8 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR
MONDAY 25TH JULY TO MONDAY 1ST AUGUST
The Whitsunday Islands are the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach, our base for 7 nights is a vibrant coastal nook where everyone feels like they’re on holidays 24-7.
A coastal town of palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco restaurants. Feel the sand between your toes, search the local markets for that perfect memento or go on safari in pursuit of crocodiles. It is all here.
TOUR MAP
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Big Mango in Bowen, Guided Tour around Bowen, Bowen Historical Museum, Proserpine Historical Museum, Cape Gloucester, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Sarina Sugar Shed, Mackay Botanical Gardens, Queens Park Orchid House, Airlie Beach Markets and Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.
FLIGHTS
Melbourne to Proserpine via Brisbane
Proserpine to Melbourne via Brisbane
CRUISE
Hamilton Island and Daydream Island
Sunset Cruise
Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
7 nights in Airlie Beach
TOUR COSTS
Twin Share Room First Tour: $5,275 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $5,175 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $5,125 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $5,075 per person
Single Room Supplement: $490 per person
Deposit: $500 per person
As a thank you for travelling with O'Shannessy's Quality Tours, you will automatically receive a saving on the total tour price for your second and subsequent tours.
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).
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).
MAP
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: mondAY 25th july, 2022
MELBOURNE TO WHITSUNDAYS
With personal pickup from home, our chauffeurs will take us to Melbourne airport. We will be met by a representative of O'Shannessys Quality Tours, who will assist us at check in and see us onto the plane for our flight. Upon arrival to the Whitsundays, we will be met by our O’Shannessy’s coach crew and taken to our accommodation for the next 7 nights. Colonial Palms Motor Inn is within easy walking distance to the quaint tourist township of Airlie Beach. The Airlie Beach resort village abounds with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Free time this afternoon to relax around one of the two resort pools and spa, or take a stroll before enjoying our first dinner together.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
With personal pickup from home, our chauffeurs will take us to Melbourne airport. We will be met by a representative of O'Shannessys Quality Tours, who will assist us at check in and see us onto the plane for our flight. Upon arrival to the Whitsundays, we will be met by our O’Shannessy’s coach crew and taken to our accommodation for the next 7 nights. Colonial Palms Motor Inn is within easy walking distance to the quaint tourist township of Airlie Beach. The Airlie Beach resort village abounds with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Free time this afternoon to relax around one of the two resort pools and spa, or take a stroll before enjoying our first dinner together.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
day 2: tuesday 26th july, 2022
BOWEN
A short drive takes us north to the Big Mango, which represents the delicious fruit which carries the name sake of the town “Bowen Mango”. The BIG Mango is located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, 4 km south of Bowen. After a photo stop, we continue a few kilometres into the township of Bowen, where our local guide will show us some of the sights and history of the area. All of Bowen’s history can be retraced at the Bowen Historical Museum, from Catalina Flying Boats, to the unbelievable story of James Morrill and his courageous story of survival. Bowen also has 25 historical murals, which are proudly displayed throughout Bowen’s streets, depicting the diverse history from the town’s early settlement to present day. Bowen also has some excellent beaches and is a popular spot for holiday makers.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
A short drive takes us north to the Big Mango, which represents the delicious fruit which carries the name sake of the town “Bowen Mango”. The BIG Mango is located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, 4 km south of Bowen. After a photo stop, we continue a few kilometres into the township of Bowen, where our local guide will show us some of the sights and history of the area. All of Bowen’s history can be retraced at the Bowen Historical Museum, from Catalina Flying Boats, to the unbelievable story of James Morrill and his courageous story of survival. Bowen also has 25 historical murals, which are proudly displayed throughout Bowen’s streets, depicting the diverse history from the town’s early settlement to present day. Bowen also has some excellent beaches and is a popular spot for holiday makers.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
DAY 3: wednesday 27th july, 2022
PROSERPINE, CAPE GLOUCESTER, SUNSET CRUISE
