Are There Sharks In Sydney Harbour? Yes! Here's What You Need To Know

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.

Growing up near Sydney, one of the questions we often got asked by travellers is; are there sharks in Sydney Harbour?

The answer is yes, and it’s not uncommon to see them swimming in certain areas of Sydney Harbour too!

Tourists visiting Sydney either don’t know or understand the dangers that come with this stunning harbour of ours, so we thought it was our duty to provide some key information about sharks in Sydney Harbour, so you can be informed before you visit.

That being said, don’t let the presence of sharks strike fear into you – sharks have a bad reputation, and Australia does have the second most shark attacks in the world, but shark bites are rare in Sydney Harbour.

Species of Sharks in Sydney Harbour

There are several species of sharks that visit the waters of Sydney Habor. They also visit the harbour at different times of day and times of year.

Bull Sharks

The most common species is the bull shark, the most aggressive species of shark. They are most likely to visit the habour during the summer months and early autumn as they enjoy the warmer temperatures.

January and February are the months where the most sightings are reported.

Bull sharks are more active during low light periods, such as dawn, dusk, and hunt in shallow water. During the day, they are more likely to be in deeper water.

Port Jackson Shark

The Port Jackson Shark is a nocturnal shark, and are commonly found around Port Jackson Harbour in Sydney (hence the name).

They are not particularly aggressive and are harmless unless provoked.

They can grow to a total length of 1.65 meters long, and are characterised by their brown color and unique etched markings.

Wobbegong Shark

The Wobbegong Shark is a common shark around Sydney’s coast and is known for its distinct spotted markings.

It’s a carpet shark, which means it hunts on the ocean floor and camouflages itself in the sand, though it can be spotted in shallower water.

They are generally a docile shark and are not a threat unless they are provoked.

Grey Nurse Shark

Grey Nurse Sharks are small sharks that live in deep water and are not considered a threat.

There is a colony of Grey Nurse Sharks in Magic Point in Sydney Harbour, but they live 7-16 meters below the surface and are only spotted by divers.

There’s said to be around 5-10 Grey Nurse Sharks in this area on a typical day, but in warmer months, you can see up to 40 per day.

Blind Shark

Contrary to what you might believe, the Blind Shark is not blind, but are so-named because they have small eyes, which they close when they get caught by fishermen

They are considered a small shark, reaching lengths of up to 1.2 meters long.

They live in shallow waters and are considered quite shy and rarely come into contact with humans.

Crested Horn Shark

The Crested Horn Shark, also known as the Crested Bullhead Shark, is a species of bullhead shark, typically found in rocky areas of Sydney Harbour.

They are bottom-dwelling sharks and are more often seen in winter when they come into shallow rocky waters to lay their eggs.

They are not considered dangerous.

Great White Sharks

Great White Sharks are known to enter Sydney Harbour, especially in warmer months from November until March.

They like to hunt during dawn and dusk in low light, and are especially active after it rains.

The Great White has been responsible for most shark attacks, so it’s best to stay away from sewage outlets and other areas that can be considered “fish bait,” especially during dawn and dusk, as they may be out hunting.

Other Sharks (Though Rare To See)

There are other types of shark to look out for in Sydney Harbour are Hammerheads, Bronze Whalers, Makos, and Dusky Whalers, though these are rarely seen.

Tiger Sharks, which are also highly aggressive, are rarely seen in Sydney Harbour.

Where Are Sharks in Sydney Harbour?

Residents have reported seeing large bull sharks in the waters between Kirribilli, Garden Island, and the Opera House.

They also frequent the waters in the Parramatta River near Glades Bay, Lane Cove Rivers, and around Middle Harbour and North Harbour.

Most sightings are around Middle Harbour because it’s one of the deepest parts of the harbour.

But, this is Australia, there are sharks everywhere. They can show up at any point in the harbour, and all shark attacks have happened in different areas.

We had a close call with a shark in the harbour ourselves once. We saw surfers in the part of Manly North Head, that is called Sharky Bay (fitting name).

This was a place where our tour guide saw a shark while kayaking. It was a diver and didn’t see it coming. A bull shark.

History of Shark Attacks in Sydney Harbour

Bull sharks are the most populous shark in Sydney Harbour, but they are not the biggest problem when it comes to shark attacks – that title belongs to the Great White and White Shark.

These are some of the most aggressive sharks you can find, aside from Tiger sharks, who may be swimming around in there as well.

Shark attacks are rare, and between now and 1791, there have only been 11 fatal shark attacks.

Not all shark attacks leave serious injuries or death, sometimes they can just nudge you with their nose.

Sharks are attracted to what they believe is a food source, so if you try not to look like fish bait, you might have better odds.

The most notable shark attack stories in Sydney Harbour are:

1791: the first fatal attack reported a woman killed by a great white shark in Sydney Harbour at around 3:00am.
1960: A 13-year old boy, Kenneth William Murray, was freediving just below Roseville Bridge, opposite Killarney picnic reserve in Middle Harbour, when he was attacked by a Great White.
1963: A local actress, Marcia Hathaway, was killed by a Great White shark while wading in Sugarloaf Bay, in the Middle Harbour Area
2009: Royal Australian Navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder was attacked by a bull shark during a military exercise in Sydney Harbour, losing an arm and leg.
2024: A woman, Lauren O’Neill, was bitten on the right leg while swimming in Elizabeth Bay, but was helped by local vet Fiona Crago who applied a tourniquet and her leg was later saved in surgery.

Chances of another bull shark attack occurring is low, but do proceed with caution if you plan on swimming in Sydney Harbour.

In fact, the NSW government has one of the most comprehensive systems in the world for monitoring shark populations and intercepting shark attacks.

They use 305 SMART drumlines to record sharks (where sharks are intercepted, tagged and relocated), most beaches have shark nets, and they also do drone patrols at 50 beaches during summer months.

You can find information about the latest attack via the Australian Shark Incident Database, maintained by Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

You can also download the Sharksmart app, which is an app that tells you where the latest sightings are in NSW.

Final Thoughts

I know this sounds like fear mongering, but trust me, when you come to Australia, you have to think about the possibility of encountering a shark.

Sure, it is at long odds, whether you will be attacked or not. I’m not willing to take a shot at those odds, and I’m local.

I am just here to warn you travelers to Australia – sharks are everywhere, and the Sydney Harbour is one of their favourite homes.

Lucky for you there are so many ways you can experience this beautiful harbour without getting into the water.

More Sydney Travel Tips

You can learn more about Sydney Harbour and visiting Sydney in the following guides:

Who has beaten the odds and gone swimming in Sydney Harbour and lived to tell the tale? Let us know in the comments.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest

Are There Sharks In Sydney Harbour? Yes! Here’s What You Need To Know