Bonville Headland is a rocky headland reserve at the southern end of Sawtell Beach, where Bonville Creek meets the sea. The sheltered waters inshore of the headland offer calm snorkelling conditions when the swell is low, with a mix of sandy gutters and rocky reef habitat. The nearby Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool on the headland's southern side provides a protected, shark-free swimming and snorkelling option. Above water, the paved walking track and grassy picnic areas make it a popular family spot, while offshore the headland marks the northern boundary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, known for its rich marine biodiversity.
Bonville Headland
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 9.8 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Ocean swell and waves
Exposed to southerly swells which can create moderate dumpers and shore break along the beach near the headland.
Low risk: Bonville Creek outflow
Freshwater outflow from Bonville Creek can create turbid water and strong rip currents after heavy rain.
Low risk: Bluebottle jellyfish
Bluebottles (Physalia physalis) are common on exposed beaches during northeasterly winds.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Bonville Headland is located at the southern end of Sawtell Beach, approximately 10 km south of Coffs Harbour. Take the Pacific Highway to Sawtell, then follow Boronia Street south to the headland reserve. Accessible via the paved walking track from Sawtell Beach or directly from the car park on Boronia Street.
Parking & facilities
Car parking available within the Bonville Headland reserve off Boronia Street. Additional street parking along Boronia Street and nearby residential streets.
parkingpicnic_tablestoilets
Free entry. No fees for parking or access to the headland or rock pool.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports