2021 February
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In February 2021 I returned to dive Julian Rocks, this time accessing this popular dive location from Brunswick Heads rather than Byron Bay. I was immediately impressed by the Blue Bay Divers operation there. Above all, at a time of the year when conditions can be unpredictable their candour in giving realistic expectations, was admirable as was their attention to safety and their willingness to try and give everyone a good dive. Their vessel, Bay Warrior, is ideal for this type of diving and their dive team, experienced and friendly.

February and March are good months to see Manta rays and Leopard sharks at Julian Rocks. Unfortunately, they are also months of potentially big swells and accordingly cancelled dives. Sure enough, Cyclone Oma put pay to my March 2019 trip then rough weather forced the cancellation of my “Let’s Go Adventures trip” in February 2021. But third time lucky, with perfect conditions forecast just a week later, I travelled to Brunswick Heads on my own and was rewarded with some superb diving.

On Day One my dive guide Christina Gray introduced me to my dive buddy, Angela Fontaine. I quickly realised that Angela is one of those divers who is just naturally coordinated underwater – it was a real pleasure to dive with her. We had only just entered the water when the first Leopard shark swam by us. Then another and another. With Manta rays, eagle rays and turtles as well, our two dives were outstanding. On Day Two, Christina buddied me up with Timmy McCarthy and Timmy and I enjoyed pretty much the same fabulous sightings as on Day One. Then my friends Mat Smith and Bob Lewis joined me for Day Three. Again, we had a great time but this time a Manta ray stayed with us for ages, easily close enough to touch if we had been so stupid. Mick Todd was going to join me for Day Four, driving from Nelson Bay to Brunswick Heads overnight. However, with poor weather forecast, Blue Bay Divers cancelled the next day’s diving just before Mick could set off on the 626-kilometre drive north.

Despite the unpredictability of the sea conditions at this time of the year, the fantastic diving when diving is possible, justifies taking a chance.