The locality is bounded to north-east by the Coral Sea, to the north-west and west by the Boyne River, and to the south-west by Station Creek. The town of Tannum Sands is located in the northern part of the locality.[4]
The area south of the Boyne River was originally known as Redcliff (being the colour of the stoney cliffs)[11] and then renamed Wild Cattle Creek (being the name of the creek that flows through the area) and had been a popular fishing and picnic location for the people of Boyne Island, but remained unsettled due to its inaccessibility. Closer settlement began in the late 1930s when 12 beach front lots were auctioned. The town received its original name Tannum when a group of children returned from a Sunday School picnic to the beach quite sunburnt. The comment was made "we can really tan 'um over there." One of the people present worked for the Queensland Land Department thought it would be a good name for the area and registered the name.[12][13]
The Tannum Progress Association held sports days. Over 1000 people attended on New Year's Day in 1949.[14]
On 12 April 1951, the town was renamed Tannum Sands.[15][16]
A bridge connecting Tannum Sands to Boyne Island was constructed as a result of the construction of the Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter. It was opened on 11 October 1980 by E.A.D. Cameron, Chairman of the Calliope Shire Council.[17]
Tannum Sands Uniting Church was built in 1980.[18]
Tannum Sands State School was opened on 24 January 1983.[19]
The Boyne Tannum Hookup fishing competition began on 7 June 1996 and has run annually ever since.[20]
Tannum Sands State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Waratah Crescent (23°57′03″S151°21′53″E / 23.9509°S 151.3648°E / -23.9509; 151.3648 (Tannum Sands State School)).[27][28] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 736 students with 49 teachers (45 full-time equivalent) and 27 non-teaching staff (18 full-time equivalent).[29] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 693 students with 52 teachers (46 full-time equivalent) and 35 non-teaching staff (23 full-time equivalent).[30] It includes a special education program.[27]
St Francis Catholic Primary School is a Catholic primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Francis Way (23°56′35″S151°21′39″E / 23.9431°S 151.3609°E / -23.9431; 151.3609 (St Francis Catholic Primary School)).[27][31] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 231 students with 21 teachers (17 full-time equivalent) and 15 non-teaching staff (8 full-time equivalent).[29] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 205 students with 21 teachers (16 full-time equivalent) and 14 non-teaching staff (6 full-time equivalent).[30]
Tannum Sands State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 65 Coronation Drive (23°57′35″S151°21′51″E / 23.9596°S 151.3643°E / -23.9596; 151.3643 (Tannum Sands State High School)).[27][32] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 1,066 students with 86 teachers (82 full-time equivalent) and 44 non-teaching staff (31 full-time equivalent).[29] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 986 students with 87 teachers (81 full-time equivalent) and 44 non-teaching staff (31 full-time equivalent).[30] It includes a special education program.[27]
Kiteboarding is a rapidly growing sport in the region, with Tannum Sands becoming a nationally renowned location.[39]
Tannum Sands also has a growing number of horse riders racing along the beach.[citation needed]
Events
Boyne Island and Tannum Sands are also home to the Boyne Tannum Hookup, Australia's largest family fishing event held on the King's Birthday long weekend. The event is held at Bray Park. This event is very popular with more than 3,000 entrants.[40]
^"Tannum Sands". Queensland Places. University of Queensland. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
^"History". Tannum Village Sands. Archived from the original on 30 October 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
^"Tannum Sports Meeting". Morning Bulletin. Queensland, Australia. 10 January 1949. p. 4. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
^ abBlake, Thom. "Tannum Sands Uniting Church". Queensland religious places database. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.