Julian Rocks · Byron Bay — illustrated placeholder

Julian Rocks · Byron Bay

Leopard sharks in summer, grey nurse sharks in winter.

Open WaterAustralia
Depth
5–24 m
Visibility
8–20 m
Water
19–26 °C
Current
Mild to moderate
Best time
Year-round
Signature life
Leopard sharks

The dive

Why dive Julian Rocks · Byron Bay

A small rocky reserve a few minutes off Byron Bay where tropical and temperate life meet: leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs and turtles in depths that suit new divers.

Marine life

Leopard sharksGrey nurse sharksWobbegongsTurtlesNudibranchs

Dive profile

ReefSharkTurtle

When to go

Best time: Year-round (leopard sharks Dec–Mar; grey nurse Jun–Oct)

Diveable all year. Summer brings leopard sharks resting on the sand; in winter, protected grey nurse sharks gather at the Rocks.

Readiness

Who it suits

Open Water-level site — suits Open Water divers and up. Typical requirements:

Open Water

Not sure you're ready? Read our readiness guide or check yourself in the planner.

Logistics

Getting there & staying

Getting thereDomestic flight or drive + short boat. Fly to Ballina (BNK) or Gold Coast (OOL) and drive to Byron Bay; boats launch from Main Beach for a short run to the Rocks.
Where to stayCoastal town base (day trip). Byron Bay town; an easy weekend from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Operator to look forReviewed Byron Bay operators running small groups in the Cape Byron Marine Park sanctuary zone.

Sources

Further reading

Links checked 29 September 2026. They cover the site's location, protection status and background. Costs, difficulty and season windows are ScubaRogue's editorial estimates, so confirm them with your operator before you book. How we research

Keep exploring

Similar dives

More in Asia Pacific →
Gili Islands
Open Water

Indonesia · Asia Pacific

Gili Islands

Turtles on almost every dive, no cars on the islands.

ReefTurtle
Best time
Apr – Oct
From
US$60/day
Palau · Blue Corner
Advanced

Palau · Asia Pacific

Palau · Blue Corner

Hook in, hold on, watch the wall come alive.

DriftShark
Best time
Nov – May
From
US$575/day
Sipadan
Advanced

Malaysia · Asia Pacific

Sipadan

A turtle-and-barracuda island in the open ocean.

WallDrift
Best time
Apr – Dec
From
US$143/day
FromUS$110/day
Plan this trip