DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

On some dives, I would spend a few minutes, staying close next to them, feeling both privileged and overwhelmed, simply enjoying the company of these magnificent creatures—Leopard Sharks Photo: Angus Scarrabelotti

In 1982, after years of community lobbying, the rocks were granted protection, banning activities that harm marine life within a 500-metre radius. It became part of the Cape Byron Marine Park in 2002, further safeguarding its rich biodiversity. Today, this remarkable place is celebrated not just for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and ecological importance, symbolising the deep connection between land, sea, and people. Freediving Julian Rocks had been on my bucket list for a long time. The main objective of this visit was to swim with Leopard Sharks! I planned my trip for the summer months when the water temperatures range from 24– 27°C and during December to May it is Leopard Shark season at Julian Rocks where you can swim among one of the largest congregations of Leopard Sharks in the world before they move north with the warm currents as the water cools. I packed my car with freediving and photography gear and set off solo on a 4,200-kilometre round trip from Melbourne to Byron Bay. I planned for eight days of diving to allow for bad weather, but I was so lucky—the conditions were perfect! Even with great surface conditions, divers, freedivers, and snorkellers need to be prepared for two unpredictable factors: visibility and currents. Knowing this, I decided to dive twice a day for eight days straight, giving me over three hours of freediving each day. It was a time investment I didn’t regret for a second! There are several diving tour operators available in Byron Bay catering to all forms of subsurface activities. Note that if you’re planning to use a weight belt, you must be a certified freediver and have a certified buddy with you. I highly recommend wearing a wetsuit—not so much for warmth, as the water temperature in summer hovers around a pleasant 27°C, but for protection against stingers that might be in the water this time of year. If you do get stung, don’t panic, avoid rubbing the area, once

you’re out of the water apply warm water to the sting—it’s usually all you’ll need to ease the discomfort. If you’re prone to motion sickness take appropriate medication beforehand. The last thing you want is to spend the trip battling nausea instead of enjoying your time in the water. Even before crossing the Brunswick River bar on the way to Julian Rocks, we were treated to some incredible sights. We spotted a Loggerhead Turtle swimming gracefully at the river mouth! Another day, we were treated to the rare sight of Manta rays swimming inside the river mouth, adding even more magic to the journey. Once out in the open ocean, the excitement doesn’t end—keep an eye out for playful dolphins. The conditions at Julian Rocks can change rapidly due to winds and currents. One day, the water was green and murky, with visibility no greater than 4 meters. The next day, visibility improved, but the current was quite strong, limiting the diving sites available. After a few days, visibility dramatically improved—30 meters of crystal

Wobbegongs and Bracheolurus shark

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DIVE LOG Australasia #412 June 25

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