DIVE SITES
We offer a range of incredible dive sites because our team has the experience, knowledge and boating capabilities to do so. Divers want variety, rather than diving in the same location repetitively.
When you book a Double Dive trip with us at Julian Rocks you will visit two different dive sites, as Julian Rocks has several different dive sites on offer.
Julian Rocks
-
The Cod Hole is Julian Rocks' premier dive site, featuring a spacious swim-through bustling with diverse marine life, from tiny Bullseyes to colossal Queensland Groupers. Encounter Grey Nurse Sharks in abundance just behind the Cod Hole during their season, with up to 20 of these majestic creatures often gracing the sandy trenches. Explore the area further to witness big rays, pelagics, and schooling fish, offering an unforgettable experience for avid divers seeking encounters with underwater giants.
Venturing north reveals deeper waters brimming with pelagics and majestic Bat Rays, while a visit to the Cray Cave unveils Loggerhead Turtles, Queensland Groupers, and elusive Ghost Pipefish amidst the captivating Black Coral. Prepare for an immersive dive adventure at Julian Rocks, where every descent promises thrilling encounters and breathtaking underwater vistas.
-
Begin your dive in The Nursery, boasting shallow depths of 10-12 meters and teeming with vibrant marine life.
Encounter schools of smaller fish, friendly Blue Gropers, and juvenile species hiding amidst the coral and rocky crevices. Explore anemone-filled habitats with clownfish, crabs, shrimps, cuttlefish, and a myriad of fascinating smaller creatures, making it a haven for macro photography enthusiasts. During Grey Nurse Shark season, catch glimpses, alongside Leopard Sharks and Mantas in the summer months.
Venture to the northern end of the Nursery to discover the Cleaner Cave, a renowned hotspot for majestic Manta Rays. Encounter Eagle Rays, Shovelnose Rays, and impressive Snapper, with the chance to witness a Loggerhead Turtle resting within the cave's depths.
-
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Needles, Julian Rocks’ premier dive site from January to May, to swim alongside three different species of turtles in their natural habitat, with depths ranging from 12 to 15 meters, ideal for your second dive of the day. Explore the rock bommies and crevices before entering the sandy arena, where Leopard Sharks and Green Turtles gracefully roam.
Continuing south, discover the Mohole, a small cave often inhabited by a giant Loggerhead Turtle and large Lionfish, promising delightful surprises at every turn. Nearby, Cray’s Crags beckon with countless Crayfish hiding in their cracks, while the Line of Smiles, one of our favourite sites, offers a unique spectacle of Wobbegong Sharks, with frequent visits from majestic Manta Rays in warmer waters. Keep an eye out for Kingfish, Bull Rays, and Eagle Rays, ensuring an exhilarating dive experience.
-
Discover the unique diving experience offered by False Trench and Hugo’s Trench.
These captivating canyons carve deep into the island, boasting fascinating bottom contours and narrow passages for adventurous divers to explore. Encounter vibrant nudibranchs amidst the cracks and witness a bustling array of marine life, including Kingfish, Jewfish, Trevally, Queensland Groupers, and Black Cods, especially when currents flow.
Dive into depths of up to 17 meters in these dynamic trenches, where every descent promises an exciting underwater adventure.
Mackerel Boulder, Spot X and Cape Pin
Mackerel Boulder
The Mackerel Boulder is a beautiful rocky area surrounding a giant boulder that rises from the sandy bottom at about 25 metres up to 15 metres below the surface. The shallower areas consist of deep cracks in the rocks, big enough for divers to swim through and explore. In winter, Grey Nurse Sharks visit the Mackerel Boulder, in summer Leopard Sharks and Manta Rays can be seen here. All year round, the area is best known for large pelagics, so keep your eyes open when you first start your descent and make sure you look up into the blue every now and then to make sure you’re not missing anything.
Spot X
Spot X was named by Rod. It’s a great dive site only about 800 metres from Julian Rocks. It consists of two big bommies that rise up to about 17 metres. The sandy bottom is at about 25 metres. Spot X is a good spot for large pelagics such as Kingfish, Trevally, Mackerel and Wahoo, especially when there is a bit of current. Grey Nurse Sharks can be seen here from June to December, Bronze Whalers cruise by frequently all year round. The marine life at Spot X is very similar to Julian Rocks, but more concentrated in a smaller area especially with current.
Cape Pinnacle
The Cape Pin is one of our deeper dives with the bottom of the pinnacle dropping off to about 42 metres. The top of the pin comes up to 26 metres and is a fantastic spot for large fish such as Jewfish, Kingfish, Pearl Perch, Trevally, Snapper, Mackerel and Wahoo when in season, Bronze Whalers, also lots of rays including Bullrays and Eagle Rays. The pinnacle is also great for interesting small creatures such as rare nudibranchs. The Cape Pin is off the most Eastern point of Australia and therefore subject to strong ocean currents. This is a definitely a dive for the more experienced diver.