G'day hive, so to kick off 2025 on our last day of our central coast beach hopping holiday, we found our self snorkeling at Julian rocks just off the most eastern part of Australia - Byron Bay in New South Wales.
Now we had no idea what we were in for on this snorkel trip.. But we did know that we would see some leopard sharks. As this is home to one of the largest aggregations of leopard sharks!
And of course, we had our fingers and toes crossed in the hope of seeing a manta ray for the first time! As they are known to frequently visit Julian rocks. However, they are also known as the unicorn of the sea, so guess we will see how our luck goes!
We booked our snork trip with Wild Byron. They had the highest ratings on Trip adviser and are rated the number one activity to do in Byron bay.
But there is a catch, the boat actually leaves from Brunswick heads. Which is about a 20min drive north from Byron.
Once we arrived we were fitted with our fins and mask. Then it was time to board the Apollo 2 to make our way out through the Brunswick river, cross the bar then out to Julian rocks.
This bar crossing can get a bit wild but luckily we had a relatively calm day so the waves were not too big.
Once out in the open the sea was super calm.
We were even greeted by some bottle nose dolphins.
The 15 min boat trip was smooth sailing and we finally arrive at Julian rocks.
The current from the EAC (Eastern Australian Current) was pretty strong this day, and there is a split in the rocks at the northern end of Julian rocks. Which offers some protection from the current.
And WOW what a treat we were in for!
I fitted my mask and my fins with the quickness and jumped straight into the water.
As I put my head underwater the first thing I see is this huge snapper!
We then swam towards Julian rocks and it was a little bit rough with some waves. At first, visibility wasn't the best. But it eventually cleared up.
The first thing @terrybogan spotted was a Moray eal in the coral.
As I swam through a school of trevally,
A large shadow appeared in the distance.
Next thing you know I was face to face with a leopard shark!
This was the first time I had ever seen a leopard shark and to be this close and realise the actual size of them was amazing.
Leopard sharks can grow up to 2 meters long and can live past 20 years old.
Now not only did I see one leopard shark but another swam past me as I was following the first one.
Then as I turned around the corner of the rocks I could see four leopard sharks sleeping at the bottom on the sand (These guys clearly think outside the spots) so I swam down to get a closer look.
It's so cool how friendly these big fish are. They didn't mind me swimming along side them at all.
Leopard sharks can weigh up to 18kg.
A hawksbill turtle swam past so I followed him for a bit.
It was so cool to see a turtle and a leopard shark at the same time.
The eco diversity at Julian rocks is truly incredible!
A puffer fish stopped in to say hello
These fish are so cool!
Then as I was following a leopard shark we came across this lions main jelly fish.
Wow what a sight!
The lions main jellyfish can grow to lengths larger than a blue whale! With some lions main jellyfish growing to a size of over 35 meters long!
So I guess you are asking why did the lion’s mane jellyfish bring a comb to the party?
Because it didn’t want to tangle with anyone!
Now it's wise to keep your distance from these guys as they do sting but their sting is not fatal.
We then came a cross a blue grouper.
And under a shelf we saw a school of sweet lip just chilling.
There was so many stingrays scattered along the bottom of the ocean here.
But the leopard sharks definitely were the highlight of this snorkel!
So, if you are ever near Byron Bay in NSW, I highly recommend getting out to Julian rocks this place is amazing!
I can wait to go back!!
All these shots were taken with my DJI action 4 🤿📷
Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!!
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