Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) – Sanctuary Zone, guided only
Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) is a Nature Reserve and a no-take sanctuary zone of the Cape Byron Marine Park, two small granite islets about 2.5 km north-east of Byron Bay where warm tropical and cool temperate water mix. The six regular moorings are The Nursery (5–12 m, gentle, for new divers), The Needles (5–15 m), Split Bombie (to 15 m), Hugo's Trench (15–18 m), The Cod Hole (about 15–21 m) and The Cray Cave (to 25 m). Wobbegongs, eagle rays, turtles and large schools of kingfish, snapper and trevally are common, and leopard sharks and grey nurse sharks are listed among the headline sightings, with black coral in the deeper parts. Humpback whales pass the rocks from May to September.
Facts
- Region: New South Wales – Byron Bay to Eden (Australia)
- Area: Byron Bay & Tweed (Julian Rocks, Cook Island)
- Depth: 5–25 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, wall, drift, cave
- Coordinates: -28.61093, 153.62956 (approximate)
- Highlights: leopard shark, grey nurse shark, wobbegong, manta ray, turtles, eagle rays, black coral, clownfish, yellowtail kingfish, humpback whales (May–Sep, boat trip)
- Permit: No separate dive permit; the rocks are within the Nguthungulli Julian Rocks Nature Reserve and a sanctuary zone of Cape Byron Marine Park (all fishing and collecting banned). Divers must go with a local licensed operator and guide.
- Tips: Guided only: visiting divers must be accompanied by a dive guide, boats launch only through the local dive shops, and maximum bottom time is 45 minutes (McFadyen). Visibility 5–30 m (average 10–15 m) and can drop after river outflow; water about 18 °C in winter and 25 °C or more in summer. Advanced Open Water is recommended; The Nursery suits beginners, The Cray Cave and The Cod Hole suit experienced divers.