Spend an unforgettable moment with the Tin Can Bay dolphins!
Located on Australia’s east coast, close to K’gari (Fraser Island) is the charming town of Tin Can Bay. The coastal town has many great experiences to offer, but the most popular activity is dolphin feeding!
About the dolphins at Tin Can Bay
There is a pod of humpback dolphins that lives in the waters near Tin Can Bay. The pod visits the shores of Tin Can Bay every morning for some food. However, there is more to it than that!
Let’s rewind to the early 1950s when a boat badly injured a dolphin. Due to its injuries, it ended up being beached, which means it got stuck on the shore. The dolphin was noticed by locals, who ended up feeding him to keep him alive. The dolphin got better and was eventually able to return to the waters, leading locals to believe that was the last they’d see of him. To everybody’s surprise, the dolphin returned regularly for food and slowly began bringing others with him.
In the 1980s, the dolphin ended up passing away, but his family continued on his legacy. They continued visiting the bay, bringing friends and a new calf that was named Mystique by the local school children. Today, Mystique leads the pod, continuing the tradition of his grandfather.
Feeding the dolphins at Tin Can Bay
Because the dolphins are completely wild creatures, there is no guarantee that they will visit. However, they show up for breakfast almost every day of the year.
The Dolphin Centre opens each day at 7 am, allowing visitors to jump in line for the feeding. There is a maximum number of fish available, so it’s better to arrive earlier than later. Then, around 8 am, the dolphins show up for their breakfast of tasty fish. With the help of a qualified caretaker, you’ll be able to feed the dolphins as they swim up to you!
Please note that feeding dolphins outside of this event is illegal as it encourages the dolphins to swim close to boats, which can injure or kill them.
Other activities in Tin Can Bay
When visiting Tin Can Bay, you won’t want to miss out on dolphin feeding. But when you’re not partaking in this activity, find out what other things you can do.
– Take a scenic stroll or bike ride
The coastline is a gorgeous place to explore! Wake up and take a stroll for sunrise, or find a nice spot to sit to catch the sunset. Or you can hire a bike and take a leisurely cycle along the scenic coastline.
– Break a sweat
Tin Can Bay has an 18-hole golf course, where you can spend your day hitting golf balls after a morning of dolphin feeding. There are also tennis courts available, where you can casually rally with your friends or practise your serve.
– Have a picnic or barbecue
There are plenty of spots along the bay, perfect for a picnic or barbecue. Post up in a scenic spot and have a picnic with friends, with a stunning ocean backdrop!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.