Coogee and Maroubra beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs have been closed to the public as a precautionary measure after a whale carcass washed ashore on the rocky ledge between the two popular swimming and surfing destinations.
Randwick City Council confirmed it is collaborating with local rangers and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries to safely remove the carcass from a challenging location, which is surrounded by cliffs and rocky ledges.
“As a precaution, Maroubra and Coogee Beach will remain closed until further notice while lifeguards monitor the situation and coordinate with local stakeholders and authorities to arrange the safe removal of the whale,” the Randwick council stated.
The council also indicated that it is considering closing the surrounding area and the adjacent rock shelf walkway to help manage crowds along the highly popular coastal walkway.
“At this stage, the carcass is not being actively removed, and ongoing discussions are taking place with the Gamay Rangers to develop a culturally and environmentally sensitive approach to the situation.”
Mayor Dr. Clare Willington emphasized that the council will ensure any removal operation is conducted in a manner that is “culturally respectful” to Indigenous Australians.
“The whale is a significant totem animal for the local Bidjigal people, and we are committed to ensuring our actions respect this deep cultural connection,” she added.
“This is a natural occurrence, and in time, natural processes will deal with the carcass. Our immediate focus is on managing and limiting any impact to swimmers and surfers at nearby beaches.”
The council continues to encourage both residents and visitors to avoid the area and strictly follow directions provided by lifeguards and local authorities.
This incident comes as authorities on Tasmania’s north-west coast work to assist another large whale that has become stranded in shallow waters off Turners Beach.
Tasmanian police have warned members of the public to avoid the area and refrain from entering the water on the incoming tide due to anticipated safety hazards.
‘Almost looks fake’
Curious locals and onlookers gathered at Lurline Bay throughout the morning in hopes of catching a glimpse of the stranded marine giant.
Meeri Pajala, an au pair from Finland living in Sydney, remarked that she had never witnessed anything quite like it before.
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“It almost looks fake to me,” she told Guardian Australia.
“The texture of the skin looks incredibly strange and out of place.”
Glenda, a local resident who wished to remain anonymous, said she regularly watches whales swimming along the coast and was naturally curious when she heard the news of the carcass.
“My main interest is in determining whether it is a newborn or a juvenile whale,” she explained.
“I initially expected the carcass to be much more intact or complete.”
The carcass appears to be relatively small and shows significant signs of deterioration, with visible bite marks along the blubber.
It was initially nudged against the rocks as the waves ebbed and flowed, but has since become firmly wedged in a crevice due to the low tide.
To the surprise of many onlookers, the carcass does not appear to emit any strong odor.
Authorities are still working to determine the specific species of the whale and how the carcass arrived in the bay, though it is believed to have died some time prior to washing ashore.