Tingalpa Creek is a tidal estuary in southeast Queensland that flows from Leslie Harrison Dam into Waterloo Bay, entering Moreton Bay between Thorneside and Manly. It forms the boundary between Brisbane City and Redlands councils, sitting approximately 20 kilometres from Brisbane's CBD. The creek is strongly tidal, and paddling is best planned within two hours either side of high tide. At low tide, the ramp at Chandler can become slippery and muddy, making an incoming tide the preferred time to launch. The tidal pull can be quite strong, so planning routes to work with the tides rather than against them is important.

There are multiple launch points available. The Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club boat ramp on the southern bank, located near the end of Ferry Road at Thorneside, is considered the best launch site for exploring the lower estuary. A second access point is the Canoe Ramp and BBQ area at Tingalpa Creek Reserve on Chadwell Road in Chandler, which features a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks, and small craft. This upper reserve site includes shaded picnic tables, BBQ facilities, a fishing deck, a fish cleaning table with tap, and a boardwalk over the creek. Parking at this location is limited and can fill quickly. There are no toilet facilities at the reserve ramp. A third launch option exists further upstream near the reservoir.

One well-documented route runs from the Tingalpa Creek canoe ramp at Thorneside up Lota Creek and back, covering approximately 6 kilometres return and taking around 1.5 hours with tidal assistance. A longer paddle from the creek's mouth to the upper reaches is described as a more substantial outing passing through varied scenery including parklands and a golf club. One recorded trip covered just under 14 kilometres in approximately three hours.

At the confluence with Lota Creek, grey mangroves line the banks and brahminy kites are commonly sighted. The reserve corridor supports heathland, open eucalypt forest, and mangrove vegetation, and birdlife is described as abundant throughout. The creek also holds fish species including dusky flathead, yellowfin bream, and bigeye trevally.

Navigating upstream, particularly near the road bridge, requires caution due to rocks on the southern side. These rocks carry an unofficial marker but there are no formal navigation beacons upstream of the boat ramp. Midges and mosquitoes can be a nuisance along the creek, and insect repellent is recommended.