
What Bonny Hills offers is a chance to connect with a landscape that’s not only beautiful but rich with history. Pack your walking shoes so you can go in the footsteps of millions of years of adventure – just don’t forget sunscreen!
Here’s our guide to easy and challenging Bonny Hills walks and hikes to take on while you’re here on that well-deserved getaway.
For those who love to take a stroll but don’t want to bring hiking boots, there are lots of relaxed Bonny Hills walks to discover. From state forest trails to rainforest tracks, if nature is part of your itinerary, add these walks to your list.
The Rainforest Loop, Dooragan National Park, is a calm and casual stroll amongst the trees leading to a small, remote lookout platform with brilliant views of Diamond Head. You’ll be surrounded by birds nest ferns on this relatively quick 15 to 30 minute walk with gentle hills and a few steps to conquer.

This 2 km track is a beautiful way to take in some of Port Macquarie’s local flora and fauna. The Googik Heritage Walking Track sets off from Lake Innes Nature Reserve on Lake Road and weaves its way south to St Columba Anglican School. The undulating hills aren’t too taxing, so it’s suitable for almost any fitness level.
Slightly inland from Bonny Hills is Burrawan State Forest, one of the best Bonny Hills walks and hikes because it’s an easy half-day adventure for the whole family. By far the highlight of this park is the world’s biggest ancient Red Bloodwood tree, named 'Old Bottlebutt' for its unique shape.
If you’re looking for a good vantage point to see whales and dolphins playing in the bay, then make your way up to the lookout at the end of the Perpendicular Point walking track. This walking track comes alive in spring and is home to some of the area’s best wildlife, like honeyeaters and black cockatoos.
Want to get your heart rate up and feel the burn? Kick it up a notch by choosing a longer walk or hike and really immerse yourself in the beauty of the NSW Mid North Coast. You’ll be rewarded with the kind of scenery that photos don’t do justice to.
The challenging Laurieton Track is one of the best Bonny Hills walks and hikes that takes you into the peaceful landscape just outside of Laurieton. Walk among towering blackbutt and eucalyptus forests on one of the region's finest bush tracks. It’s a steep climb, but the views are worth the effort.
The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk is a 3 to 4 hour, 9 km one-way walk that passes historic sites and stunning coastal scenery. You can tackle it all in one go or divide it into four sections: Westport to Town Beach (2km); Town Beach to Flynns Beach (2.2km); Flynns Beach to Shelly Beach (2.2km); and Shelly Beach to Tacking Point (2.7km). Don’t forget your camera!














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Yes, the area has several kid-friendly options. Rainbow Beach is a short stroll from Reflections Bonny Hills, and the coastal walks are well-suited to a jaunt with little ones in tow. There are also many walks you can take in and around Port Macquarie, which is just a short 20-minute drive north.
There are a few dog-friendly beaches nearby, including parts of Rainbow Beach, and the coastal walks are perfect for a wander with your pup at your side. However, keep an eye on local signs for leash rules and off-leash areas. The Grants Beach Coastal Walk is a popular dog-walking trail too, though always check current signage at the trailhead as rules can vary by section.
Most visitors start locally at Grants Head, but for the most jaw-dropping panorama in the region, head to the summit of North Brother Lookout (also known as Laurieton Lookout) in Dooragan National Park. Views stretch across the Camden Haven inlet, Queens Lake, Tacking Point and Grants Head. There’s also Perpendicular Point in Camden Head, which is a great spot for whale watching in season.
The easy coastal walks – Grant's Head, Grants Beach and the Rainbow Beach foreshore – are well-formed and straightforward to navigate. Walks and hikes in the state and national parks are direct and well-signposted, too. If you stay on the trail and don’t veer off into the scrub, it’s usually easy to find your way.
Bonny Hills is a great year-round walking and hiking destination, especially in winter if you want to catch the migrating humpback whales off the coast. Late summer can be rainy and humid, so it’s best to start early on hot days and load up on sunscreen, as most coastal trails offer very little shade.
For world-class views and creature comforts set on the waterfront, book yourself a spot at Reflections Bonny Hills. There are cabins and campsites – or glamping tents if you want to try something unique – as well as practical amenities to return to after you’ve tackled some of the Bonny Hills walks and hikes above. Stay for a weekend or months on end – your holiday oasis is ready and waiting for you to arrive.