Dive site · access from Byron Bay & Julian Rocks
Hugo’s Trench
Hugo’s Trench: Sand trench.
- Depth
- 8–18m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Sand trench
- Grey nurse habitat
- Protected side of rocks
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.
Access and timing
Plan this through Byron Bay & Julian Rocks
Best overall months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Byron Bay & Julian Rocks
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Hugo’s Trench.
Humpback whale
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | not seen |
| May | not seen |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | not seen |
| December | not seen |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Grey nurse shark
| 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 |
Tasselled wobbegong shark
| 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 |
Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark (Zebra Shark)
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | peak season |
| February | peak season |
| March | occasional |
| April | not seen |
| May | not seen |
| June | not seen |
| July | not seen |
| August | not seen |
| September | not seen |
| October | not seen |
| November | not seen |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.