[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":302},["ShallowReactive",2],{"leaderboard-total":3,"spot-seo-julian-rocks-nguthungulli":9,"spot-julian-rocks-nguthungulli":51},{"entries":4,"total":5,"period":6,"type":7,"generated_at":8},[],0,"all_time","reports","2026-10-03T06:32:05.526386Z",{"title":10,"description":11,"canonical_url":12,"og_image":13,"structured_data":14,"breadcrumbs":44},"Snorkeling Conditions at Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) - How's the Spot","Check snorkeling conditions at Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli), New South Wales. Fair conditions, water 21.8°C, waves 0.61m","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fspots\u002Fjulian-rocks-nguthungulli","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_julian-rocks-nguthungulli_0_49069f3b165a.jpg",[15,28],{"@context":16,"@type":17,"name":18,"description":19,"url":12,"geo":20,"address":24},"https:\u002F\u002Fschema.org","Place","Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli)","Rising from the Pacific 2.5 km off Byron Bay's Main Beach, Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) is a protected nature reserve and marine sanctuary often called Australia's 'mini Galapagos'. This ancient roc...",{"@type":21,"latitude":22,"longitude":23},"GeoCoordinates",-28.611388,153.629028,{"@type":25,"addressRegion":26,"addressCountry":27},"PostalAddress","New South Wales","Australia",{"@context":16,"@type":29,"name":30,"description":11,"url":12,"breadcrumb":31},"WebPage","Snorkeling Conditions at Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli)",{"@context":16,"@type":32,"itemListElement":33},"BreadcrumbList",[34,39,42],{"@type":35,"position":36,"name":37,"item":38},"ListItem",1,"Home","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com",{"@type":35,"position":40,"name":26,"item":41},2,"https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fexplore?region=new-south-wales",{"@type":35,"position":43,"name":18,"item":12},3,[45,47,49],{"label":37,"href":46},"\u002F",{"label":26,"href":48},"\u002Fexplore?region=new-south-wales",{"label":18,"href":50},"\u002Fspots\u002Fjulian-rocks-nguthungulli",{"id":52,"name":18,"slug":53,"latitude":22,"longitude":23,"description":54,"difficulty":55,"image_url":13,"status":56,"tide_constituents":57,"hazard_entries":108,"access_info_structured":235,"area_boundary":113,"routes":113,"created_at":243,"updated_at":244,"today_conditions":245,"today_verdict_view":266,"images":291,"submitted_by":299,"region_name":26,"verification_status":301,"verified_at":113,"disputed":251,"verifier_count":5,"last_verified_display_name":113},"c7ac083a-f0cb-40c6-934b-a128be49714d","julian-rocks-nguthungulli","Rising from the Pacific 2.5 km off Byron Bay's Main Beach, Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) is a protected nature reserve and marine sanctuary often called Australia's 'mini Galapagos'. This ancient rock formation — sacred to the Arakwal people as the resting place of Nguthungulli, Father of the World — sits at the convergence of warm tropical and cool temperate currents, creating an extraordinary biodiversity hotspot with over 1,000 marine species. Snorkelers explore shallow sites like The Nursery (5–12 m) on the sheltered western side, where green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles glide past colourful reef fish, wobbegong sharks, rays and octopus. From May to November, migrating humpback whales pass between the rocks and the mainland, often visible from the short boat ride out.","intermediate","published",{"name":58,"amplitude":74,"phase":90,"latitude":22,"model":106,"epoch":107},[59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73],"2N2","J1","K1","K2","M2","M4","MF","MM","N2","O1","P1","Q1","S1","S2","T2",[75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89],0.020072969811806396,0.011436610358120417,0.18734493246920636,0.04105117557302976,0.5293235630951558,0.003431182589901893,0.0005151143204686723,0.002195099814069275,0.10768338122943202,0.1052870474887892,0.054572753474354155,0.025011875683790465,0.0018088707431951694,0.15005956001243437,0.0132075483028967,[91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105],291.5032016142944,355.7846714476733,352.989028349126,296.93291944646967,300.93469165649486,207.22899381304947,34.11436060035892,10.47225228202395,293.4487997697137,319.81649648439884,344.29184698274275,298.5262684856836,45.654214264509264,312.53470118738124,317.03697430761156,"EOT20","1992-01-01T00:00:00Z",[109,114,118,121,124,127,132,135,139,142,147,150,153,156,159,162,165,168,171,174,177,180,183,186,189,192,195,198,201,204,207,210,213,216,219,222,225,228,231],{"name":110,"description":111,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong currents at depth","Currents can be strong around the rock outcrops and deeper dive sites like Hugo's Trench and The Cod Hole. Snorkellers should stay in the shallower western side.","warning",null,{"name":115,"description":116,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Boat traffic","Julian Rocks is accessed by tour boats. Snorkellers share the area with dive boats — stay aware of vessel movements.","caution",{"name":119,"description":120,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine stingers","Bluebottles and jellyfish may be present, particularly in warmer months (November to March).",{"name":122,"description":123,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Grey nurse shark presence","Julian Rocks is a critical grey nurse