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 characterize 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 vacation 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 vacation 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,351 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹7,351
₹8,176 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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! (575 reviews)
"Loved the room size and kitchenette. Garden environment around our accommodation was lovely. Loved the verandah with bench to relax on."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 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 ₹9,803 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹9,803
₹10,868 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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! (229 reviews)
"Lovely holiday apartment with water views. Recently updated with plantation shutters and a new bathroom. My family enjoyed our stay here. Thank you Dolphin Waters!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 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 ₹14,185 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹14,185
₹14,185 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (229 reviews)
"Lovely holiday apartment with water views. Recently updated with plantation shutters and a new bathroom. My family enjoyed our stay here. Thank you Dolphin Waters!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay
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! (701 reviews)
"We stayed in apartment 2 could not get over how modern well appointed with top shelf linen and extra large towels. The bonus being you were just across the road from a supermarket and take away shops. Debbie is an amazing host couldn't do enough for you."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Debbie's Place
BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

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! (264 reviews)
"When my wife and I travel no matter where we go. The staff usually makes or breaks the experience. The staff at Breeze are REALLY REALLY FRIENDLY."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach
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.

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