Meet the site
The Trench is one of the deeper, more exposed swim-through features on the south-eastern side of Julian Rocks, cutting through the rock in the same general area as Cray Cave and Gorgonian Hollow but forming its own distinct passage rather than the shallower, twin-channel Hugo's Trench found on the eastern side of the island. Depths run from about 12 m at the shallower end to 22 m where the trench opens toward the deeper reef, putting this dive a notch above the more sheltered Nursery and Hugo's Trench in both depth and typical current. As on the rest of this flank of Julian Rocks, the appeal here is a mix of dramatic swim-through topography and a genuine chance of grey nurse sharks through the cooler months, when the animals use the trench's walls to shelter from current in much the same way they use the nearby Cray Cave and Cod Hole. Wobbegong sharks lie along the trench floor, turtles pass through routinely, and the trench walls themselves support a good covering of sponges, gorgonians and small invertebrate life for divers who take the time to look closely rather than simply transit through. Because The Trench sits on the more exposed side of the island, it shares the same weather sensitivity as Cray Cave and the Cod Hole: a moderate south-easterly swell will generate enough surge inside the passage to make it unpleasant or unsafe, and operators will substitute the sheltered Nursery or Hugo's Trench on those days. On a calm day with reasonable visibility, though, this is one of the more satisfying deeper swim-throughs at Julian Rocks, offering genuine canyon-style diving without needing to leave the shelter of the island's own reef system. Divers should have solid buoyancy control given the narrower sections and the depth involved.
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 Trench is recorded as Reef 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Trench suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Trench 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
Grey nurse sharks (winter), wobbegongs, turtles, sponges, gorgonians, small reef fish
Location
A deep, narrow trench on the more exposed south-eastern flank of Julian Rocks, distinct from the twin Hugo's Trench system, cutting through the rock toward the Cray Cave/Gorgonian Hollow area.
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
byronbaydivecentre.com.audiveplanit.comsundive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.