Dive Byron Bay

The Dive Site

Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks — Cape Byron Marine Park

About Julian Rocks

Nguthungulli Julian Rocks is situated within the Cape Byron Marine Park in northern NSW, on the east coast of Australia and has been likened to a 'mini Galapagos' (Lonely Planet 2014) and one of the best dive sites in Australia (The Australian 2011).

Located just 2.5 km offshore means you won't spend hours on a boat every time you go diving, although in the 5 minutes it takes to get there, you may see dolphins playing in the bay or whales as they migrate past in winter — and between May and November, you can join us on a dedicated whale watching trip from Byron Bay.

The summer months bring in Manta Rays and Leopard Sharks, whilst the cooler winter waters attract the endangered Grey Nurse Sharks. In addition, turtles, rays, crustaceans, nudibranchs, octopuses, eels and a plethora of fish populate our Nguthungulli Julian Rocks year round.

Nguthungulli Julian Rocks is home to over 1000 marine species thanks to the convergence of warm and cool waters resulting in this enormous biodiversity. Whilst most species are found over a wide area of the Asia-Pacific region, a minority are endemic to this area creating a truly unique diving environment.

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5 minboat ride

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1000+species

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6:1divers per guide

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ProtectedMarine Park

Explore Diving Highlights

Needles

The Needles is a large area south of the island full of interesting rock formations. Depth ranges from 9 to 15 meters. The large sandy arena in the middle of the Needles is where you generally find most Leopard Sharks during the warmer months from December to April. All year round this spot is extremely popular with turtles of all sizes (Green Turtles, Hawkesbill Turtles and huge Loggerhead Turtles) as well as Bullrays, Eagle Rays and Shovelnose Rays. Every now and then, Manta Rays come in and spend some time on top of the bigger bommies in the Needles.

Mohole and Line of Smiles

The Mohole is a small cave at the southern end of the Needles in about 14 meters depth. Typically, you'd see a huge Loggerhead Turtle sleeping in there. The Mohole is always worth checking out — you could see big cods getting cleaned, massive Bullrays followed by a school of cobia, huge schools of big Kingfish in a feeding frenzy. The Line of Smiles is a huge crack in a rock wall filled to the top with all sorts of interesting marine life. Swimming past it, all you can see is a line of Wobbegong Sharks squeezed in there looking out — which is where the name comes from. At closer inspection you can see crayfish, Blind Sharks, hundreds of Cleaner Shrimps, little crabs and the occasional Nudibranch or cuttlefish.

Hugo's Trench

This dive site consists of two parallel trenches: Hugo's Trench and False Trench. They are sheltered from the strong Northerlies we often get between September and Christmas. The trenches are full of interesting rock formations and narrow gaps in huge rock walls for divers to swim through. Depth ranges from 8 to 17 meters. When there are big currents at Julian Rocks, both divers and fish come here to rest. This is the spot for Nudibranchs — they can be seen on the walls in all colours and sizes — but also for big marine life such as turtles, Kingfish, Bullrays, Eagle Rays and the occasional Manta. In winter it is not uncommon to find the trenches full of Grey Nurse Sharks.

Cod Hole

The Cod Hole is a spectacular swim-through at the end of the island. The entry is at around 15 meters and it takes you down to approximately 18 meters depth. In and around the Cod Hole there are usually large schools of Jewfish and Kingfish, Sweetlips and Trevally. Inside you'll find big cods, Wobbegong Sharks, Mooray Eels, Cuttlefish, Crayfish, Cleaner Shrimps, Slipper Crabs and Lionfish. The sandy bottom behind the Cod Hole starts at 20 meters and is one of the best spots for large Pelagics. The sand trenches are popular with Grey Nurse Sharks during colder months (June–November). In summer there's a good chance of Manta Rays, and the area attracts Eagle Rays, Bullrays and giant Queensland Gropers year round.

Cray Cave and Gorgonian Hollow

Both located on the deeper eastern side of Julian Rocks where the sandy bottom drops to about 24 meters. The Cray Cave is a swim-through at about 18 meters depth — much narrower than the Cod Hole, only high enough for one diver at a time. The Gorgonian Hollow is a huge horseshoe-shaped rock formation in about 22 meters depth. This is a secret spot for Ghost Pipefish which can often be found on the Black Coral inside the hollow.

Needles — Bommies & Mantas

In summer months the Needles' bommies become cleaning stations for Manta Rays and staging areas for Eagle Rays and Bullrays. Expect turtles of all sizes weaving through the coral gardens between 9–15 m, and classic Byron Bay visibility changes with the tides.

Nursery

The Nursery is where we start most of our dives. It's a shallow area (6 to 12 metres) with four moorings for the dive boats and is generally protected from swell and current, making the diving relaxed and easy. The Nursery is full of colourful tropical fish, octopi, cuttlefish and Lionfish, but also turtles and Wobbegong Sharks. In summer it's great for swimming with Leopard Sharks. Notable features include a huge overgrown anchor complete with chain and Split Bommie — a giant cracked rock that attracts a lot of fish life.

Map of Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks dive site

Conditions & Safety

Julian Rocks is an open ocean site. Although often calm, conditions can include strong swells, currents, surges, cold water and winds. Divers must have the ability, fitness, confidence and competence to dive in such conditions.

Winter temperatures can drop to 17 °C (avg. ~20 °C). If unsure about your ability in the above conditions, please book a private guide for more dedicated support.

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