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 RM399 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
RM399
RM439 total
3 Dec - 4 Dec
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! (599 reviews)
Very clean room, easy check-in, in a quiet area, the nearby pub is very relaxed and fairly quiet. Slept well at this motel which helped for the drive the next morning.

Reviewed on 22 Nov 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 RM514 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM514
RM566 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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 ...
9.2/10 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 RM704 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM704
RM704 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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! (7 reviews)
My husband and I came over from America to see the dolphins and stay the night, my sister and her partner joined us. We were welcomed by the staff who were all friendly and helpful, the room was clean and spacious all four of us fit nicely with extra room. Great stay would stay again!

Reviewed on 15 Nov 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 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! (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
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (285 reviews)
Clean & tidy room, friendly staff

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park
Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments

Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Double Island Drive Rainbow Beach QLD
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (283 reviews)
Room was cute and staff were really friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments
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.