MELBOURNE - BRISBANE - SUNSHINE COAST

Welcome to our holiday along the beautiful coast of Queensland from south to north.  With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in, and see us onto the plane for our direct flight to Brisbane. Arriving at Brisbane Airport, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage. From here, we begin our journey north, travelling through Queensland’s scenic landscapes as we make our way to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, where we settle in for our first overnight stay.

Refreshments inflight

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA

SUNSHINE COAST TO THE TOWN OF 1770

After breakfast, we continue north travelling through the charming town of Tiaro before arriving in historic Maryborough. After lunch, have a stroll through the Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial, which traces the birth of the Anzac legend, drawn from the personal perspectives in letters written home to loved ones. We then continue our journey to the Town of Seventeen Seventy. Nestled along the Coral Sea and rich in maritime history, this coastal gem will be our home for the next two nights.

OVERNIGHT:  1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, AGNES WATER

THE LARC TOUR

Today, we embark on a LARC tour — an unique amphibious adventure along the edge of Eurimbula National Park, traversing vast sandy beaches and the crystal-clear waters of four tidal creeks. Along the way, we learn about the rich history of the Town of 1770 and Bustard Head. Our first stop is a hidden, shaded picnic spot near the edge of Jenny Lind Creek where we enjoy morning tea in a tranquil setting. Then it’s off to one of the world’s best aerial viewpoints — seen not from a plane, but from a boat!  We arrive at the historic Bustard Head Light Station, also known as the “Lighthouse of Tragedy.” Here, a volunteer caretaker leads us through the restored light-keeper’s cottage, now a museum filled with priceless artefacts, maritime relics and captivating mysteries.  Climb the spiral staircase to the lighthouse balcony for a stunning 360° panoramic view of this breathtaking Queensland location. Afterwards, follow a winding path to the nearby cemetery, resting place of many past residents — each with their own haunting tale. Following a hearty lunch and a cup of Billy Tea, we reboard the LARC to cross the dramatic tidal expanse of Jenny Lind Creek, heading toward the towering dunes of Middle Island.  Here, you can sandboard down a thrilling 35-metre dune — yes, it’s perfectly fine to push your friends downhill (on a boogie board, of course)! Or, simply take a refreshing dip in the clear waters. As we journey back, keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the light-hearted stories of our guides. The pastel hues of the setting sun mark the perfect end to an unforgettable day in paradise.

OVERNIGHT:  1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, AGNES WATER

TOWN OF 1770 TO ROCKHAMPTON

After a leisurely breakfast, we head north to Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia. Situated on the Tropic of Capricorn along the Fitzroy River, this is where we might finally be able to take the “jumper” off! Our first stop is the Rockhampton Zoo, located within the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and home to over 70 species of native and exotic animals. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens before breaking for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Koorana Crocodile Farm for a fascinating guided tour, where we’ll learn all about crocodile behaviour and the lifecycle of these ancient reptiles.

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Resort Parkhurst, ROCKHAMPTON

ROCKHAMPTON TO MACKAY

Departing Rockhampton, we travel through small isolated country towns on our way to Mackay. Our first stop is the Marlborough Historical Museum, home to a fascinating collection of textiles, historic photographs and artefacts that offer a glimpse into the region’s past. We then continue to the Sarina Sugar Shed to enjoy an engaging and interactive tour through the sugar cane growing and crushing process - from observing sugar cane up close in their very own patch to sampling delicious, sugar-based products made right on site.

OVERNIGHT: Oaks Rivermarque Hotel, MACKAY

MACKAY TO TOWNSVILLE

This morning we make our way to a well-kept secret, Hideaway Bay at Cape Gloucester.  Enjoy a walk along the pristine beach, taking in the picturesque views of the Coral Sea and the surrounding palm trees, followed by a delightful lunch. We continue our journey north with a brief stop at the Big Python in Ayr. A little further on is Townsville where we check into our next three night’s accommodation at Seahaven Resort, set amongst  three acres of lush tropical landscaped gardens.

