Tannum Sands Suburb Profile

Welcome to Tannum Sands

Tannum Sands is one of the Gladstone region's most popular coastal towns, known for its patrolled surf beach, relaxed pace of life and strong sense of community. Located at the mouth of the Boyne River and connected to neighbouring Boyne Island via bridge, Tannum Sands offers residents the perfect mix of beachside lifestyle and everyday convenience.

Lifestyle & Livability

Tannum Sands is built around its beach — a patrolled surf beach that's a magnet for swimmers, families and surfers year-round. The Millennium Esplanade is a popular gathering spot for locals, while the Turtle Way offers more than 15km of walking and cycling paths connecting Tannum Sands' parks and bushland through to neighbouring Boyne Island.

The suburb also offers:

• A Tannum Sands Tennis Association and Squash Centre (with rock climbing and gym facilities)
• Boat ramps for fishing and water access via Wild Cattle Creek
• Local sporting clubs across football codes, cricket, netball, touch football and more
• A growing café, dining and retail scene servicing both Tannum Sands and Boyne Island

Tannum Sands is also home to popular annual events including the Boyne Tannum Hookup fishing competition and the Tannum Crab Classic, a much-loved community fundraiser featuring a mud crab race, family fun day and live entertainment, reflecting the town's strong outdoor, community-driven culture.

Schools

Tannum Sands offers the widest range of schooling options in the area, including the region's only local secondary school.

Primary Schools

• Tannum Sands State School — Government, Prep–Year 6
• St Francis Catholic Primary School — Catholic, Prep–Year 6

Secondary Schools

• Tannum Sands State High School — Government, Year 7–12 (also serves neighbouring Boyne Island)
• Clearview Christian College — Independent, opened 2023, expanding year on year from Year 7

[See our full Boyne Island Suburb Profile for more on the neighbouring primary school option.]

Tannum Sands commands a premium over neighbouring Boyne Island, reflecting strong demand for its beachfront lifestyle and well-established local amenities.

Tannum Sands offers relative value in the unit and apartment market, making it an accessible entry point for first-home buyers and investors seeking beachside lifestyle appeal.

Investment Snapshot

For investors weighing up Tannum Sands, rental returns and market activity are looking solid:

Market activity (last month): 38 properties for sale and 13 properties available for rent.

Source: realestate.com.au, July 2026