Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks)

Nguthungulli, also known as Julian Rocks, is a marine reserve off Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia. It is described as one of the oldest marine sanctuaries in the country and is home to more than 1000 marine species, including over 500 species of fish.

Why the mix is unusual. Temperate southern species share the water here with tropical species that arrive from the Great Barrier Reef, so the fauna differs from most other places on the coast.

Sea turtles are regularly seen, and wobbegong sharks, rays and many colourful fish are common. Leopard sharks, manta rays, eagle rays and grey nurse sharks are also recorded at the rocks.