Where are great white sharks found in Australia?
Great white sharks are found mainly in the cooler waters of southern Australia, from southern Queensland around to northwest Western Australia, including the coasts of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
White sharks are large predators, with adults commonly reaching four to five metres or more. They are grey on top and white underneath, which helps camouflage them from above and below.
They feed on fish, rays, other sharks, seals, sea lions and dead whales. Colonies of seals and sea lions, such as those around the Neptune Islands in South Australia, attract white sharks.
Protected species
Great white sharks are protected in Australian waters and listed as vulnerable. Scientists tag sharks to track their movements, which have revealed long journeys between states and even to New Zealand.
Shark bites on people are rare but receive great attention. Beaches use measures such as drone patrols, shark nets, tagged-shark alert systems and smart drumlines.
Cage diving with great whites is offered only at the Neptune Islands, off Port Lincoln.
Did You Know?
Juvenile white sharks gather in nursery areas such as Port Stephens and Corner Inlet in Victoria.