Today we visit Proserpine Historical Museum, to see the collection and history of the Whitsunday region, before heading to our lunch stop at Cape Gloucester, the Whitsundays best kept secret. Enjoy a seafood lunch with stunning views of the Coral Sea, sandy beaches, secluded coves and palm trees. After lunch we head back to Airlie Beach in time to refresh before we enjoy a pre-dinner Sunset Cruise, enjoying a glass of sparkling and nibbles. We just may see some turtles, dolphins or whales while enjoying the beautiful sunset. We return to Colonial Palms for our dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
Today we visit Proserpine Historical Museum, to see the collection and history of the Whitsunday region, before heading to our lunch stop at Cape Gloucester, the Whitsundays best kept secret. Enjoy a seafood lunch with stunning views of the Coral Sea, sandy beaches, secluded coves and palm trees. After lunch we head back to Airlie Beach in time to refresh before we enjoy a pre-dinner Sunset Cruise, enjoying a glass of sparkling and nibbles. We just may see some turtles, dolphins or whales while enjoying the beautiful sunset. We return to Colonial Palms for our dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
DAY 4: thursday 28th july, 2022
ISLAND ESCAPE
Today we cruise through the Whitsunday Islands National Park stepping ashore onto Daydream Island. Enjoy the free form coral lagoon covering 200m and see the baby stingrays who live amongst over 100 species of marine fish, coral and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs. We then head to Hamilton Island where we can enjoy lunch along the Marina. Hop on the Hamilton Island shuttle bus and enjoy a tour of the island, taking in the spectacular views and seeing where the rich and famous stay. Enjoy some free time to explore the island on your own, before the return cruise back to Airlie Beach. On the cruise home sit back and take in the beautiful scenery.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
Today we cruise through the Whitsunday Islands National Park stepping ashore onto Daydream Island. Enjoy the free form coral lagoon covering 200m and see the baby stingrays who live amongst over 100 species of marine fish, coral and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs. We then head to Hamilton Island where we can enjoy lunch along the Marina. Hop on the Hamilton Island shuttle bus and enjoy a tour of the island, taking in the spectacular views and seeing where the rich and famous stay. Enjoy some free time to explore the island on your own, before the return cruise back to Airlie Beach. On the cruise home sit back and take in the beautiful scenery.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
DAY 5: friday 29th july, 2022
MACKAY
Today we visit Mackay. Learn how sugar cane is turned into sweet and yummy sugar at the Sarina Sugar Shed. Discover the growing, harvesting and crushing processes of sugar cane in a fully functioning miniature sugar mill. Enjoy lunch at the Mackay Botanic Gardens and sit to take in the garden view and take a stroll around the unique gardens. We also visit the Queens Park Orchid House to view the magnificent orchids. Queens Park is also an oasis of large Banyan Fig and Royal Palm trees, some well over a century old. After a great day, we head back to our accommodation in Airlie Beach for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
Today we visit Mackay. Learn how sugar cane is turned into sweet and yummy sugar at the Sarina Sugar Shed. Discover the growing, harvesting and crushing processes of sugar cane in a fully functioning miniature sugar mill. Enjoy lunch at the Mackay Botanic Gardens and sit to take in the garden view and take a stroll around the unique gardens. We also visit the Queens Park Orchid House to view the magnificent orchids. Queens Park is also an oasis of large Banyan Fig and Royal Palm trees, some well over a century old. After a great day, we head back to our accommodation in Airlie Beach for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
DAY 6: saturday 30th july, 2022
MARKETS AND AIRLIE BEACH
A relaxing morning, with time to walk through the famous Airlie Beach Markets right on the beach front in town. There are plenty of souvenir shops to take that gift home with us. Stroll along the water front taking in the beautiful sights and man made lagoon or relax around one of the two pools at Colonial Palms Motor Inn. After a relaxing day, we head out to a local hidden gem in Airlie Beach, where we will enjoy our dinner overlooking the Islands and Coral Sea.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
A relaxing morning, with time to walk through the famous Airlie Beach Markets right on the beach front in town. There are plenty of souvenir shops to take that gift home with us. Stroll along the water front taking in the beautiful sights and man made lagoon or relax around one of the two pools at Colonial Palms Motor Inn. After a relaxing day, we head out to a local hidden gem in Airlie Beach, where we will enjoy our dinner overlooking the Islands and Coral Sea.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
