Tin Can Bay

Travel Guide

Miles of magnificent waterways are the main draw for this town on the Great Sandy Strait, where you can find adventures on the water and try fresh seafood.

Explore the varied coastline and myriad estuaries and rivers that characterise the town of Tin Can Bay. Take in the town’s coastal views when you stroll, sail, kayak or dine at a waterfront restaurant. Go cruising in a houseboat or experience a thrilling sail around the bay. Meet dolphins, dugongs and turtles as you explore protected marine parks. With its laid-back atmosphere, great dining, enchanting wildlife and connections to some of the best aquatic adventures on the Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Bay is an idyllic family holiday destination.

Take a walk around the town via the scenic foreshore pathway that runs alongside the Esplanade. Much of the town is spread across a small promontory that curves northeast into the strait. On the north side, you’ll find the Marina and moorings in Griffin Creek, while the south side features sweeping sand flats looking out toward Cooloola. Take the kids for a swim at the Tin Can Bay Swimming Pool. An unforgettable hands-on experience awaits at the Barnacles Dolphin Centre. Rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins regularly arrive to the Norman Point boat ramp.

Keen birdwatchers will delight in the 137 species of birds that live in or migrate to Tin Can Bay. See rare shorebirds on a stopover from Siberia or spot seabirds circling overhead.

Whether you’d like a sporty yacht, a houseboat cruiser or a kayak, you’ll find the right watercraft for your holiday at the rental operators in Tin Can Bay. Kayak through Snapper Creek and Crab Creek or go for a sail around the many bays and inlets around the town. Weave through the mangroves, spot dugongs or cast a fishing line. Make sure you are outside of the Great Sandy Marine Park before hooking your dinner. Visit in September to attend the Tin Can Bay Seafood Festival and experience the town’s fantastic seafood at a fun and family-friendly event.

Tin Can Bay is situated between the Gympie and Fraser Coast regions in Southeast Queensland. It is about a 3-hour drive north from Brisbane. The airport in Hervey Bay is a 90-minute drive away. Tin Can Bay is a year-round destination with comfortable waterfront hotels, houseboats and campgrounds.

Tin Can Bay's Sleepy Lagoon Motel

Tin Can Bay's Sleepy Lagoon Motel

3 out of 5
2 Groper Street, Tin Can Bay, QLD
The price is HK$688 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
HK$688
HK$763 total
21 Nov - 22 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (595 reviews)
Rooms were great clean and tidy

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Tin Can Bay's Sleepy Lagoon Motel
Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay

3.5 out of 5
40-41 The Esplanade, Tin Can Bay, QLD
The price is HK$898 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
HK$898
HK$995 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (236 reviews)
The room was spotless ,smelt amazing as soon as you opened the door. pool nice and clean photo's do not do.it justice will be back again.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay
Tin Can Bay Tourist Park

Tin Can Bay Tourist Park

3.5 out of 5
54-74 Trevally Street, Tin Can Bay, QLD
The price is HK$1,308 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
HK$1,308
HK$1,308 total
27 Nov - 28 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday park in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pipeclay National Park and Rainbow ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
Everything about this tourist park was excellent. We had a very enjoyable time. Can’t wait to go back.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

Tin Can Bay Tourist Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay

3.5 out of 5
40-41 The Esplanade, Tin Can Bay, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (236 reviews)
The room was spotless ,smelt amazing as soon as you opened the door. pool nice and clean photo's do not do.it justice will be back again.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay
Family getaway on the waterfront of Tin Can Bay

Family getaway on the waterfront of Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay
Stay at this apartment in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pipeclay National Park and Rainbow Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Fantastic quiet water front location. Great for fishing and kayak.

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2025

Family getaway on the waterfront of Tin Can Bay
Welcome to Waterfront Views

Welcome to Waterfront Views

Gympie
Stay at this vacation home in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pipeclay National Park and Rainbow Beach are ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Relaxing stay
Great location and views

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Welcome to Waterfront Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.