A whale calf carcass has washed ashore at Malabar Beach in Sydney, the third landing spot for the same animal. Randwick Council workers moved the remains up the sand, roped off the area and closed the beach on Tuesday. Council said strong currents moved the carcass from Lurline Bay and that it will be removed and disposed of on Tuesday 27 October. Earlier, Coogee and Maroubra beaches were shut after the carcass became stuck against rocks at Lurline Bay.
Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service has buried a 10-metre sperm whale at Turners Beach in the state's north-west. The whale became stuck in shallow water on Wednesday night and died later on Thursday after staff tried to save it. Scientists took samples from the carcass for further research. The service says the site was chosen as more suitable for environmental and public amenity reasons than burying it on the beach or leaving it to decompose. Some residents are worried about contamination and sharks near a popular swimming spot.
Indigenous rangers are assisting Randwick City Council to handle a whale carcass that washed onto rocks between Coogee and Maroubra beaches. Two nearby beaches have been closed as a safety precaution. The council said it would wait to see whether the tide carries the animal back out to sea before moving it. The area has been cordoned off, and the carcass is hard to reach because it sits among cliffs and rock ledges. Robert Cooley of the Gamay Rangers said the animal appears to be a young humpback whale, which holds deep spiritual significance for his people.
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A dead whale has washed up on South Cottesloe beach in Perth, the second in recent weeks. The partly decomposed carcass, about three metres long, was found early on Thursday. Cottesloe Mayor Melissa Harkins said all local beaches are closed, including the main beach, which has a shark barrier. She urged people to stay out of the water until the carcass is removed and for some time after. Council staff plan to move the carcass to Red Hill Waste Management Facility for burial.
Two busy Sydney beaches, Coogee and Maroubra, have been closed until further notice after a decomposing whale carcass washed up at nearby Lurline Bay. Randwick Council said the closure protects swimmers and surfers, as whale carcasses can attract sharks. Council has no plans to remove the animal. Staff are working with the Gamay Rangers on a culturally sensitive approach, and the carcass is believed to be a juvenile humpback. Residents are asked to avoid the area and follow directions from lifeguards and authorities.
Tweed Shire Council is seeking public feedback on a draft policy for managing dead whales and large marine animals on its beaches. The draft prioritises towing carcasses offshore but also considers burial or disposal at waste facilities. Mayor Reece Byrnes says community views will shape the final policy, with each incident assessed individually. Public consultation is open until 4pm on 11 November. The policy does not cover live strandings, which remain the responsibility of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Perth beaches have reopened after being closed due to unsafe bacteria levels from a decomposing whale. The 13-metre humpback whale washed up at South City Beach, attracting large crowds and sharks. Recent tests showed E. coli levels were within acceptable limits, allowing the council to reopen City Beach and Floreat Beach. Swanbourne Beach remains closed, and sharks have been spotted along the coastline.
