Brisbane to Cairns Coastal Explorer

2027

13 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR

SUNDAY 13TH JUNE TO FRIDAY 25TH JUNE


Come with us as we hit the road for 1,700+ km of pure Queensland adventure! Chase golden beaches, tropical islands, ancient rainforests and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. From wildlife encounters and island hopping to epic photo stops, unforgettable experiences and plenty of laughs — this is Queensland at its best! Grab your sunnies. Our adventure awaits!



TOUR HIGHLIGHTS


Maryborough, Town of Seventeen Seventy, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Marlborough Historical Museum, Sarina Sugar Shed, Hideaway Bay Cape Gloucester, Bus tour of Magnetic Island, Texas Longhorn Station, Golden Gumboot Tully, Dunk Island, Charley’s Chocolate Factory, Paronella Park, Josephine Falls and Fitzroy Island.

CRUISES
LARC Tour

Return Cruise to Magnetic Island

Return Cruise to Dunk Island

Return Cruise to Fitzroy Island


TOUR COSTS

Twin Share Room First Tour: $8,995 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $8,895 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $8,845 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $8,795 per person
Single Room Supplement: $1,310 per person


Please note a deposit of $500 per person is required upon booking.
 

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 will need to pay the Single Room Supplement.

 

If you are willing to twin share but are a smoker, have a CPAP machine or snore, you will need to pay the single supplement for a sole use room.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

​O'Shanessy's Quality Tours can provide travel insurance quotes through Nib Insurance. Travel insurance is not compulsory, however the Australian Government (see www.smarttraveller.gov.au) recommends all travellers no matter where you are going, obtain comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable provider at the time the balance of the tour is to be paid. It may enable you to claim back the cost of your tour if you are unable to travel or must cancel at late notice.

​Always read the PDS provided, to ensure the cover meets your needs.

MAP


MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
2 nights in Agnes Water, Mission Beach and Cairns

3 nights in Townsville


ACTIVITY LEVELS
Our moderate tours may include some air travel and

a mix of touring styles.


Please refer to the activity levels below.


ACTIVITY LEVELS

ITINERARY

  • DAY 1: Sunday 13th June, 2027

    MELBOURNE TO BRISBANE


    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


  • DAY 2: Monday 14th June, 2027

    SUNSHINE COAST TO AGNES WATER


    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


  • DAY 3: Tuesday 15th June, 2027

    DAY LARC TOUR


    Today, we embark on a LARC tour — a 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. If you wish, 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 or paddle 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


  • DAY 4: Wednesday 16th June, 2027

    AGNES WATER TO ROCKHAMPTON


    Today we drive 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! We will enjoy a short stop at the beautiful Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in the country. Following lunch, we will head to Koorana Crocodile Farm for a guided tour to learn about crocodile behaviour and witness a live feeding demonstration.


    OVERNIGHT: Quality Resort Parkhurst, ROCKHAMPTON


  • DAY 5: Thursday 17th June, 2027

    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


  • DAY 6: Friday 18th June, 2027

    MACKAY TO TOWNSVILLE


    Today we uncover a true secret this morning at Hideaway Bay, Cape Gloucester. Stroll along pristine sands where swaying palms frame the Coral Sea. Afterward, enjoy a delightful waterfront lunch. We continue our journey north through rich sugar cane country. We make a brief stop in Ayr to snapshot a classic Australian roadside landmark, the Big Python. This afternoon, we arrive in Townsville and check into our accommodation for a three-night stay, set on 11 acres of tropical gardens on the shores of Lake Curralea.


    OVERNIGHT: Mercure Townsville, TOWNSVILLE


  • DAY 7: Saturday 19th June, 2027

    MAGNETIC ISLAND


    We cross the pristine waters of the Coral Sea by ferry to Magnetic Island, a tropical paradise enjoying over 320 days of sunshine annually. Upon arrival, a local guide welcomes us on a scenic bus tour showcasing "Maggie’s" best-kept secrets and spectacular highlights. After a memorable day soaking in the island's natural charm, cruise back to the mainland. Return to the comfort of your Townsville tropical resort to relax and unwind for the evening.


    Lunch at own expense and arrangement


    OVERNIGHT: Mercure Townsville, TOWNSVILLE


  • DAY 8: Sunday 20th June, 2027

    TEXAS LONGHORN STATION


    Today we enjoy a unique outback experience at the Texas Longhorn Station, home to Australia's only herd of full-blood Texas Longhorns. A guided safari tour takes us up close to these magnificent animals, some with horns spanning more than 2.5 metres, while our hosts share the fascinating history of the breed and life on the station. We also visit the Love Shack cattle-handling facilities and the JR Gallery of Horns, home to Australia's longest-horned animal and a Guinness World Record holder. There is time to browse the gift shop, take photos with the Longhorns and soak up the beautiful outback surroundings before returning to our accommodation.


