Meet the site
Tricky's is the less publicised of Julian Rocks' named sites, a stretch of boulder slope and gutter terrain on the northern face of the island that links the sheltered Nursery with the more dramatic Cod Hole a short swim further along. It rarely appears at the top of an operator's site list and is more often dived as an extension of a Nursery or Cod Hole dive than booked as a destination in its own right, which suits divers who prefer a quieter patch of an otherwise busy dive site. Depths run a comfortable 10 to 18 m over a series of boulder gutters that hold much the same resident life as the rest of Julian Rocks: wobbegong sharks tucked under ledges, blue groper working the open ground, bullseyes schooling in the gutters, and turtles moving between resting spots. Leopard sharks are seen here in summer when the population expands out from the Needles, and grey nurse sharks occasionally use the deeper gutters in winter in the same way they use the Cod Hole and Cray Cave nearby. Current is generally milder here than on the more exposed eastern and southern sides of the island, making Tricky's a reasonable choice for divers building confidence before tackling the Cod Hole itself. Because it is not marketed as a signature site, published information on Tricky's exact position, depth range and typical marine life is thinner than for the Nursery, Cod Hole or Needles, and the details here should be treated as indicative — divers wanting the specifics of the day's plan should simply ask their instructor or divemaster, since it is usually worked into a longer drift along the northern side of the rocks rather than dived as a fixed mooring in its own right.
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 – Tricky's 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.
- 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.
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 – Tricky's 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 – Tricky's 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
Wobbegongs, turtles, blue groper, bullseyes, leopard sharks (summer), grey nurse sharks (occasional, winter), nudibranchs
Location
A boulder-slope and gutter section on the northern side of Julian Rocks between the Nursery and the Cod Hole, a moderate-depth transitional site often used to link the two better-known dives.
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
adreno.com.audiveplanit.comabyss.com.ausundive.com.ausundive.com.aubyronbaydivecentre.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.