Are There Sharks In Sydney Harbour? Sure! Right here’s What You Want To …

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Rising up close to Sydney, one of many questions we regularly bought requested by travellers is; are there sharks in Sydney Harbour?

The reply is sure, and it’s not unusual to see them swimming in sure areas of Sydney Harbour too!

Vacationers visiting Sydney both don’t know or perceive the risks that include this beautiful harbour of ours, so we thought it was our obligation to offer some key details about sharks in Sydney Harbour, so that you might be knowledgeable earlier than you go to.

That being stated, don’t let the presence of sharks strike worry into you – sharks have a nasty repute, and Australia does have the second most shark assaults on the planet, however shark bites are uncommon in Sydney Harbour.

Species of Sharks in Sydney Harbour

There are a number of species of sharks that go to the waters of Sydney Habor. In addition they go to the harbour at totally different instances of day and instances of 12 months.

Bull Sharks

The commonest species is the bull shark, essentially the most aggressive species of shark. They’re probably to go to the habour throughout the summer season months and early autumn as they benefit from the hotter temperatures.

January and February are the months the place essentially the most sightings are reported.

Bull sharks are extra lively throughout low gentle intervals, comparable to daybreak, nightfall, and hunt in shallow water. In the course of the day, they’re extra prone to be in deeper water.

Port Jackson Shark

The Port Jackson Shark is a nocturnal shark, and are generally discovered round Port Jackson Harbour in Sydney (therefore the identify). 

They aren’t significantly aggressive and are innocent until provoked.

They will develop to a complete size of 1.65 meters lengthy, and are characterised by their brown coloration and distinctive etched markings.

Wobbegong Shark

The Wobbegong Shark is a standard shark round Sydney’s coast and is thought for its distinct noticed markings.

It’s a carpet shark, which suggests it hunts on the ocean flooring and camouflages itself within the sand, although it may be noticed in shallower water.

They’re typically a docile shark and aren’t a risk until they’re provoked.

Gray Nurse Shark

Gray Nurse Sharks are small sharks that reside in deep water and aren’t thought of a risk.

There’s a colony of Gray Nurse Sharks in Magic Level in Sydney Harbour, however they reside 7-16 meters beneath the floor and are solely noticed by divers.

There’s stated to be round 5-10 Gray Nurse Sharks on this space on a typical day, however in hotter months, you possibly can see as much as 40 per day.

Blind Shark

Opposite to what you would possibly imagine, the Blind Shark shouldn’t be blind, however are so-named as a result of they’ve small eyes, which they shut after they get caught by fishermen

They’re thought of a small shark, reaching lengths of as much as 1.2 meters lengthy.

They reside in shallow waters and are thought of fairly shy and infrequently come into contact with people.

Crested Horn Shark

The Crested Horn Shark, also referred to as the Crested Bullhead Shark, is a species of bullhead shark, sometimes present in rocky areas of Sydney Harbour.

They’re bottom-dwelling sharks and are extra typically seen in winter after they come into shallow rocky waters to put their eggs.

They aren’t thought of harmful.

Nice White Sharks

Nice White Sharks are recognized to enter Sydney Harbour, particularly in hotter months from November till March.

They prefer to hunt throughout daybreak and nightfall in low gentle, and are particularly lively after it rains.

The Nice White has been answerable for most shark assaults, so it’s greatest to keep away from sewage shops and different areas that may be thought of “fish bait,” particularly throughout daybreak and nightfall, as they might be out searching.

Different Sharks (Although Uncommon To See)

There are different kinds of shark to look out for in Sydney Harbour are Hammerheads, Bronze Whalers, Makos, and Dusky Whalers, although these are not often seen.

Tiger Sharks, that are additionally extremely aggressive, are not often seen in Sydney Harbour. 

The place Are Sharks in Sydney Harbour?

Residents have reported seeing massive bull sharks within the waters between Kirribilli, Backyard Island, and the Opera Home.

In addition they frequent the waters within the Parramatta River close to Glades Bay, Lane Cove Rivers, and round Center Harbour and North Harbour.

Most sightings are round Center Harbour as a result of it’s one of many deepest elements of the harbour.

However, that is Australia, there are sharks in all places. They will present up at any level within the harbour, and all shark assaults have occurred in several areas.

We had an in depth name with a shark within the harbour ourselves as soon as. We noticed surfers within the a part of Manly North Head, that known as Sharky Bay (becoming identify).

This was a spot the place our tour information noticed a shark whereas kayaking. It was a diver and didn’t see it coming. A bull shark.

Historical past of Shark Assaults in Sydney Harbour

Bull sharks are essentially the most populous shark in Sydney Harbour, however they don’t seem to be the largest downside in terms of shark assaults – that title belongs to the Nice White and White Shark.

These are among the most aggressive sharks you could find, except for Tiger sharks, who could also be swimming round in there as effectively.

Shark assaults are uncommon, and between now and 1791, there have solely been 11 deadly shark assaults.

Not all shark assaults depart critical accidents or loss of life, generally they will simply nudge you with their nostril.

Sharks are interested in what they imagine is a meals supply, so in case you attempt to not appear like fish bait, you may need higher odds.

Probably the most notable shark assault tales in Sydney Harbour are:

• 1791: the primary deadly assault reported a lady killed by a fantastic white shark in Sydney Harbour at round three:00am.
• 1960: A 13-year previous boy, Kenneth William Murray, was freediving slightly below Roseville Bridge, reverse Killarney picnic reserve in Center Harbour, when he was attacked by a Nice White.
• 1963: An area actress, Marcia Hathaway, was killed by a Nice White shark whereas wading in Sugarloaf Bay, within the Center Harbour Space
• 2009: Royal Australian Navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder was attacked by a bull shark throughout a army train in Sydney Harbour, dropping an arm and leg.
• 2024: A girl, Lauren O’Neill, was bitten on the appropriate leg whereas swimming in Elizabeth Bay, however was helped by native vet Fiona Crago who utilized a tourniquet and her leg was later saved in surgical procedure.

Probabilities of one other bull shark assault occurring is low, however do proceed with warning in case you plan on swimming in Sydney Harbour.

The truth is, the NSW authorities has probably the most complete techniques on the planet for monitoring shark populations and intercepting shark assaults.

They use 305 SMART drumlines to report sharks (the place sharks are intercepted, tagged and relocated), most seashores have shark nets, they usually additionally do drone patrols at 50 seashores throughout summer season months.

Last Ideas

I do know this seems like worry mongering, however belief me, whenever you come to Australia, it’s important to take into consideration the potential for encountering a shark.

Positive, it’s at lengthy odds, whether or not you’ll be attacked or not. I’m not prepared to take a shot at these odds, and I’m native.

I’m simply right here to warn you vacationers to Australia – sharks are in all places, and the Sydney Harbour is one in all their favorite houses.

Fortunate for you there are such a lot of methods you possibly can expertise this lovely harbour with out stepping into the water.

Extra Sydney Journey Ideas

You possibly can be taught extra about Sydney Harbour and visiting Sydney within the following guides: