Bells Beach temporarily closed due to whale carcass washing up

Bells Beach, a world-renowned surfing destination in Victoria, Australia, has been temporarily closed after a whale carcass washed ashore on Monday. VicEmergency issued an alert around 2 p.m., warning beachgoers of a possible increase in shark activity in the area. The alert noted that whale carcasses can attract sharks, potentially bringing them closer to shore than usual.

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A whale carcass can attract sharks to the area and mean they are closer to the shore than normal.

While sharks are a common presence off the Victorian coast, beachgoers have been advised to exercise additional caution. Surfers, in particular, have been warned to avoid the area. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority confirmed the temporary closure around 3:30 p.m. due to the beached whale.

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While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Victorian coast, you should exercise additional caution in the area.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, expressing hope that the natural tidal movements will eventually carry the carcass back out to sea. The closure aims to ensure public safety while the whale remains on shore and the risk of shark encounters is elevated.

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Tides should drag it back out to sea, but we will continue to monitor.