SYDNEY, Australia, October 22, 2026 â Two of Sydney’s most popular beaches have been closed after a decomposing whale carcass washed into Lurline Bay, raising concerns that sharks could be attracted to swimming and surfing areas along the city’s eastern coastline.
Randwick City Council confirmed that Coogee and Maroubra beaches would remain closed until further notice. Lifeguards are monitoring conditions while authorities assess the whale’s remains, which are trapped among rocks in a difficult-to-access location.
The discovery has also drawn curious onlookers, prompting warnings about approaching the shoreline and possible restrictions along the nearby coastal walkway.
Whale Carcass Discovered Between Coogee and Maroubra
The whale was spotted on Thursday morning, October 22, floating against rocks at Lurline Bay, between the two beaches.
Its remains appeared badly decomposed, with damaged blubber and possible bite marks. Waves pushed the carcass against the shoreline before it became lodged in a rocky crevice as the tide receded.
Several residents gathered to observe the animal, describing its unusual appearance. Despite the advanced decomposition, witnesses reported little noticeable smell.
Shark Fears Prompt Precautionary Beach Closures
Whale carcasses can attract sharks because they provide a substantial food source. Decomposing material can also spread through surrounding waters, potentially drawing scavengers toward nearby swimming areas.
Marine scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta told ABC News that sharks would likely be attracted to the area and strongly advised against swimming nearby.
However, authorities have not confirmed sharks feeding on the carcass. The closures are precautionary measures intended to protect swimmers and surfers.
The incident follows a serious shark attack at Coogee Beach in June 2026, when a woman suffered critical injuries. Authorities have not established any connection between that attack and the whale discovered this week.
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Rope Found Around Whale’s Fin Raises Questions
Although the animal was initially described as a baby whale, Dr Pirotta suggested it was more likely a juvenile or young adult humpback.
A rope was reportedly visible around one of its pectoral fins, raising questions about possible entanglement.
However, the cause of death remains unknown. Authorities have not established whether the rope contributed to the animal’s death or how long the carcass had been drifting before reaching Lurline Bay.
The discovery comes during the southern migration season for humpback whales along Australia’s east coast.
Rocky Coastline Complicates Whale Removal
Removing the remains is difficult because the carcass is trapped among rocks beneath steep coastal cliffs.
Robert Cooley, from the Indigenous Gamay Rangers, said the whale was already breaking apart and that ocean conditions and limited access prevented machinery or vessels from safely reaching it.
Randwick Council said immediate removal was not proceeding while discussions continued about environmentally sensitive options.
Mayor Dr Clare Willington emphasised the whale’s cultural significance to the local Bidjigal people, for whom it is an important totem animal.
Cultural advisers are expected to assist with decisions about handling the remains, including a possible ceremony.
Previous Whale Strandings Have Disrupted Australian Beaches
The incident follows other whale carcass discoveries along Australia’s coastline this year.
In April, beaches in the Royal National Park were closed after a whale carcass near Era Beach raised shark concerns.
In July, a juvenile humpback washed ashore at Greenhills Beach in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. Testing for H5N1 bird flu returned a negative result.
A similar incident occurred in Victoria, where a whale carcass at Bells Beach prompted shark warnings and beach restrictions.
Separately, authorities in Tasmania were responding to a live whale stranded near Turners Beach on Thursday, warning people to avoid the area during the incoming tide.
Coogee and Maroubra Beach Reopening Updates
Both beaches were ordered closed until further notice, with no confirmed reopening date in the initial announcements.
Randwick Council is also considering restricting access to the nearby rock shelf and coastal walkway while the carcass remains in place.
Before visiting, swimmers and surfers should check Randwick City Council’s official lifeguard reports for current beach conditions.
Residents and tourists have been urged to stay out of closed swimming areas, avoid approaching the whale and follow instructions from lifeguards and local authorities.
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