Most commonly sighted sharks in Sydney
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The best shark of Sydney (in my opinion!)
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Rarely sighted sharks in Sydney!
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The Dusky whaler shark is a rare shark to see in Sydney and can only be seen as juveniles in the Manly Cabbage Tree Bay area. They are very shy and so it can be difficult to take photos of them. They appear in the warmer months only and appear to be seasonal. Please share your photos to iNaturalist for research!
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The Smooth hammerhead shark can be seen from time to time, especially by drones. If you follow Drone Shark app you might see Homer the hammerhead swimming out in Bondi. I am yet to dive with them though - super rare and shy. If you see them please share your photos to iNaturalist for research!
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I have only come close to seeing an angelshark on a dive once! Again, super rare and special to see these sharks in Sydney - but in the sand you might be lucky to spot one. If you sight these magical under-studied species please share your photos to iNaturalist for research!
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Sharks you probably don't want to see in Sydney
Firstly, let's remember that despite the media shark attacks are very very rare. You are far more likely to be killed by vending machines, horses, kangaroos, and of course cars. But of course, the idea of these sharks scares most people. The best way to avoid unwanted interactions with the apex predators of the ocean (for which, is their home and where they belong) is to swim between the red and yellow flags, or on patrolled beaches, or within shark enclosures in the harbour. If a person gets attacked they are effectively winning the worst lottery ever - it genuinely is that rare. In modern history a person has never being killed by a shark while underwater on a scuba dive in Sydney. However, if you are scared you can always follow the NSW SharkSmart app to follow where tagged sharks have been seen, and avoid swimming near bait, and avoid swimming after heavy rainfall - just swim between the red and yellow flags.
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Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Bull sharks arrive in Sydney as water temperatures hit 19°C, peaking around 21°C. While they are vital "clean-up" predators, they hunt more effectively in murky water after heavy rain, so it’s best to avoid swimming then. They are known to live in the harbour and hang out in shallow waters. Despite their ecological value as an apex predator, Australia still uses controversial shark nets for culling - something that I strongly oppose.
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Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
The tiger shark is known as the "trash can of the sea" due to their indiscriminate diet, which means they play a crucial role in cleaning the ocean by scavenging on everything including marine debris. While they are an apex predator essential to a healthy ecosystem, they are also the target of controversial and outdated shark nets used in Australia’s culling programs. To avoid tiger sharks during summer months it is best to swim between the yellow and red flags on lifeguarded beaches.
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Great White shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
The great white shark is one of the most famous sharks that visits Sydney. They visit the city on their migrations along the coast. They are a protected species in Australia and recent studies show that there may be fewer than 500 breeding adults which is incredibly low. Yet they are still subjected to the outdated shark net program. They visit mostly in the cooler months, and again the best way to avoid interaction is to swim between the yellow and red flags on lifeguarded beaches.
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