The small fishing and tourist town of Tin Can Bay is on the Cooloola Coast of the Gympie Region, between the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast in Queensland. Here’s what we recommend you do and see whilst you are there:
Feed wild dolphins
The absolute drawcard for Tin Can Bay is its wild dolphins. They come in and feed most mornings and for a few dollars per person you can watch them, and a few more you can feed them a fish yourself!
Unlike Monkey Mia where a few people in a huge group are selected to feed their dolphins, everyone has a chance to experience this interaction with the wild marine mammals. Make sure you arrive at 7am, as there may be queues.
Learn about the specific breed from the dolphin volunteers and you can also have breakfast at Barnacles Cafe, where the dolphin centre is located.
Walk, ride or skate Tin Can Bay Foreshore
From Crab Creek to Norman Point it is 4km, and pleasure to walk along the path at low or high tide. There is a new boardwalk over the water, close to Norman Point, I am keen to try out. Very family oriented, playgrounds are scattered throughout – as well as exercise equipment, which diverted our kids as much as the slippery dips and swings.
Enjoy a feed of fish!
You can’t go to Tin Can Bay and not enjoy some local fillet and chips! There is a fish and chip shop opposite The Dolphin Centre, or main shopping centre, near the post office. Another one is close to the new boardwalks. The Snack Shack also make awesome burgers. The Marina Bar and Grill has a great spot to dine over the water, too. Alternatively buy fresh seafood direct from the trawlers at Lees Fishing Company, on the left before Norman Point.
Fish
Bring your rod and reels, there are opportunities all around to catch your dinner!
Cruise or Sail the Great Sandy Strait and Tin Can Bay Inlet
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spot a dugong, turtles, dolphins in the Great Sandy Marine Park? Take a tour or hire a boat or kayak. There is so much to see in the protected waters around Tin Can Bay.
Boating
With boat ramps at Crab Creek and Norman Point, and near the trawlers, everywhere is close to the ocean on this beautiful peninsula.
Picnic at Norman Point
As well as the location of the wild dolphin feeding, stop here for the public pool and a great playground with picnic facilities and awesome views. Some of the picnic shelters are RIGHT on the water in high tide. There is a relatively new pontoon as well as eateries, and plenty of parking.
Wildflower Walk
Near Emporer Street and Oyster Parade, you can find a little trail with great rewards all year round – but especially this time of year.
Birdwatching and bird trails
There is a little brochure you can pick up for this – plus there is signage all along the Tin Can Bay Foreshore.
Golf, bowls and Chinese meals
Visit the Tin Can Bay Country Club for friendly games, entertainment and a delicious meal. They also host barefoot bowls each month.
A couple more local tips: Weekday mornings you can visit the church op shop, located on the corner of Buchanan Avenue and Emperor Street. And if you are there on the third Saturday of the month, visit the RSL hall and grounds for the monthly market. It is always a good turn out!
Once you have explored and camped in Tin Can Bay – discover nearby Rainbow Beach and farm trails on the way back to Gympie or more activities and camps at Maryborough and Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast.
If you would like order your own CAMPS Pendium, here is a special coupon code for you:
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