Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills

Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills (Mid North Coast, NSW) is a scenic, fairly exposed beach break tucked along a beautiful stretch of coastline south of Port Macquarie. It’s known for its long sandy shoreline, headland-backed setting, and the kind of open-ocean conditions that can produce fun, playful waves when a swell lines up from the east or southeast.

Surf character

• Type: Beach break
• Wave quality: Can be good, but often inconsistent
• Best on: E/SE swell with light NW–W offshore winds
• Working tide: Often best around mid tide depending on sandbar shape
• Wave style: Usually mellow to punchy peaks; can get faster and hollower when the sandbanks are tight

What to expect

Rainbow Beach is generally a more open, exposed coastal surf rather than a protected or highly refined point break. That means conditions can change quickly with sand movement, swell direction, and wind. On the right day, you can find clean peaks and decent walling runners. On smaller days, it may be soft or weak. Bigger swells can make it powerful and a bit rippy.

Crowd and vibe

• Atmosphere: Relaxed, local beach-town feel
• Crowds: Can be light to moderate depending on season and conditions
• User base: Surfing, swimming, and general beach use

Hazards

• Rips and strong currents are common, especially after swell or rain
• Shifting sandbanks can make the surf unpredictable
• Open coast exposure means it can get bumpy quickly if winds swing onshore

Best for

• Intermediate surfers looking for a fun beachie
• Longboarders or beginners on smaller, cleaner days
• Experienced surfers when the banks are working and swell direction is favorable