Tin Can Bay

Travel Guide

A sunset over a calm sea with sailboats.
A beach with clear water, a sandy shore, and a tree with exposed roots.
A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, clear turquoise waters, and dense green forested hills.
A coastal town with a river, beaches, and a mountainous backdrop.
A coastal area with a curving river, a sandy beach, and a residential area with houses and boats.

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.

Sleepy Lagoon Motel

Sleepy Lagoon Motel

3 out of 5
2 Groper Street Tin Can Bay QLD
The price is RM461 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
RM461
RM507 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (647 reviews)
"Nice tidy unit, pub next door good for a meal"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2026

Sleepy Lagoon Motel
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 RM694 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
RM694
RM694 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pipeclay National Park and Rainbow Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
"After a very long day, Tin Can Bay Tourist Park was the perfect place to stop. Check in was easy - there was a chance I'd arrive late, and it was no problem to work around this when I spoke to the team over the phone. The cabin was very clean and welcoming, with a large parking space and porch with ..."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2026

Tin Can Bay Tourist Park
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 RM571 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
RM571
RM628 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (250 reviews)
"Nice views and comfortable. Would have been nice if pool was heated"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2026

Dolphin Waters Tin Can Bay
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 apartment in Tin Can Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (250 reviews)
"Nice views and comfortable. Would have been nice if pool was heated"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2026

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 family-friendly campsite in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and Phil Rogers ...
BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park
Debbie's Place

Debbie's Place

4 out of 5
30 Kurana Street Rainbow Beach QLD
Stay at this apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (746 reviews)
"Beautifully appointed. Exceptionally clean. Lovely staff. Would absolutely recommend it and stay there again."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

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.

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