Whale carcass closes Sydney's Coogee and Maroubra beaches
A dead humpback whale spotted at Lurline Bay forced the closure of two major Sydney beaches.
Coogee and Maroubra beaches shut to swimmers after the whale carcass appeared against the coastline this morning. Randwick Council will keep both beaches closed until the body is removed.
Whale scientist Vanessa Pirotta warned that sharks would be drawn to the dead animal and advised swimmers to stay out of the water. The council identified the whale as a baby, but Dr Pirotta said it was likely a young adult or teenage humpback.
This is the third whale carcass to wash up on Sydney's coast in 2026, following incidents at Greenhills Beach in Sydney's Sutherland Shire in July and Era Beach in April.
- Coogee and Maroubra
- Beaches closed
- Lurline Bay
- Location of carcass
- 3
- Whale carcasses in 2026
- Vanessa Pirotta
- Scientist warning
Why it mattersSwimming remains unsafe while the carcass attracts predators and removal is arranged.
AustraliaSydney beachgoers unable to swim at two of the east coast's most popular swimming spots until the whale is removed.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·theage.com.au
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