Tin Can Bay Travel Guide

Tourist 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 Rp1.611.237 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
Rp1.611.237
Rp1.772.361 total
22 Sept - 23 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (585 reviews)
Ideal location for feeding Dolphins
"We booked an Accessible room for one night on our week long road trip from Brisbane to Airlie Beach. The room was exactly what we expected and ideal for one night, which enabled us to explore the sleepy towns of Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay. The highlight of our trip was feeding the Dolphins in ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 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 Rp2.078.694 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
Rp2.078.694
Rp2.286.563 total
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (231 reviews)
"Super friendly owner at the desk. Nice little spot for the price, however, the rooms were a little dated but still suffice."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 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 Rp2.747.158 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
Rp2.747.158
Rp2.747.158 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday park in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pipeclay National Park and Rainbow ...
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Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (231 reviews)
"Super friendly owner at the desk. Nice little spot for the price, however, the rooms were a little dated but still suffice."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2025

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay
BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park

BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park

3.5 out of 5
308 Carlo Road, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly campsite in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (273 reviews)
"Beautiful surrounds by the water. A tranquil place to stay just 4mins drive to town. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2025

BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park
Debbie's Place

Debbie's Place

4 out of 5
30 Kurana Street, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (710 reviews)
"So clean and new lovely bedroom and bed!. The tea coffee and microwave is on the covered and enclosed alfresco it was lovely surrounded by plants"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Debbie's Place
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.