Maroubra Beach has reopened after a decomposing juvenile whale carcass was found near its northern coastline, although dangerous surf conditions initially restricted swimming to a small supervised area.
The discovery at Lurline Bay on Thursday, 22 October, prompted Randwick City Council to close both Maroubra and Coogee beaches as a precaution. Authorities were concerned the remains could attract sharks, despite the whale being some distance from the main swimming areas. By Friday 23 October, lifeguards had reopened Maroubra with a small flagged section directly outside the lifeguard office. Coogee also reopened, but conditions at Maroubra required additional restrictions because of dangerous surf.
Whale Discovery Leaves Authorities Facing Difficult Conditions
The carcass was lodged among rocks at Lurline Bay, just north of Maroubra, where cliffs and rocky ledges made it difficult for crews to reach the remains. The whale was already badly decomposed when authorities responded. An earlier attempt to move it out to sea had taken place after the carcass was found off Sydney’s northern beaches.
Rope remained attached to one of its pectoral fins, which Senior Gamay Ranger Robert Cooley said had been used during the previous towing attempt. The whale’s position at Lurline Bay meant machinery could not easily be brought in to retrieve it. The Gamay Rangers initially preferred to leave the remains to break down naturally rather than attempt a difficult recovery from the rocks.
Randwick City Council consulted the rangers, the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and state authorities while considering the safest and most culturally appropriate response. The whale holds spiritual importance for the local Bidjigal people, who regard it as a totem animal. Cultural representatives remained involved as authorities considered how to handle the deteriorating carcass.
From Lurline Bay To The Sands of Malabar
The situation changed on Monday, 26 October, when strong currents dislodged the carcass and carried it further south to Malabar Beach. The remains washed ashore, prompting lifeguards to close Malabar and barricade the affected stretch of sand. At least two large sections were visible near the shoreline the following morning.
Crews used machinery to move the whale further up the beach while specialist contractors were being arranged to take the remains to a suitable disposal facility. A Gamay Rangers cultural adviser attended the operation, although the advanced decomposition meant the whale was reportedly no longer suitable for a cultural burial.
Dr Clare Willington advised beachgoers to avoid Malabar during the removal work. At Maroubra, the latest lifeguard report on Wednesday, 28 October, confirmed the beach was open. Waves were around one metre, but lifeguards continued to warn of large, dangerous rips along the beach. The flagged swimming area was positioned on a small sandbank near the middle of the beach, with swimmers advised to follow the directions of lifeguards on duty.
Published 23-October-2026
Updated 27-October-2026
