The Cod Hole is a renowned dive and snorkel site at Nguthungulli/Julian Rocks, part of the Cape Byron Marine Park, about 2.5 km off the coast near Lennox Head. Named for the large Queensland groper (cod) that inhabits a dramatic swim-through arch, this site features boulder-strewn gutters, black coral trees, and rocky reef formations dropping from 13 m to 22 m. It's celebrated for spectacular seasonal aggregations of endangered grey nurse sharks that parade through the 'shark gutters', plus turtles, eagle rays, wobbegongs, and schools of barracuda and jewfish.
Cod Hole (Lennox Head area)
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Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 6.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong Ocean Currents
Currents around Julian Rocks can be unpredictable and strong, especially around the Cod Hole arch and gutters. Snorkelers need to be strong swimmers and stay with their group.
Low risk: Grey Nurse Shark Aggregation
Large numbers of grey nurse sharks (endangered) patrol the gutters; they are generally docile but divers and snorkelers should maintain respectful distance and avoid cornering them.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The site is accessed by boat only; multiple dive operators and private vessels use the area. Be vigilant for boat traffic, especially at the surface.
Low risk: Depth and Drop-offs
The site drops from 13 m to 22 m depth with rocky ledges and swim-through arches. Snorkelers should stay near the surface and be aware of sudden depth changes near the reef edge.
Low risk: Winter Water Temperature
Winter water temperatures can drop significantly, requiring thicker wetsuits. Cold exposure risk for unprepared snorkelers from May to September.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Cod Hole is located at Nguthungulli/Julian Rocks, approximately 2.5 km offshore from Byron Bay. Access is by boat only — several dive operators launch from Byron Bay beach or the Jonson Street boat ramp. The boat ride takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Byron Bay boat ramp on Jonson Street (~800 m east of town centre) and beachside parking near main Byron Bay beach. Paid parking in town centre.
parkingtoilets
No entry fee to the marine park. Boat charter fees apply (approx. AUD $100–$160 per person for a guided trip).
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports