🦈 Shark Sighted at Port Macquarie's Town Beach, Area Closed

Swimmers were cleared from the water at Port Macquarie's popular Town Beach on Friday, April 19, 2026, after a tiger shark was sighted close to shore. The sighting was reported by Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) drone operators at approximately 1:24 PM.

Following the detection, SLSNSW advised that the beach would be closed. The NSW SharkSmart program, which monitors shark activity along the state's coast, has logged the incident. This alert serves as a crucial reminder for beachgoers in the Port Macquarie area to remain vigilant and adhere to any safety advice issued by lifeguards and authorities.

The SharkSmart program utilises various technologies, including aerial surveillance and SMART drumlines, to keep the public informed about potential shark presence. While no SMART drumlines were reported as active in Port Macquarie waters today, the drone sighting highlights the ongoing need for awareness. For the latest updates on shark activity and safety advice, residents can visit the NSW SharkSmart website.

Tiger sharks are one of the larger shark species and are known to inhabit coastal waters. According to the Department of Primary Industries, tiger sharks are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide and are a subject of ongoing research to understand their behaviour and migration patterns to improve public safety.