OVERNIGHT: Seahaven Resort, TOWNSVILLE

EXPLORING MAGNETIC ISLAND

Magnetic Island lies in the tropics and enjoys over 320 days of sunshine each year! More than half of the island is protected as National park. This morning we catch the local ferry across to Magnetic Island, where we’re met by a local guide for a scenic bus tour showcasing some of “Maggie” Island’s key highlights. After a memorable day exploring the island’s natural beauty and charm, we return by ferry to the mainland and back to our accommodation in Townsville.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Seahaven Resort, TOWNSVILLE

TEXAS LONGHORN STATION

Today, we step back in time for a truly unique and unforgettable outback experience at the Texas Longhorn Station - home to Australia's only herd of full-blood Texas Longhorns. Located just outside Charters Towers, this working cattle property offers a fascinating insight into the life of early pioneers and the legendary Longhorn breed. Our adventure begins with a safari tour, where we’ll get up close to these extraordinary animals — some boasting horns that span over 2.5 metres! Along the way, our knowledgeable hosts will share entertaining stories and rich history about the iconic Texas Longhorns and their place in Australian heritage. We’ll explore the cattle-handling facilities at the Love Shack, and visit the JR Gallery of Horns, home to JR — the longest-horned animal to ever live in Australia and a Guinness World Record holder. The gallery also features fascinating memorabilia, including a replica of an 1880s Texas Trail herd saddle. There will be time to browse the gift shop, snap some memorable photos with the Longhorns, or simply take in the breathtaking outback scenery before we return to our accommodation.

OVERNIGHT: Seahaven Resort, TOWNSVILLE

TOWNSVILLE TO MISSION BEACH

We continue our journey north of Townsville and arrive in Ingham, affectionately known as Queensland’s “Little Italy” for its strong Italian heritage. We visit the Old Ingham Cemetery, a striking and culturally rich site. Many of Ingham's early Italian settlers created elaborate memorials for their loved ones, featuring marble statues, wrought-iron fences, and hand-crafted tiles — some of which were imported directly from Italy. This peaceful cemetery offers a fascinating insight into the region’s heritage. From here, we head to the historic Cardwell Telegraph and Post Office, now known as the Bush Telegraph, built in 1870 and recognised as one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland. After lunch, we continue to Tully, home to the towering Golden Gumboot, a quirky monument celebrating the town’s reputation as one of the wettest in Australia. Our day concludes in the picturesque coastal town of Mission Beach, where we settle in for the night, surrounded by tropical beauty and gentle ocean breezes.

OVERNIGHT:  Mission Beach Resort, WONGALING BEACH

MISSION BEACH TO CAIRNS

This morning, we depart Mission Beach for a visit to Charley’s Chocolate Factory — Australia’s only Cocoa Tree-to-Chocolate Bar experience. Wander through the cocoa tree nursery and mature plantation, where you’ll see orchid-like flowers and ripening cocoa pods. Learn how Charley’s uses a world-first trellis system specially adapted for tropical conditions. Discover the bean-to-bar process in action and perhaps enjoy a few sweet samples before we continue our journey.  Next stop is the magical Paronella Park near Innisfail. Built in the 1930s by visionary Spanish immigrant José Paronella, this unique castle ruin is set among enchanting gardens inspired by Europe’s finest. Remarkably ahead of its time, the estate featured North Queensland’s first hydroelectric system — still in use today.  Our guided walking tour takes us through highlights such as the grand Kauri Avenue, where majestic trees planted nearly a century ago still stand tall. After soaking up the beauty and history, we enjoy a light lunch before moving on. This afternoon, we visit the beautiful Josephine Falls, nestled in the rainforest at the foot of Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain. A gentle 45-minute return walk leads to the base of the falls, where we’re rewarded with stunning views and the cool, fresh atmosphere of the tropical forest.  From here, it’s a short and scenic drive into Cairns, where we settle in for the final two nights of our tour.

OVERNIGHT:  Shangri-la The Marina, CAIRNS

CAIRNS

We enjoy a leisurely start to the day before we visit the stunning Cairns Botanic Gardens. Renowned for having one of the finest exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia, the gardens are a lush paradise where you can explore vibrant flora, unwind in beautiful surroundings and learn about tropical horticulture.  The Gardens are divided into: The Flecker Gardens, Gondwana Heritage Garden, Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory, Freshwater and Saltwater Lakes and Zhanjiang Friendship Gardens. This afternoon, take some free time to explore the city of Cairns at your own pace. Conveniently located near the Esplanade and local shops, our hotel is the perfect base for discovering everything Cairns has to offer.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Shangri-la The Marina, CAIRNS

CAIRNS TO MELBOURNE

This morning, we pack our bags and depart for Cairns Airport to board our flight back to Melbourne. Our chauffeurs will be on hand to take us straight to our door—all part of the O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours superior service.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments inflight