Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest May–Sep · Moderate current · 18–27°C (coldest Jul, warmest Jan)
- Current
- Moderate
- Water temperature
- 18–27°C (coldest Jul, warmest Jan)
- Visibility
- 5–25m: Coastal runoff, swell and current create wide day-to-day variation.
- Experience
- Nursery and Hugo’s Trench can suit confident Open Water divers.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | not seen |
| May | occasional |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | peak season |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | not seen |
| December | not seen |
Winter aggregation is documented; sightings remain probabilistic.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible in the region; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible in the region; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible in the region; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
Spot X
Spot X: Exposed offshore rocks.
18–26m · Strong current
Julian Rocks Cod Hole
Julian Rocks Cod Hole: Rock arch.
12–24m · Moderate current
Hugo’s Trench
Hugo’s Trench: Sand trench.
8–18m · Mild current
See all 4 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsEasy. Fly to OOL. Typical trip $.
Route overview
Easy
Day trips from a coastal base, about 1h from the airport, then a short boat.
Airport options
OOL
Gold Coast Airport
About one hour by road to Byron Bay
Typical trip cost
$
under $2,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- Published two-dive prices are AUD 270 with own gear or AUD 330 with full hire.