Meet the site
The Needles occupy the sandy arena south of Julian Rocks proper, where a scatter of large bommies and rocky pinnacles rises close enough to the surface to break the swell on a big day, giving the site its name. Depths are moderate, generally 9 to 15 m, but the site has more current running through it than the sheltered Nursery, which is what draws the bigger fish life that makes the Needles one of the most popular sites at the rocks. From December through April this open sandy ground becomes the summer resting ground for Julian Rocks' famous leopard (zebra) shark aggregation — regarded as one of the largest known gatherings of Indo-Pacific leopard sharks anywhere in the world — with the animals lying still on the sand between the bommies where divers can approach slowly for a close, low-impact view. The same season regularly brings reef manta rays cruising over the pinnacles to feed, along with eagle rays and green and loggerhead turtles year-round. Outside the leopard shark season the Needles are still worth diving for the schooling fish that use the current line here: trevally, kingfish and other pelagics move through the bommies in numbers not seen on the calmer Nursery side. Current is the main variable at the Needles: on a quiet day it is barely noticeable, but a run of the East Australian Current or a big tide can turn this into a genuine drift dive between the pinnacles, and divers should be prepared to use a surface marker buoy if they end up separated from the mooring line. The open, current-swept ground and lack of overhead shelter mean the Needles is best suited to divers who already have a few dives at the calmer Julian Rocks sites under their belt, but for anyone chasing the leopard sharks, manta rays and the big-animal energy the site is famous for, it is the must-do dive at the rocks in summer.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Julian Rocks – The Needles is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Tweed & Byron Bay. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Julian Rocks – The Needles suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Julian Rocks – The Needles through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Leopard (zebra) sharks (summer aggregation), manta rays (summer), eagle rays, green and loggerhead turtles, schooling trevally and kingfish, bull rays, nudibranchs
Location
A large sandy arena south of Julian Rocks studded with rocky bommies and pinnacles that come close to the surface, the best site on the island for big fish, rays and seasonal leopard sharks.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
sundive.com.audiveplanit.comabyss.com.ausundive.com.aubyronbaydivecentre.com.auadreno.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.