Bonny Hills
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bonny Hills is an exposed, consistent surf destination on the Mid North Coast of NSW, centered on a right-hand point break at the northern headland (Grant's Head) and backed by a wider sandy beach (Rainbow Beach) for additional options when the point is busy. The break is described as very reliable, and conditions are typically strongest in winter, with July repeatedly flagged as the best month for surfing. Safety considerations are a core part of the spot: rocks are present at the point, and strong rip currents can frequently develop near the northern headland and along the open beach—especially when conditions are rough. Large swells can also produce heavy shore break and stronger sweeps. Seasonal lifeguard presence is referenced, and rescue availability is described as limited overall. Wind patterns vary by season. In summer, strong NE sea breezes are common and can support kitesurfing and other wind-driven sports, with typical wind speeds often described in the 15–25 knot range and gustiness reported as light. For surfing, some wind directions can groom the faces (cleaner faces noted with West/Northwest winds), while the spot remains exposed and can be challenging when conditions turn. Beyond the water, the area is set up for visits: access is described as easy, parking is available near the surf life saving club area, and there are basic facilities like showers and toilets. Overall, it’s positioned as a low-profile-but-well-regarded local favorite for travelers who want consistency without committing to the biggest, most famous nearby break types.
- Consistent exposed point break with rocky hazards at the northern headland
- July flagged as best month for surfing
- NE sea-breeze pattern supports summer wind sports
- Consistent surf at an exposed point break, with reliable wave shape on the right-hand section.
- Good supporting beach stretches on the same coast for alternative line choices when the point is crowded.
- Generally supported by local amenities and seasonal safety coverage.
- Exposed point break with rocky hazards at the northern headland.
- Strong rip currents can form near the northern headland and along the open beach.
- Crowds can build on good conditions and the point can be competitive.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, S, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Strong NE sea breezes are common in summer; winter can be influenced by more frontal S/SW winds.
- Reliability
- reliable during summer for sea breezes
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf/wave size described.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach at Rainbow Beach; rocky at the northern point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty described overall.
Through the year
Busier during school holidays and summer weekends.
Occasional East Coast Lows in autumn can bring heavy rain and extreme swell.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Long sandy stretches suitable for kitesurfing, particularly with Northeast sea breezes blowing side-onshore. The southern end provides more space away from surf crowds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave sailing on the open beach; the shore break can be challenging during large swells.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Possible at Rainbow Beach; depth is sufficient once past the break, but shore break and swell can make launching difficult for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are indicated.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed point break at the northern end with consistent surf; includes a right-hand point break and several consistent beach breaks along the wider Rainbow Beach stretch. Rocky hazards are present at the point.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — The spot is exposed overall, but the point/sectioning is described as semi-sheltered in parts; conditions vary with wind direction.
- Wind Effect
- West or Northwest winds provide cleaner, groomed faces for the point and beach breaks.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle large South swells but becomes heavy and prone to strong sweeps.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good; also noted as very consistent even when other local spots are flat.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Waves described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling, medium peel speed described for the wave.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length overall; point can extend significantly on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- The point offers rides of up to 150 meters on good days, while beach breaks are shorter and more punchy.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bonny Hills in the full forecast view.
Bonny Hills wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ENE60°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.7 m8s period
- Temperature
- 14–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bonny Hills is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.2–2.7 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Strong rip currents frequently form near the northern headland and along the open beach
- Sharks
- Heavy shore break during large swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal; seasonal patrol patterns are referenced locally.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited in one provider result and as seasonal weekend patrols in the regional baseline.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Port Macquarie (about 20 minutes away). In an emergency, call 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is described as none by one provider; another source indicates mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surf etiquette applies; the point can be crowded and competitive.
- Check the northern point for the best shape during a South swell.
- If the point is too crowded, the beach breaks further south can offer more space.
- For safer family/beginner access in summer holiday periods, consider the patrolled beachfront options during those times.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port Macquarie
- Nearest Town
- Bonny Hills
- Nearest Airport
- Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) (~20km north)
- Parking
- Ample parking available at the Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club and near the skate park.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus services; private vehicle essential for visiting various spots
- Access
- Beach Street access; easy access via Ocean Drive; the beach and point are adjacent to the town center.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Bonny Hills Beach Holiday Park is directly adjacent to the beach; additional accommodation options are available in and around Bonny Hills.
- Food & Drink
- Surf club kiosk and local cafes within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental options in town; more extensive gear shops available in Port Macquarie. Surf and SUP rentals described as available locally.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to private accommodation or local surf clubs for members.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs available locally; major sail or kite repairs require travel to larger coastal hubs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A relaxed holiday destination with rugged headlands and sprawling beaches, combining surf-focused coastline with nearby Port Macquarie services.
Wildlife park and koala breeding center featuring native and exotic animals.
Historic 19th-century lighthouse with panoramic ocean views.
Scenic walking trails connecting various headlands and beaches along the coast.
Popular local dining spot with beach views and fresh seafood.
Lookout with bird’s-eye views of the Camden Haven region.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bonny Hills?
The best overall months at Bonny Hills are July. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Bonny Hills?
Bonny Hills works with NE, S, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bonny Hills?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bonny Hills: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Bonny Hills suitable for?
Bonny Hills suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.