Shark attacks force beach closures along Australia’s east coast

January 20, 2026 / 11:03 AM

Sharjah24-WAM: Dozens of beaches along Australia’s east coast, including several in Sydney, were closed on Tuesday following four shark attacks over two days. The closures come amid heavy rainfall that has left coastal waters murky, conditions experts say can increase the likelihood of shark encounters.

Beaches around Port Macquarie, about 400 kilometres north of Sydney, were closed after a man was bitten while surfing on Monday. Health authorities said the victim remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Series of alarming encounters

On the same day, a 10-year-old boy escaped unharmed after a shark knocked him off his surfboard and bit a chunk out of it. A day earlier, another boy was left in critical condition after being bitten at a city beach, prompting alarm among coastal communities.

Police said all beaches in the Northern Beaches council area of Sydney would remain closed until further notice as a precautionary measure.

Weather adds to risk

Officials warned that reduced visibility caused by heavy rain can bring sharks closer to shore, urging residents and visitors to adhere to beach closures and safety advisories.