Second Dead Whale Washes Ashore in Cottesloe
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 12:19 pm AEST
A decomposed whale carcass was found at South Cottesloe beach in Perth, prompting beach closures and concerns about increased shark activity. Council staff are arranging for the removal of the 3-meter whale to landfill.
What happened
- A 3-meter, significantly decomposed whale carcass was discovered at South Cottesloe beach in Perth, Australia, early this morning.
- Council staff are planning to remove the carcass to landfill.
- Cottesloe Mayor Melissa Harkins advised residents to avoid the water until the removal is complete.
- The discovery has led to the closure of all local beaches, including the Cottesloe main beach which has a shark barrier.
- Elsewhere, a similar whale carcass washed up at Lurline Bay in Sydney, prompting closures of Coogee and Maroubra beaches.
- Randwick Council Mayor, Dr Clare Willington, stated that the area was cordoned off to allow the creature to rest undisturbed.
- Gamay Rangers, an Indigenous ranger team, are involved in managing the situation, acknowledging the whale’s significance as a totem animal to the local Bidjigal people.
- Robert Cooley, Gamay Rangers manager, is monitoring the situation, stating that the tide may naturally return the carcass to the sea.
Original reporting
- ABC: Cottesloe beaches shut as second dead whale washes ashore
2026-10-22T02:19:57+00:00 - Guardian: ‘Almost looks fake’: two Sydney beaches closed after whale carcass washes up
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00