shark habitat. These protected sharks are generally docile but should be observed with respect and not approached closely.",{"name":125,"description":126,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Outgoing tide current","A surface current can develop around the rocks on an outgoing tide, especially near the south-eastern side. Snorkellers should stay close to the boat or guide.",{"name":128,"description":129,"severity":117,"season_start":130,"season_end":131},"Humpback whale migration","May to September is the annual humpback whale migration corridor between the rocks and mainland. Maintain safe distances from whales.",5,9,{"name":133,"description":134,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Shallow reef bommies","Shallow reef shelves (5-12 m) at The Nursery have rocky outcrops and bommies that can cause scrapes. Wear a full wetsuit or rash guard.",{"name":136,"description":137,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Strong Currents","The East Australian Current can create strong, unpredictable flows around the rocks, particularly on the outer edges. Best to stay with a guide.",12,{"name":140,"description":141,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Sharp Reef","Shallow reef areas have sharp coral and rock formations. Snorkelers should wear fins and avoid standing on the reef.",{"name":143,"description":144,"severity":117,"season_start":145,"season_end":146},"Cold water upwelling","Southern ocean swells can bring cooler water and reduced visibility, particularly in winter months.",6,8,{"name":148,"description":149,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Ocean swell surge","Ocean swell can create surge inside the trench, reducing visibility and making it harder to navigate the narrow rock passages.",{"name":151,"description":152,"severity":117,"season_start":130,"season_end":146},"Rough sea conditions (boat transit)","When the swell picks up, the boat ride out and back from Byron Bay can be very rough. Not recommended for those prone to seasickness.",{"name":154,"description":155,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Ocean current around bommies","Current can run strongly around the bommies and rock formations; operators assess conditions daily and select sites accordingly.",{"name":157,"description":158,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Variable visibility","Visibility ranges 10–20 m but can drop during plankton blooms (summer) or after heavy rain.",{"name":160,"description":161,"severity":117,"season_start":130,"season_end":131},"Cold water temperature (winter)","Water temperature from 18°C (winter) to 27°C (summer); cold shock\u002Fincreased exertion risk in winter without appropriate wetsuit.",{"name":163,"description":164,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong ocean currents","The East Australian Current can create swift tidal flows around the rock formation, requiring reasonable swimming fitness.",{"name":166,"description":167,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Open ocean exposure","Located 2.5 km offshore with no sheltered beach access; conditions can change rapidly with wind and swell.",{"name":169,"description":170,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Strong currents at convergence zone","Tropical and temperate currents meet here, creating unpredictable water movement around the rocks.",{"name":172,"description":173,"severity":117,"season_start":145,"season_end":146},"Limited visibility after weather","Visibility can drop significantly after storms or strong swell, making navigation challenging.",{"name":175,"description":176,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Depth variation","Drop-offs from shallow nursery areas (5 m) to deeper swim-throughs (18-25 m) can surprise inexperienced snorkelers staying near the rocks.",{"name":178,"description":179,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Strong tidal currents","The convergence of currents around the rocks can create powerful surges, especially around Hugo's Trench and The Needles. Snorkelers should be confident swimmers.",{"name":181,"description":182,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Swell and surf exposure","Exposed to open ocean swells, conditions can change rapidly with increased wind. The south-eastern side gets rougher in southerly swells.",{"name":184,"description":185,"severity":117,"season_start":145,"season_end":131},"Cold Water Thermoclines","Seasonal upwelling can cause sudden temperature drops of several degrees, especially in deeper sections like Cod Hole.",{"name":187,"description":188,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Sharp Reef & Rock Outcrops","Exposed rock pinnacles and shallow reef ledges at The Nursery and Cod Hole can cause cuts and scrapes.",{"name":190,"description":191,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Ocean currents","Tidal currents can run through the trench creating sudden changes in water movement, particularly around the narrow canyon sections.",{"name":193,"description":194,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Sharp volcanic rock","The volcanic rock formations have sharp edges; care needed when entering\u002Fexiting the water or swimming near walls.",{"name":196,"description":197,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Swell Exposure","The pinnacles are exposed to open ocean swell. Conditions can change quickly, reducing visibility or creating surge around the rocks. Best in calm