Whitsunday Experience

2026

7 DAY FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR

Wednesday 22nd JULY TO Tuesday 28TH JULY


Airlie Beach is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, on the tropical coast of Queensland, Australia.


A visit to the Whitsundays is a feast of the senses, surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns from which to explore. The hardest part is choosing how to fit it all in.



TOUR HIGHLIGHTS


Big Mango Bowen, Guided tour of Bowen, Hideaway Bay Cape Gloucester, Sarina Sugar Shed, Mackay Botanic Gardens, Airlie Beach Markets,

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Crocodile Safari and Proserpine Historical Museum.


FLIGHTS
Melbourne to Proserpine via Brisbane

Proserpine to Melbourne via Brisbane

 
CRUISES
Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Whitehaven Beach Island Cruise

Crocodile Cruise


MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS
6 nights in Airlie Beach


TOUR COSTS

Twin Share Room First Tour: $6,095 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 2 - 10 Tours: $5,995 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 11 - 20 Tours: $5,945 per person
Twin Share Room Repeat Traveller 21+ Tours: $5,895 per person
Single Room Supplement: $1,090 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 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 a single supplement for a sole use room.

​O'Shanessy's Quality Tours are now providing travel insurance 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

ITINERARY

  • DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 2026

    MELBOURNE TO THE WHITSUNDAYS


    Welcome to our holiday to the beautiful Whitsundays. 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 flight to Proserpine via Brisbane. Arriving at the Whitsunday Airport, we will be welcomed by our coach crew who will assist us with our luggage, before we board the coach for the transfer to Airlie Beach and our next six night’s accommodation. Coral Sea Marina Resort is located spectacularly on the oceanfront overlooking the blue waters of tropical North Queensland and within easy walking distance to the enchanting seaside town of Airlie Beach. Unpack and relax or take a stroll before enjoying our first dinner together.


    Lunch at own expense and arrangement / Refreshments inflight


    OVERNIGHT: Coral Sea Marina Resort, AIRLIE BEACH 

  • DAY 2: THURSDAY 23RD JULY, 2026

    BOWEN AND CAPE GLOUCESTER


    This morning, we head north to the coastal town of Bowen. Our first stop is the iconic Big Mango, a tribute to the region’s famous “Bowen Mango,” located just 4 km south of town at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Afterwards, we take a scenic drive around Bowen, where 25 vibrant historical murals adorn the town’s streets. These artworks beautifully capture Bowen’s rich and diverse history—from early settlement through to modern times. We then continue on to Hideaway Bay, Cape Gloucester, a hidden gem and the perfect setting for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy a scrumptious meal with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, complete with sandy beaches, palm trees and secluded coves. Upon returning to the resort, enjoy some free time to relax before dinner. 


    OVERNIGHT:  Coral Sea Marina Resort, AIRLIE BEACH


  • DAY 3: FRIDAY 24TH JULY, 2026

    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 take in the garden view then 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.


    OVERNIGHT: Coral Sea Marina Resort, AIRLIE BEACH 

  • DAY 4: SATURDAY 25TH JULY 2026

    MARKETS AND AIRLIE BEACH


    With a leisurely start to the day, we make our way to Shute Harbour for a unique Glass Bottom Boat Tour, offering a fascinating view of Airlie Beach’s most spectacular coral reefs - the gateway to The Great Barrier Reer Marine National Park… all without getting Wet!  Afterwards, we return to Airlie Beach where your afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace. You might like to wander through the vibrant Airlie Beach Markets or simply relax by the resort pool and soak up the tropical atmosphere. This evening, we come together to enjoy a delicious dinner in Airlie Beach.


    Lunch at own expense and arrangement


    OVERNIGHT:  Coral Sea Marina Resort, AIRLIE BEACH


  • DAY 5: SUNDAY 26TH JULY, 2026

    ISLAND ESCAPE


    Today we board a modern air-conditioned catamaran on a scenic cruise through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands stopping off at the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.  Any tour of the Whitsundays wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the beautiful clear waters or just relaxing on the powder-white silica sand on Whitehaven Beach. You will also enjoy a gourmet lunch on board in air-conditioned comfort.


    OVERNIGHT:  Coral Sea Marina Resort, AIRLIE BEACH


  • DAY 6: MONDAY 27TH JULY, 2026

    WHITSUNDAYS CROCODILES


    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, you will learn how a mangrove eco system works and hopefully, meet some of the interesting inhabitants. We also explore the Goorganga Plains in a tractor-drawn wagon-train, enjoying a panoramic view of this nationally listed wetland habitat, experiencing unique Australian scenery and wildlife. You will travel through flood plains, pastures, saltpans and melaleuca forests. We should also see many species of native birds, mammals, reptiles and marine animals. You 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:  Coral Sea Marina Resort, AIRLIE BEACH


  • DAY 7: TUESDAY 28TH JULY, 2026

    AIRLIE BEACH TO MELBOURNE


    After a great week in the Whitsundays, it is time to head home. We farewell the Resort and make a morning visit to Proserpine Historical Museum to see the collection and history of the Whitsunday region. After lunch we join 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 Whitsunday Experience.


    Refreshments inflight


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.


Return Flights

Economy flights from Melbourne to Whitsunday Airport via Brisbane and return via Brisbane.


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.

Two lunches at your own expense as per itinerary.


No Hidden Extras

O'Shannessy's Quality Tours are fully inclusive.

 

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

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. 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

please call our office toll free on 1800 354 352.