Scuba Diving

The best local diving is at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, some 3 km (2 miles) offshore, where the confluence of warm and cold currents supports a profusion of marine life and is one of the few sites south of the Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel with both tropical fish and deep-water animals from the Southern Ocean.

Byron Bay Dive Centre. This dive center runs snorkeling and scuba-diving trips for all levels of experience, plus gear rental and instruction. The five-hour introductory diving course costs A$160; a single dive with all equipment and guide and some 50 minutes of diving near Julian Rocks costs A$99. A 60-minute snorkel trip, complete with wet suit, is A$65. 9 Marvel St., Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481. 02/6685–8333; 1800/243483; www.byronbaydivecentre.com.au. From A$60.

Sundive. This PADI dive center has courses for all level of divers, as well as boat dives and snorkel trips. The first dive, with all equipment, is A$95; snorkeling trips are available, too. 9–11 Middleton St., Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481. 02/6685–7755; 1800/008755; www.sundive.com.au. From A$70.