Although Byron Bay is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, only few people realise the fantastic underwater world Byron Bay has to offer. Our popular subtropical township renown for its beautiful beaches and stunning hinterland is home to Julian Rocks which on the 1^st of November 2002 became part of Cape Byron Marine Park, extending from Brunswick Heads in the north to Lennox Head in the south. Zoning will be decided on over the next two years and it is likely that Julian Rocks which has been a marine reserve since 1982 will become a "no-take" or sanctuary zone, meaning marine life and their habitats will be conserved for generations to come. Currently, injuring, disturbing and removal of all forms of marine fauna within a 500 meter radius of the rock is prohibited (with the exception of recreational fishing). We are looking forward to the creation of a true sanctuary for marine life at this rock formation only 2.5 km from shore.

Named by Captain Cook in 1776, Julian Rocks consists of ancient igneous rock, remains of a volcanic eruption more than 20 million years ago. It is an extension of Cape Byron separated by water and forms a most unique habitat, providing shelter and food for more than 500 tropical and temperate fish species alone! Boulders, sand gutters and trenches form a fantastic underwater landscape, coloured by sessile life such as sponges, hard and soft corals and tunicates. Both the tropical and temperate currents that flow past Julian Rocks contribute equally to the abundance and variety of marine life. As a result old wives swim along clownfish and their host anemones and manta rays can be seen cruising together with grey nurse sharks.

With water temperatures and currents changing throughout the year there are many seasonal visitors. During winter the grey nurse sharks can be seen around Julian Rocks. These endangered and in NSW fully protected sharks are fantastic to encounter. On the 1^st of December 2002 Julian Rocks was named as one of the thirteen critical habitats for Grey Nurse Sharks along the NSW coast, a late but important measure to protect a species of which some estimates predict only 300 individuals remain of the east coast of Australia.

In spring when the water temperature starts going up a variety of tropical species become more common around the rock and different species of butterfly fish, angelfish and surgeon fish dart around the coral outcrops that can be found in different places.

The docile leopard sharks can be seen on almost every dive during mid-summer when the waters are warmest. In summer and early autumn manta rays cruise through the waters surrounding the rock. Sometimes observed feeding and generally very curious they are fantastic to come across.

And then there are of course the "regulars" like different species of wobbegong sharks, three species of marine turtles, cuttlefish and octopus, schools of white spotted eagle rays, egg-cowry shells and other molluscs, moray eels, banner fish, clownfish, old wives and schools of trevally, jewfish and kingfish, which diver and snorkellers alike will come across all the time. Sometimes there are so many fish around, you can hardly see where you are going.

More rare are the giant guitarfish, pipefish, pineapple fish and schools of cownose rays.

Do not be fooled by the size of Julian Rocks, because dive sites are plenty and reefs extend to Spot X, Mackeral Boulders and Cape Pinnacles, which are located away from the rock.

Diving is pleasant all year round with temperatures ranging from 18° C in winter to 27° C in summer. Due to its sheltered location diving takes place almost every day of the year, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters.

How can you experience all this yourself? PLANULA Divers Retreat offers relaxed accommodation in lush tropical gardens in combination with spectacular diving. Rooms are queen size double, twin-share or single and diving/accommodation packages include lush continental breakfast every morning. If you have never dived before why not book an introductory dive/accommodation package or even just a snorkel trip. PLANULA is the perfect place to relax for divers and non-divers alike. Your hosts Tim and Wandy are diving enthusiasts themselves and are very knowledgeable in the marine biology area. Tim is a keen underwater videographer who goes out filming most days of the week. You can get your own dive filmed or just sit back and relax at PLANULA and watch some of the diving videos he put together.

Planula Divers Retreat is equipped with everything a diver needs such as gear washing and drying areas, safe equipment storage, an extensive reference library with identification books and literature on marine biology, diving locations and more and PLANULA has underwater photo cameras (including digital) for hire.

Check out the extensive web site on http://www.planula.com.au for more info and up-to date diving conditions or send an email to dive@planula.com.au. You can also contact Tim and Wandy on 02-66809134 or 0403357969.