Nguthungulli Julian Rocks Nature Reserve is one of Australia’s best dive sites, lying just 2.5km out from Cape Byron. The site is located within the Cape Byron Marine Park where temperate and tropical waters meet, resulting in an incredibly diverse and abundant array of marine life. The Cape Byron Marine Park and Nguthungulli Julian Rocks Nature Reserve are classed as sanctuary zones, the highest level of protection for natural, cultural and biodiversity features. The marine park contains many subtropical habitats, including protected, threatened and endangered species such as the grey nurse shark and loggerhead turtles.
Julian Rocks is home to over 1000 marine species including sea turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, marine invertebrates, corals, over 500 different species of fish, and an endless list of diverse marine life. There are 6 main sites surrounding the rocks ranging from 6m- 24m, providing an impressive experience for all levels of divers.
You can expect on most dives to see a variety of sharks, turtles, manta rays and large schools of pelagic fish. Julian Rocks provides scuba divers of all experience levels with a great diving experience. Dive depth varies across the sites and can be anywhere from 5-25m. Some of the sites you might dive include the Cray Cave an Gorgonian Hollow, Hugo’s Trench, the Nursery, the Needles and Cod Hole.
Byron Bay is located in the Northern Rivers of NSW, just off the Pacific Highway. It’s roughly 800kms north of Sydney, 170kms south of Brisbane, and 90kms south of the Gold Coast.
Getting There
Byron Bay is lucky enough to have two airports within easy reach.
Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport is located just 30 minutes drive south of Byron Bay in the coastal town of Ballina, and is serviced by daily flights with Jetstar, REX and Virgin Australia.
Gold Coast Airport is roughly 45 minutes north of Byron, just across the Queensland border, and is serviced by all the major domestic Australian airlines, along with a select few international ones.
Brisbane Domestic and International Airports are located two hours north of Byron Bay.
Shuttle buses and hire cars are available at the airports. Steve’s Airport Transfers, Xcede and Byron Easy Bus are just a few of the regular daily shuttle services. Bookings are essential for shuttles.
Dive Centres
Sundive Byron Bay – Byron’s only PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, Sundive Byron Bay operate dive and snorkelling trips within Cape Byron Marine Park. Training ranges from introductory dives and beginner dive courses through to instructor certifications.
Weather
Byron Bay is blessed with a sub-tropical climate – it’s warm in summer and mild in winter. The rainy season lasts from January to March, and the average temperature is 17-24 degrees. Best diving is in winter through spring – a happy coincidence that the water temperature is warmest too.
Where to stay
High – Crystalbrook Byron, Byron at Byron, Beach Suites, Beach Hotel, Apartments Inn
Medium – The Atlantic, The Wollongbar Motel, Breakfree Eco Beach, Byron Central Apartments
Low – Byron Bay YHA, Cape Byron YHA, Arts Factory, Nomads
Where to eat
Byron Bay takes its food culture very seriously, and many restaurants and cafes have serious price tags to match. But if you want good food that doesn’t cost the earth, it pays to go where the locals do. From sun up to sun down, these are some of the restaurants you’ll want to check out.
Breakfast – Cool Katz ($), Aquarius ($), Mokha ($$)
Lunch – Bayger ($), Bay Kebabs ($), Ozimex ($), Miss Margaritas ($$), The Balcony ($$)
Dinner – Buddha Bar ($), Muoi’s Feast ($$), Petit Snail ($$$)
Other Activities
Kayak – Cape Byron Kayaks and Go Sea Kayak both operate daily kayaking tours from Main Beach. On the tours you’ll encounter wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and even the occasional shark.
Lighthouse Walk – One of the most popular walking tracks is along Main Beach, past The Pass and Wategos beaches up to the Cape Byron lighthouse. It’s a great way to see Byron’s natural beauty in the flesh, and the views from the lighthouse are stunning. Best of all, it’s free! A reasonable level of fitness is essential.
Mountain Biking Tours – If you’re feeling active, head for the hills with Mountain Bike Tours Byron Bay. There are a few options, all taking you through the stunning sub-tropical rainforest, and there’s also an option to add in an overnight camp and hike up legendary Mt Warning in the morning.
Surfing lessons – The surf culture in Byron is legendary. If you’ve new to the world of surfing, you’ll need a few lessons. Let’s Go Surfing and Black Dog Surfing are two of the best options.
Getting Around
Byron Bay has a relatively compact town centre, so getting around is easy by foot or bicycle. Local buses are available, but their schedules and routes are quite limited. If you want to explore the hinterland or don’t feel like pounding the pavement, a car is definitely the best option.
Byron’s primary dive site is the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, located just 2.5km offshore. Thanks to its prime location mid-way up the East Coast of Australia, Cape Byron Marine Park is frequented by both tropical and cold water species.
