A Winter Coastal Escape Bonny Hills & Port Macquarie

We just needed a break from the routine. somewhere quiet to breathe, listen to the ocean, and properly slow down. The drive took about 4 hours. We made an easy stop for lunch along the way, took our time, and arrived in Bonny Hills right in time to settle in.

We stayed in a Junior Safari Tent at Reflections Bonny Hills. Honestly, the best part was how close we were to the water. In the mornings, you could just step outside and walk straight down onto Rainbow Beach without having to drive anywhere. Late June made the whole trip feel special. The air was crisp, the winter light was sharp and clear, and the beaches were completely uncrowded. It was the ideal base for unwinding, with scenic spots like Tacking Point Lighthouse, Lighthouse Beach, and the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk just a short, relaxed drive away.

After unpacking, we headed out along the walking track that leads straight down to the beach. The path itself was peaceful, and once we reached the coast, the rocks and cliffs really stood out. Large dark rock formations sat between small stretches of sand, with the waves moving constantly around them. It felt wilder and more textured than a typical beach, and we both loved that character of the coastline.

We woke up to a calm, peaceful morning. We had fallen asleep the night before to the soft sound of the waves, and waking up to the same rhythm plus the birds outside felt really nice. After a relaxed breakfast we headed out.

We drove about twenty minutes and started the Coastal Walk from Lighthouse Road. We first reached the lookout, where people were watching for whales. They were hard to spot just by looking, but with a drone we were able to see them clearly. One or two people there also had binoculars.

From the lookout we continued along the track to Tacking Point Lighthouse. The path was lovely, with coastal vegetation and changing ocean views. At the lighthouse the whales felt closer, and we spotted five or six of them while we were there.

After the lighthouse we walked down to Lighthouse Beach and past Watonga Rocks. Doing the lookout, the lighthouse and the beach one after the other made it an easy and rewarding morning.

In the afternoon we headed back to the holiday park, had a meal, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing around the grounds and on the nearby beach. It was a nice, slow way to finish the day.

On the third morning, before we headed home, we took the walking track from the holiday park down to Rainbow Beach. The beach was covered in pipi shells — soft pinks, purples and creamy whites scattered across the sand. Some still had the creature inside, which was clearly visible. It was the first time I’d seen them like that, and it made the beach feel even more interesting. It was a simple but memorable way to end the trip before packing up and driving back.