About Designer Tours
Melbourne's fully escorted senior coach tour specialists since 1993 — a family business built on warmth, care, and over 30 years of group travel expertise.
Our Approach
We create coach tours specialising in the senior citizen market. Sit back and relax as you are given a guided tour ranging from 4 to 12 days travelling around Australia in the comfort of a luxury coach. We tailor our packages to ensure you are getting the most enjoyment out of your trip.
Fully Escorted
Every tour is led by a dedicated Designer Tours host from pick-up to drop-off — so you travel with confidence and never feel alone on the road.
All-Inclusive
Coach, accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and admission fees are all included in your tour price. No hidden extras — just one simple, honest price.
Personalised to Your Group
Our family business prides itself on meeting the individual needs of each group. If you can't find the right itinerary, we'll design one specifically for you.
A Melbourne Family Business Since 1993
Pat and his wife Robyn started in the tourism industry over 30 years ago, owning and operating motels around Victoria. Their daughters, Nicole and Bridgette, would frequently help in the motel restaurants as children — growing up surrounded by guests, hospitality, and a genuine love of looking after people.
The family welcomed tour groups throughout those years and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to organise group travel. From there, Pat started his business focusing on personalising group tours for Probus Clubs, Senior Citizen Clubs, Retirement Villages and other social clubs across Melbourne and Victoria.
From those motel years, Pat brought the same warmth, care and attention to detail into Designer Tours. The business was built on the belief that senior travellers deserve holidays that are properly organised, personally escorted, and genuinely enjoyable — not just another package off a shelf.
More than 30 years later, it's still a family business. Pat and Robyn are still involved, Nicole manages day-to-day operations, and every tour carries the personal attention that has kept clubs coming back year after year.
Little Lagoon, Western Australia — a Designer Tours destination
Real Photos from Real Tours
Little Lagoon, Western Australia
Emus at Little Lagoon, Western Australia
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Meet the Team
Every tour you travel with Designer Tours is backed by the same family who have been planning and escorting group holidays since 1993.
Pat O'Shannessy
Founder & Director
Robyn O'Shannessy
Co-Founder
Nicole O'Shannessy
Operations Manager
David Carfrae
Operations Manager
Why Senior Groups Choose Designer Tours
Over 30 Years of Experience
Since 1993 we have been designing and escorting senior coach tours — and we understand the needs of senior travellers better than anyone.
Pick-Up From Your Club or Village
We arrange pick-up and drop-off at your club, retirement village, or agreed meeting point across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Deep Relationships With Probus Clubs
We have built long-standing relationships with Probus Clubs, retirement villages and social groups — and many of our guests return year after year.
Custom Tours for Your Group
Can't find the perfect itinerary? We'll design a completely bespoke coach tour around your group's dates, interests and budget.
Luxury Coach With Onboard Facilities
Travel in comfort aboard spacious luxury coaches featuring onboard toilet facilities — designed specifically for senior traveller comfort on long travel days.
Everything Included
Coach, quality accommodation, daily meals, sightseeing, admission fees and a dedicated tour host — all included in your one, all-inclusive tour price.
Start Planning Your Group's Next Holiday
Whether you have a specific tour in mind, want a custom itinerary for your club, or simply want to know what's available — Pat and Nicole are here to help. No obligation, just genuine advice.
Send Us an EnquiryWe respond within 1 business day · Melbourne, Victoria, Australia