of both a First World War nurse and a modern ay combat medic. The Goorambat silos were painted by famed iconic Melbourne Street artist Dvate, known for his striking renditions of endangered animals from across Australia. Dvate has created another monumental artwork depicting an endangered bird of prey from the area. Whilst in Goorambat we will also see the impressive “Sophia” mural in the Uniting Church, painted by the Melbourne-based artist Matt Adnate. We’ll enjoy lunch in Euroa, then travel home this afternoon at the end of a wonderful 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.
O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Touring Coach
Features include comfy reclining seats for a maximum of 36 passengers with plenty of leg room to stretch out.
Arm and foot rests, seat belts, panoramic windows with blinds, refrigerator for passenger use, Road Cam screens which display the road ahead in real time and an onboard rest room. A second door for easier entry and exit,
a hands-free hand sanitizer dispenser onboard and full air suspension for a smooth, quiet ride.
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, most lunches and two course restaurant dinners daily.
4 lunches at own arrangement and cost.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... Alongside music and dance our entertainment program includes a street parade, re-enactment groups, Celtic Strongman event, Kirking of the Tartan, massed pipe bands, children’s entertainment, combined schools’ concerts, boutique stalls including themed food and beverages, poets breakfast souvenirs, merchandise, and a fun run....”
australiancelticfestival
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.
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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.