When people picture Byron Bay, they often imagine the surf, the sand and its vibrant village culture. But just offshore lies something many visitors miss entirely: a protected marine sanctuary where tropical and temperate waters collide, creating one of the most biodiverse underwater regions in Australia.

Cape Byron Marine Park stretches from Brunswick River in the north to Lennox Head in the south, wrapping around Byron’s iconic coastline. This stretch of ocean is home to migrating whales, ancient sea turtles, coral gardens, and submerged rock formations teeming with life. 

And for guests staying at Basq House, it’s all within easy reach. From diving at Julian Rocks to discovering secret beaches south of town, this is where Byron’s wild and quiet beauty truly comes alive

Just 2.5km offshore, the twin outcrops of Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) rise from the sea—dramatic, ancient, and alive with marine life. The Bundjalung name Nguthungulli translates to “father of the world”, and according to local lore, the name refers to the powerful spirit who formed the rocks in a moment of fury. Today, they remain sacred to the Arakwal people and protected as part of the Cape Byron Marine Park.

Because Julian Rocks sits at the meeting point of warm northern currents and cooler southern flows, it supports a rare mix of species found almost nowhere else. Depending on the season, you might see:

• Leopard sharks gliding over the sandy ocean floor (December to May)
• Sea turtles (green, loggerhead and hawksbill) all year round
• Manta rays in the warmer months
• Grey nurse sharks in winter and spring
• Humpback whales passing through from May to October
• Plus: wobbegongs, eagle rays, soft corals, and schools of tropical fish

Snorkel or Dive
Join a guided tour to Julian Rocks. Expect close-up encounters with rays, turtles, and (if you’re lucky!) a leopard shark or two. Visibility peaks in the warmer weather; between late spring and early autumn. (See Wild Byron and Out of the Blue Adventures for eco-certified snorkel and dive experiences.)

Kayak with Dolphins
Paddle out from Main Beach on a guided kayak tour, and you might find yourself floating alongside a pod of local bottlenose dolphins. Turtles and rays often surface nearby, and in winter, you may even spot a whale tail breaching in the distance. (Cape Byron Kayaks run small group tours daily, with all gear and support included.)

Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)
On calmer days, rent a board and explore the waters around Belongil or The Pass. paddleboarding offers a peaceful way to take in the beauty of the coastline. (Boards are available for hire locally or as part of guided sessions with providers like Byron Bay Adventure Tours.)

Boat Tours & Cruises
Eco-certified boat tours take guests out to Julian Rocks and along breathtaking markers along the coast. Seasonal whale-watching cruises are available, offering a front-row seat to the annual migration. Sunset cruises are also available, ideal for those seeking calmer waters and wide ocean views. (Out of the Blue Adventures runs scenic and sunset tours.)

Some of the most spectacular parts of Byron’s marine park are tucked between the land and the sea. For those who love to find little-known swimming holes and shorelines, don’t forget to add these treasures to your list.

Tallow Beach (Cosy Corner)
Just five minutes’ drive from Basq House, Tallow Beach is the most expansive of Byron’s quieter shores. Backed by bush and stretching all the way to Broken Head, it’s a favourite for long walks, beach fishing, and swims when the tide allows. There are no patrols, so it’s best suited to confident swimmers.

For a more sheltered spot, head to Cosy Corner at the northern end, where the cliffs of Cape Byron offer protection from the summer winds. It’s popular with surfers and locals in the know, especially when the northerlies pick up.

Kings Beach
Tucked inside Broken Head Nature Reserve, Kings Beach is reached by a short rainforest walk that opens suddenly to a wide, horseshoe-shaped bay. With rocky headlands on either side and pandanus trees at the back of the beach, it feels remote and self-contained.

This spot has long been known as a clothing-optional beach, and it’s welcomed a mix of visitors over the years: surfers, walkers, day-trippers, and locals who stay all afternoon. Shade is limited, and there are no facilities, so it’s best to come early and pack simply. The walk in is beautiful and manageable, but steep in parts.

Brays Beach
Brays sits further south along the Broken Head coastline and sees fewer visitors than most spots around Byron. The access track is steep and unmarked in parts. What waits at the end is a rugged sweep of sand edged by rainforest slopes and open ocean. 

Swell can be strong, and there’s no patrol, but the setting feels raw and untouched. There’s space to sit, watch the water or take in the beauty of the land around you. Bring what you need and give yourself time to enjoy this hidden spot.

Whites Beach
Located in Broken Head Nature Reserve, about 10 minutes’ drive from Basq House, Whites Beach is one of Byron’s quieter coastal pockets. A short trail through the coastal rainforest leads to a sheltered cove with white sand, clear water and palm-lined cliffs.

There are no facilities here and only a few places to park—so it’s best to arrive early and come prepare. At low tide, you can walk the shoreline and explore the rockpools to the south. It’s unpatrolled, and conditions vary, so check the swell before swimming.

While staying at Basq House, you won’t need to go far to experience some of the world’s most rare and beautiful natural coastal wonders. Whether you're up early and keen to snorkel at Julian Rocks, or prefer a slower start at Kings Beach, there’s no wrong way to explore Byron’s wild edges. 

If you'd like help booking a guided dive or wildlife cruise, our team works with trusted local operators (Wild Byron and Out of the Blue Adventures  for marine tours, to Cape Byron Kayaks and Byron Bay Adventure Tours for paddling, hiking, and more). We can also suggest the right hidden beach based on the weather, tides, and how much you feel like walking.