conditions.",{"name":199,"description":200,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong currents at tide changes","The convergence of warm and cool currents around Julian Rocks can create unpredictable surge and sweeping currents, especially near the rock edges during outgoing tide.",{"name":202,"description":203,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Wobbegong sharks","Tasselled wobbegong sharks rest camouflaged on the rocky ledges. They are not aggressive but can bite if stepped on or provoked. Snorkellers should keep a respectful distance.",{"name":205,"description":206,"severity":117,"season_start":145,"season_end":146},"Cool Winter Water","Water temperature drops to around 18°C in winter (June–August), requiring a wetsuit for comfort.",{"name":208,"description":209,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal current","Moderate currents can sweep through the trench, particularly on changing tides. Best visited on slack tide.",{"name":211,"description":212,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Shark presence","Grey nurse sharks (endangered but generally docile) and wobbegong sharks are common. Keep respectful distance and do not touch.",{"name":214,"description":215,"severity":117,"season_start":130,"season_end":131},"Cold water temperatures","Waters can be cooler than expected, especially in winter (May–Sep). 5 mm wetsuit recommended.",{"name":217,"description":218,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Swell and surge","Being an offshore oceanic site exposed to the Pacific, conditions can change rapidly. Swell can create surge through the trench passages, requiring careful navigation.",{"name":220,"description":221,"severity":117,"season_start":36,"season_end":138},"Depth changes","Depth varies from 5m at the shallowest points to 17-22m in and around the trench. Snorkelers should stay aware of their position relative to the reef.",{"name":223,"description":224,"severity":117,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"River outflow reducing visibility","Runoff from the Tweed, Brunswick, and Richmond Rivers can significantly reduce underwater visibility after heavy rain, particularly during the wet season (Nov–Mar).",{"name":226,"description":227,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Ocean current","Current can run strongly around the bommies depending on tide and weather. Site selection made on the day by operators based on conditions.",{"name":229,"description":230,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Depth","The Cod Hole swim-through ranges from 15 to 20 metres — suitable for experienced snorkellers with good breath-hold or certified divers.",{"name":232,"description":233,"severity":117,"season_start":130,"season_end":234},"Grey Nurse Sharks (winter)","Grey nurse sharks aggregate around The Cod Hole during the cooler months (May to November). These are generally docile but should be treated with respect.",11,{"directions":236,"parking":237,"facilities":238,"fees":241,"access_method":242},"Julian Rocks is located 2.5 km offshore from Byron Bay's Main Beach on the NSW North Coast. Access is exclusively by boat — several licensed tour operators depart from Byron Bay (most commonly from The Pass or Main Beach). The boat ride takes approximately 5–15 minutes.","Parking is available at Byron Bay's Main Beach car park and surrounding streets. Paid parking applies in many areas — check signage.",[239,240],"toilets","parking","No fee to enter the reserve, but you must join a guided snorkel tour (prices vary by operator, typically AUD $70–$150 per person).","snorkel_tour","2026-07-27T02:56:05.847453Z","2026-08-04T05:36:16.070516Z",{"verdict":246,"evaluated_at":247,"models":248},"marginal","2026-10-03T02:19:33.938925Z",[249,256,261],{"model_name":250,"is_favourable":251,"value":252,"threshold":253,"unit":254,"operator":255},"Wind Speed",false,10.46,10,"kn","lte",{"model_name":257,"is_favourable":251,"value":258,"threshold":259,"unit":260,"operator":255},"Wave Height",0.607,0.5,"m",{"model_name":262,"is_favourable":251,"value":263,"threshold":40,"unit":264,"operator":265},"Visibility",1.66,"","gte",{"verdict":246,"rating":267,"evaluated_at":247,"generated_at":247,"source":268,"confidence":269,"visibility":272,"parameters":273,"models_passed":40,"models_total":130},"Fair","precomputed",{"level":270,"value":271},"High",100,{"score":263,"rating":113,"confidence":113},[274,276,281,284,288],{"name":257,"value":275,"label":113,"unit":260,"favourable":251,"score":36,"optimal_max":259,"marginal_max":36},0.607406849654694,{"name":277,"value":278,"label":113,"unit":279,"favourable":280,"score":43,"optimal_max":146,"marginal_max":138},"Swell Period",7.05,"s",true,{"name":250,"value":282,"label":113,"unit":254,"favourable":251,"score":36,"optimal_max":253,"marginal_max":283},10.462499932946432,15,{"name":285,"value":5,"label":113,"unit":286,"favourable":280,"score":43,"optimal_max":130,"marginal_max":287},"Precipitation","mm",20,{"name":289,"value":113,"label":290,"unit":264,"favourable":251,"score":36,"optimal_max":113,"marginal_max":113},"Tidal Phase","flood",[292],{"id":293,"image_url":13,"sort_order":5,"is_primary":280,"moderation_status":294,"license":295,"license_url":296,"attribution":297,"author_name":298},"583e68f0-6392-439e-b4aa-dda1eb5464e5","approved","CC BY-SA 4.0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-sa\u002F4.0\u002F","Photo by JulianGWilson","JulianGWilson",{"display_name":300},"Daniel","unverified",1791009163422]