DAY 7: SUNDAY 31st july, 2022
WHITSUNDAY CROCODILE SAFARI
Today is our chance to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat on Proserpine River, on the fully guided Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. This river is home to the estuarine (salt water) crocodile. The safari features a calm water river cruise, and with the help of professional local guides, we will learn how a mangrove eco system works and meet some of the interesting inhabitants. We travel on the Goorganga Plains in a tractor-drawn wagon-train, enjoying a panoramic view of this nationally listed wetland habitat, eperiencing unique Australian scenery and wildlife. We will travel through flood plains, pastures, saltpans and melaleuca forests. We should also see many species of native birds, mammals, reptiles and marine animals. We certainly won’t want to miss the chance to see crocodiles in the wild. Sample some bushman’s billy tea and damper for morning tea, followed by a traditional Aussie barbeque lunch.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
Today is our chance to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat on Proserpine River, on the fully guided Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. This river is home to the estuarine (salt water) crocodile. The safari features a calm water river cruise, and with the help of professional local guides, we will learn how a mangrove eco system works and meet some of the interesting inhabitants. We travel on the Goorganga Plains in a tractor-drawn wagon-train, enjoying a panoramic view of this nationally listed wetland habitat, eperiencing unique Australian scenery and wildlife. We will travel through flood plains, pastures, saltpans and melaleuca forests. We should also see many species of native birds, mammals, reptiles and marine animals. We certainly won’t want to miss the chance to see crocodiles in the wild. Sample some bushman’s billy tea and damper for morning tea, followed by a traditional Aussie barbeque lunch.
OVERNIGHT: Colonial Palms Motor Inn, AIRLIE BEACH
DAY 8: monday 1st august, 2022
AIRLIE BEACH TO MELBOURNE
This morning we pack our bags after a great 8 days in the Whitsundays. Our flights take us back home to Melbourne, where as always our chauffeurs await our arrival in Melbourne to transfer us safely home with memories of a wonderful time away.
Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments on flight
This morning we pack our bags after a great 8 days in the Whitsundays. Our flights take us back home to Melbourne, where as always our chauffeurs await our arrival in Melbourne to transfer us safely home with memories of a wonderful time away.
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 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 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, restroom, climate control air conditioning and Road Cam monitors which display the road ahead in real time. Each coach has a second door for easier entry and exit and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers at each entry to help keep everyone safe.
Our 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 departing from and returning to Melbourne included.
Tour Directors
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
All full cooked breakfasts, morning teas and lunches most days and two course restaurant dinners daily. 4 lunches at your own expense as per itinerary.
No Hidden Extras
O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.
“... Airlie Beach is a coastal town of
palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks
and alfresco restaurants …”
tourismwhitsundays.com.au
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Receipt of payment of funds will be taken as acceptance of O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours conditions of travel for this tour. Prices include GST and all taxes.
Deposit is fully refundable until 61days prior to departure date.
Balance due on invoice approximately 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation 60 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.
If a tour is cancelled for any reason by O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours before the departure date, all passengers will be offered the option of transferring to another tour of their choice, hold the funds in trust for a future tour or a full refund. There is no time limit as to when this must be used. If a lockdown is implemented while a tour is in progress, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and ensuring that we get each and every one of them home safely, and therefore we treat every situation individually. Travel insurance is not compulsory, however we highly recommend our passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is paid. Our office can provide contact information for companies we know are now providing travel insurance. It is a condition of travel that all passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID19 unless medically exempt, and confirmation must be provided to our office upon payment of your invoice/booking.