The Wauchope–Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club is the longest established organisation within the town and has been continuously operating since 1958.

[4] Acreage of passionfruit vines were planted and sold to campers, but this endeavour was wiped out in 1938 by a strong, three-day wind.

In 1946, banana and pineapple seeds were also planted in the area, becoming a popular industry until 1955,[5] when Arthur Bartlett dug up the trees and ploughed the land back into grass.

Into the following year, the postal department expressed that they could not construct a post office until they changed the town's name, as there were many other "Green Hills".

A Progress Association meeting was called and a new name was voted on, initially deciding on "Grants Head" (as it read on most maps), before a woman suggested "Bonny Hills", winning over the majority.