Sydney beaches closed over shark risk as dead whale washes ashore

Several beaches south of Sydney have been closed after a dead whale washed up onto the shore, posing a shark risk.

The whale washed up on rocks at Era in Sydney’s Royal National Park, with Anzac Day beachgoers told to stay out of the water.

All beaches in the area are closed, including Garie, Wattamolla, Era and Burning Palms.

The whale was initially reported by patrolling members from Era Surf Life Saving Club, at the southern end of the beach on the rocks.

It is unclear which species of whale it is.

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