Exploring the Hidden Gem of Bonny Hills: A Perfect Coastal Escape

Beachscape Holiday Rentals manage over 55+ holiday rental homes along the coast from Port Macquarie to Dunbogan on the beautiful Mid-North Coast of NSW. In the Beachscape portfolio 20% of the Beachscape rentals are in the beautiful town of Bonny Hills. Read on to discover why it is a favourite destination of so many travellers.

Bonny Hills, located just 25 minutes south of Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast, is a coastal town that offers a tranquil escape with its stunning beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous trip, Bonny Hills has something for everyone.

The Allure of Rainbow Beach
One of the highlights of Bonny Hills is Rainbow Beach, known for its clear waters, long stretches of golden sand, and ideal conditions for swimming, surfing, and fishing. There are four beaches that wrap around the headland so you can make the most of the coast. Rainbow Beach is the main beach, and in the summer time it is patrolled ie October to April. Access the beach from the north end via Middle Rock or from the south end via Rainbow Beach reserve. The south end is our recommendation, Rainbow Beach reserve has everything you need for a day at the beach from lush grassy areas to covered picnic tables, BBQ facilities, toilet amenities, car parking and a children’s playground. Pop into Bonny’s Beach cafe, located in the surf club, for breakfast or lunch. Grab a table on the balcony to make the most of the ocean views. For 200m north of Duchess Creek the beach is dog friendly for leashed dogs, north of that is off leash dog friendly.

Continue further around and you’ll find Spooney’s Bay reserve, this small stretch of beach lies beneath the Bonny Hills Caravan Park. It’s not ideal for swimming but the rock formations make for amazing rock pools ready to be explored. This beach is very popular with pet owners as this is an off-leash pet friendly beach. Spooney’s beach is often referred to on maps as simply Boat Ramp Beach, take the dirt road from Ocean Drive to access the beach.

Spooney’s beach connects Rainbow Beach with Bartletts Beach, a local favourite, fondly nicknamed Little Beach. Access the beach via Jordan Ave, parking and toilet facilities are available at the top of the bluff. If you’re lucky you may catch the paragliders taking flight off the headland, otherwise make your way down the walkway to the beach. Bartlett Beach not pet-friendly.

Further around the headland is Grants Head Beach, known to the locals as Sharkies. This beach is also off-leash pet friendly, from 200m north of the surf all the way north.

Outdoor Adventures
Bonny Hills is surrounded by natural beauty and offers various outdoor activities. For a delightful walk, check out Grants Head reserve trail, combining bush and beach with spectacular views from the headland. You can often spot dolphins riding the waves around the headland bays. Allow approximately 1 – 1.5 hours for a round trip, or stretch it out by stopping at Shelly Beach and North Haven beach rock side along the way.

When you’re visiting, it is worth making the short drive into Lake Cathie to see the lake. Lake Cathie Lake is perfect for kids to swim in as the lake is fed by the ocean but has much gentler waves, if it has any at all. This also makes it perfect for paddleboarding, a popular activity among the locals.
Wanting to relax with some fishing? You’ll find some of the best fishing right here. You can fish at most of the local beaches, right off the sand or rocks, we recommend checking the signs at the beach entrance to ensure fishing is allowed. The local’s best kept fishing secret is Shelly Beach. Follow Jordan Ave, at the end of the street you’ll find a path heading down to the left, follow this to make your way down to the beach and you can easily fish off the rocks.

For those ready for a more active adventure, the Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park has an extensive network of mountain bike tracks that cater to all level of adventurers.

Local Dining and Cafes
After a day of exploring, you’ll want to indulge in some local cuisine. Bonny Hills is home to a variety of cafes and eateries that capture the essence of coastal living. These are some of our favourites:
* Crave at Bonnys
* Bonnys Cafe
* Bonny Hills Beach Hotel
* Bonny Hills Garden Cafe

Relax at Bonnys Cafe with sundowners at the Surf Club between 5-9pm on the weekend.

Perfect Year-Round Destination
The mild, tropical climate of Bonny Hills makes it a fantastic year-round destination. Whether you’re visiting in summer to enjoy the beaches or during the cooler months for hiking and exploring the outdoors, Bonny Hills is an ideal escape.

Why Bonny Hills Should Be Your Next Holiday Destination
If you’re planning your next coastal getaway, Bonny Hills should be on your list. The combination of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and a peaceful community vibe makes it a great spot for travellers looking to unwind. The mild, tropical climate of Bonny Hills makes it a fantastic year-round destination. Whether you’re visiting in summer to enjoy the beaches or during the cooler months for hiking and exploring the outdoors, Bonny Hills is an ideal escape.

For those interested in staying in Bonny Hills, we at Beachscape Holiday Rentals offer a variety of holiday rental properties with easy access to all the local attractions. Contact us today to book your perfect coastal escape!