    OVERNIGHT: Mercure Townsville, TOWNSVILLE


  • DAY 9: Monday 21st June, 2027

    TOWNSVILLE TO MISSION BEACH


    Leaving Townsville behind, we journey north today into Ingham—Queensland's 'Little Italy' to visit the New Ingham Cemetery, where ornate marble monuments and handcrafted memorials beautifully reflect the heritage of early Italian settlers. Our lunch stop today is at the waterfront town of Cardwell. Cardwell is a unique coastal town with a spectacular geographic setting; it is the only town in the world where two World Heritage-listed areas directly connect: the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. This afternoon, we stop in Tully to see the iconic Golden Gumboot monument before finishing the day at Mission Beach, where we stay for the next two nights.


    OVERNIGHT: Nightelier Mission Beach, WONGALING BEACH


  • DAY 10: Tuesday 22nd June, 2027

    DUNK ISLAND


    Our day begins with an unforgettable boat tour from Mission Beach, cruising past the spectacular, secluded Family Islands before anchoring along vibrant fringing reefs to swim and spot tropical fish among the coral gardens. Afterwards, we will step ashore onto Dunk Island to enjoy a relaxing lunch at the beach and take time to walk and explore the island's lush tropical scenery and walking trails. To wrap up the day, we will cruise back to the mainland for a peaceful afternoon of relaxation around the resort grounds.


    OVERNIGHT: Nightelier Mission Beach, WONGALING BEACH


  • DAY 11: Wednesday 23rd June, 2027

    MISSION BEACH TO CAIRNS


    This morning, we farewell Mission Beach and visit Charley's Chocolate Factory for Australia's only Cocoa Tree to Chocolate Bar experience. Discover how cocoa is grown and transformed into delicious chocolate, learn about the plantation's innovative growing methods, and enjoy the opportunity to sample some handcrafted treats. We then travel to the magical Paronella Park near Innisfail. Built in the 1930s by Spanish immigrant José Paronella, this unique castle ruin is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and features North Queensland's first privately owned hydroelectric system. A guided tour showcases the park's fascinating history before we enjoy a light lunch. This afternoon, we visit the beautiful Josephine Falls, where a gentle 45-minute return walk through the rainforest leads to stunning views of the cascading falls. We then continue to Cairns, where we settle in for the final two nights of our tour.


    OVERNIGHT: Shangri-la The Marina, CAIRNS


  • DAY 12: Thursday 24th June, 2027

    FITZROY ISLAND


    Today, we escape the crowds to discover Fitzroy Island, a pristine continental paradise where lush tropical rainforest meets the vibrant Great Barrier Reef. Located just a short 45-minute cruise from Cairns, this idyllic island offers an effortless reef experience. Step straight off the boat onto the pier—with absolutely no beach-wading required—and enjoy flat, shallow water entry right from the shore. Slip on a snorkel to swim alongside green sea turtles, colourful parrotfish and clownfish in calm, protected waters, or explore the island’s flat, shaded concrete walkways. Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a scenic trek, the wellgraded paths cater to every pace. Choose between the easy, 45-minute shaded Secret Garden Walk or the moderate Nudey Beach Track, which leads to a world-famous stretch of pristine white coral sand. Tonight, we gather to enjoy our last dinner together, celebrating an unforgettable tour.


    OVERNIGHT: Shangri-la The Marina, CAIRNS


  • DAY 13: Friday 25th June, 2027

    CAIRNS TO MELBOURNE


    This morning, we pack our bags and head for Cairns Airport to board our flight back to Melbourne. Upon arrival, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us safely home with many wonderful memories of our Queensland Coast adventure.


    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. For passengers not within this pick up zone, or our interstate passengers, a quote can be provided for home pickup in extended areas.

Luxury Touring Coaches

Our full size, 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

Melbourne to Brisbane and Cairns to Melbourne.


Friendly Tour Directors

Enjoy peace of mind with O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours, where our dedicated coach crew and experienced tour directors are on board to ensure your journey is as comfortable and memorable as possible. From start to finish, they’re there to assist, guide and take care of every detail. Relax and enjoy

the experience without a worry.


Quality Accommodation & Fully Inclusive Tours

Enjoy the best available ensuite motel accommodation each night, ensuring a restful journey. All attractions, flights and tours listed in the itinerary are included, as are fully cooked breakfasts, along with delicious two-course restaurant dinners daily and most morning teas and lunches.

Please note: two lunches are at your own expense as outlined in the itinerary.


quotesArtboard 1 copy 2

“…The Queensland Coast region is one of Australia's most beloved destinations, drawing in tourists from all over the globe year after year. With its excellent climate, diverse landscapes

and welcoming attitude, it's not hard to see why…”

coast.qld.guide/Tourism

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 61 days prior to departure date.

Balance due on invoice.


Cancellation within 60 days of tour departure date: No refund

Cancellation on or after tour departure date: 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. The Australian Government (see www.smarttraveller.gov.au) recommends all travellers no matter where you are going, obtain comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable provider. It may enable you to claim back the cost of your tour if you are unable to travel or have to cancel at late notice. Always read the PDS provided, to ensure the cover meets all of your needs. We are able to provide travel insurance through Nib Insurance.


If you would like a quote for travel insurance, please call our office on 1800 354 352.