Each morning, a few volunteers from Tin Can Bay on the Fraser Coast organise a proper tour of the dolphins. Dolphin feeding is regulated by the Queensland Government. Fish to feed dolphins is to be purchased at the site to minimise potential risks to the dolphins. They have dozens of little buckets, each holding one or two small fish for the excited children and the adults.

The quota allowed in total for their daily feed is 3kgs and once that is gone, there is no more for the dolphins until the next day. Spectators are asked for a gold coin donation to replace the fish supply. Everyone must wash their hands in a specially prepared container of water. Then a small bucket is given to each person who wants to hand feed the dolphins and small groups of 10 are sent down to the water's edge, where these gorgeous creatures are patiently waiting for their feed.

They are happily frolicking in the water, and many spectators are clicking away with their cameras. A man gives an interesting commentary on the dolphins and asks everyone not to touch the animals as it could frighten them away, and to turn off the flash on cameras as they have sensitive eyes. Each person takes a small fish out of their bucket and walk a few feet into the water where they offer the fish to the dolphin, which takes it politely. A few of the children are wary until they see that these animals are very friendly, and happy at being fed.

While the dolphins are being fed, one or two pelicans are trying to sneak in for a feed, too. A volunteer lures them away with fish to the other side of the small jetty where there are a dozen or so pelicans. Otherwise, she says, a fight will start between the animals and birds, with the dolphins swimming away and maybe not coming back.  

WHERE IS TIN CAN BAY?

Situated 245k north of Brisbane and 60k west of Gympie, Tin Can Bay was established in 1870 on a secluded inlet. Now with a local population of around 2,000, this pretty village offers an ideal holiday venue for fishing, boating and eco enthusiasts and those seeking a genuinely relaxed experience.

Good fishing is experienced all year round as there is excellent protection for fish breeding grounds. An environmental walkway commences opposite the library which can be followed to learn about the local flora and fauna. Canoes, houseboats and yachts are a popular way to experience the tranquility of the waterways of Tin Can Bay Inlet and the Great Sandy Straits.

From about 7.30a.m. to 10.00 a.m., Pacific Humpback Dolphins arrive to be hand fed at the Norman Point Public Boat Ramp. Tin Can Bay is one of just three places in Australia where dolphins are hand fed in the wild. Watching is free, but the volunteers do ask for a gold coin to supply the fish. The dolphins that swim into the boat ramp are Mystique and his girlfriend Patch. They are sometimes joined by Harmony and Valentine. They have been interacting with locals and tourists for over 30 years.

Find your TIN CAN BAY HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION here.  

Tin Can Bay activities

You will love Tin Can Bay as there are plenty of activities available for holiday time, such as Saturday markets, dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, yachting, hire a houseboat or 4wd, sailing, canoo-ing, swimming in safe water, play golf or lawn bowls, and tours to Fraser Island. Tin Can Bay has a grocery shop, pharmacy, video shop, bakery, fishing tackle shop, arts and crafts, Post office, ATM's, hairdressers, chinese take-a-way, hotel, Fish and chip shop (you have got to have freshly cooked fish and chips on the beach) and a good restaurant or two. Plus more, but come and see for yourself!

The annual Seafood Festival is held in September and there is a lot of great entertainment and most of it is free.