World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Two Sydney beaches closed after decomposing whale washes ashore
Authorities closed Coogee and Maroubra beaches after a dead whale was found floating near shore in Lurline Bay, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The carcass appears to be a decomposed adult or young adult humpback that may have been dead for some time.
Officials warned the carcass could attract sharks, and a whale scientist advised people not to swim.
Randwick Council is working with local rangers and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to manage the carcass while respecting its cultural significance to the Bidjigal people.
Rope was visible around one of the whale’s fins, and a scientist said it may have contributed to the whale’s death.
The beaches will remain closed until further notice, while the council considers restricting access to a nearby walkway to manage crowds.
Coogee and Maroubra beaches in Sydney were closed after a decomposing whale carcass washed ashore at Lurline Bay.
The carcass was found in a rocky area between the beaches, and authorities said removal would require a culturally and environmentally sensitive approach.
Officials warned people to avoid the area, while a whale scientist advised strongly against swimming because carcasses can attract sharks.
The whale’s species and the circumstances of its death were still being determined.
Randwick Council said the beaches would remain closed until further notice.
- Who
- Randwick Council and authorities closed the beaches; the whale’s species has not been confirmed.
- What
- Coogee and Maroubra beaches were closed after a decomposing whale carcass washed ashore.
- When
- The carcass was reported just before 8am on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Lurline Bay, between Coogee and Maroubra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
- Why
- The closure was a precaution to limit risks to swimmers and surfers, including increased shark activity near the carcass.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lifeguards reported the dead whale floating in Lurline Bay.
Randwick Council closed Coogee and Maroubra beaches until further notice.
The council said it was working with rangers and the NSW Department of Primary Industries on managing and removing the carcass.
- Beaches closed
- Coogee and Maroubra
- Location
- Lurline Bay, between Coogee and Maroubra
- Reported time
- Just before 8am on Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Council
- Randwick Council
- Whale species
- Not confirmed; SMH reported it appeared to be an adult or subadult humpback
4 sources
What people are saying
I would strongly advise against swimming.
The whale is an important totem animal to the local Bidjigal people.
It almost looks fake to me.