News & Alerts

Update on 25 June at 2:00 pm 

Rottnest Island Rangers have reopened Pinky Beach and Longreach Bay Beach. The Basin remains closed. 

Additional caution is recommended by DPIRD in The Basin, Longreach Bay Beach and Pinky Beach area, as any residue from the whale carcass may attract sharks to the area.

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X. 

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Update on 23 June at 1:15 pm 

Rottnest Island Rangers with the assistance of contractors have successfully towed the whale carcass out to sea.

Beaches have been closed at The Basin, Longreach Bay Beach and Pinky Beach. Rottnest Island rangers will review the beach closures at 8:00 am on 24 June 2026. 

Additional caution is recommended by DPIRD in The Basin, Longreach Bay Beach and Pinky Beach area, as any residue from the whale carcass may attract sharks to the area.

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X. 

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Alert issued on 21 June 2026

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at The Basin at Rottnest Island.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 2:10 pm. 
• It is possible the carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming in close to shore along this stretch of coast.
• Although sharks may be present along the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in The Basin Beach area.
• Adhere to any beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).
• Stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and @SLSWA on X.

What authorities are doing: 

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has closed the beach for the safety of water users. Once the whale carcass has been removed the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be.  

Extra information: 

Stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X – x.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.