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

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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…