MELBOURNE TO THE SUNSHINE COAST

Welcome to our holiday to the beautiful Sunshine Coast just north of Brisbane. 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 Sunshine Coast Airport. Here, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage, before we board the coach for a relaxing drive to Caloundra where we’ll be staying for the next six nights. There’s time to relax and unpack before our first dinner together.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments inflight

OVERNIGHT: Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA

BIG PINEAPPLE, BLACKALL RANGE AND MONTVILLE

Our first stop is the world-famous Big Pineapple, an iconic Queensland attraction. Capture the perfect photo with this towering landmark and enjoy the quirky charm of this Sunshine Coast favourite. Next, we wind our way up into the hinterland to Dulong Lookout. Take in sweeping views across the coast and countryside – a truly spectacular photo opportunity that shows just how high we’ve climbed. We then visit the picturesque village of Montville, renowned for its boutique shops, art galleries and cosy cafés. Our next stop is the breathtaking Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, overlooking the Glass House Mountains. Stroll through the interactive Rainforest Discovery Centre, then step outside to admire the panoramic views from the lookout. Finally, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature with a gentle rainforest walk through the reserve. This easy loop trail winds beneath towering strangler figs and lush greenery, with the chance to spot pademelons and birdlife along the way.

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA

EUMUNDI MARKETS, POMONA AND NOOSA

We’re lucky enough to be here on a Saturday, so our first stop today is the famous Eumundi Markets, held twice weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays, “rain, hail or shine”. These vibrant street markets are as popular with locals as with visitors, boasting over 300 stalls of handcrafted goods, fresh produce and unique creations. True to their motto – “if you can make it, bake it, sew it or grow it” – every stall offers something authentically made. From here, we travel to the small township of Pomona to visit the Majestic Theatre – the world’s longest-running silent film theatre.  This charming, community-run cinema has been in continuous operation for over 100 years. Our silent movie experience is often accompanied by a resident organist on the historic 1937 Compton Organ, creating an unforgettable step back in time. After the film we make our way back to the coast and into the heart of Noosa Heads. Here, Hastings Street – voted the Best Main Street in Australia – offers the perfect blend of beachside luxury and relaxed holiday vibes. Spend some time browsing boutique shops, enjoying a coffee or strolling along the beachfront before we return to our accommodation to relax before dinner.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA

CABOOLTURE

Our first stop is Bankfoot House and the Mary Grigor Centre. Established in 1868 by Mary and William Grigor, Bankfoot House served as an important lunch stop for Cobb & Co coaches travelling the Brisbane–Gympie route. The Mary Grigor Centre honours her legacy and tells the remarkable story of this pioneering family and their role in the region’s history. We then make our way to the Glass House Mountains Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across a dramatic landscape of ancient volcanic peaks rising sharply from the surrounding plains. Steeped in Aboriginal legend and natural beauty, these distinctive formations are among Queensland’s most iconic landmarks – a perfect spot for photographs. We then drive south to the Caboolture Historical Village, where life before computers, air conditioning, and supermarket deliveries comes vividly to life. Wander through the old Post Office, barber shop, butcher and general store – each a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA

WHALE WATCHING

This morning we travel south to Redcliffe, a coastal town on the Redcliffe Peninsula, where we board the luxury catamaran Eye-Spy for our Whale Watching Cruise. From June to November, the sheltered waters of Moreton Bay become a playground for the magnificent humpback whales on their annual migration. As we cruise out across the bay, keep watch for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds before the stars of the show appear  - the whales themselves. Enjoy the thrill of seeing these gentle giants breach, tail slap, and play in the water, with expert commentary from our captain providing fascinating insights into their behaviour and life cycle. A delicious buffet lunch is served on board as we take in uninterrupted views of the sparkling bay and Moreton Island’s pristine beaches. After our memorable encounter with these incredible creatures, we return to Redcliffe in the afternoon and make our way back to our accommodation, with plenty of stories and photos to share.

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA 

MOOLOOLABA

With a relaxed start to the morning, we make our way to Mooloolaba Wharf to board the M.V. Mudjimba for a scenic canal cruise.  Glide past the largest longline fishing fleet in Australia and admire the impressive Minyama mansions along the aptly named Millionaires Row. From the water, enjoy sweeping coastal views stretching from Mooloolaba Beach all the way to Noosa Heads, before returning to the dock for lunch. This afternoon, we explore the Queensland Air Museum, home to more than 75 historic aircraft and a fascinating collection of aviation displays. Your guide will share the stories behind these remarkable machines, bringing to life the history, innovation, and human spirit that shaped Australia’s aviation heritage.

OVERNIGHT:  Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, CALOUNDRA

SUNSHINE COAST TO MELBOURNE

We pack our bags this morning and head to Sunshine Coast Airport for our flight back home to Melbourne. Upon arrival, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us home with many interesting stories to tell of our Sunshine Coast holiday!

Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments inflight