Shark attack statistics: Australia’s most dangerous beaches for shark attacks

Shark attack statistics put Australia second in the world for the most number of unprovoked attacks, with New South Wales the most dangerous state in the country.

Jessica Prasida's headshot

By

Jessica Prasida

Updated

Fact checked

Shark attack statistics show that there have been more than 622 unprovoked shark attacks in Australia since 1988. While most recorded attacks have occurred in New South Wales, the majority of fatalities transpired in Western Australia.

Finder analysed data released by the Shark Research Institute's Global Shark Attack File, determining hotspot coastal locations around the country where hundreds of unprovoked shark attacks have occurred between 1988 and 2024.

214 attacks took place off the coast of NSW, almost double the 134 attacks recorded in Queensland, which came in second.

Shark attack prevalence by Australian state over a 25-year period from 1988

StateAttacks
New South Wales214
Western Australia154
Queensland134
South Australia50
Victoria41
Tasmania13
Northern Territory12
Torres Strait3
Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands1
Total622

Source: finder.com.au, www.sharkattackfile.net *Not all shark incidents are recorded by state, and some are unaccounted for due to ocean locations.

Compare your travel cover options online

Planning to surf or swim on your travels? Find travel insurance that covers both you and your board, shark deterrents that actually work and vehicle excess insurance to get you to and from the coast.

Add kids under the age of 1 by typing a "0" 0 traveller(s)

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Service . By entering an email address you agree to create a Finder account. We will send you an email to setup your password.

Sources

Jessica Prasida's headshot
Travel Insurance Expert

Jessica Prasida brings a decade of experience in the travel industry, including over four years as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification that complies with ASIC guidelines. An avid traveller herself, Jessica combines her professional expertise with a passion for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all travellers. Jessica was a Travel Insurance Publisher at Finder from 2019 to 2024. See full bio

More resources on Finder

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

More guides on Finder

  • Best travel insurance policies Australia

    The best travel insurance policies are different for each individual traveller.

  • Bali travel insurance

    Compare Bali travel insurance quotes from over 16 brands.
  • Looking for a travel insurance discount in December 2025?

    Check out these travel insurance coupons to save on your policy.
  • Qantas Travel Insurance

    Qantas Travel Insurance offers various cover choices with the added benefit of travel points rewards for spending money on insurance when booking flights through Qantas.

  • USA travel insurance

    Ready to get moving? See quotes and compare travel insurance policies for USA from 15
    brands
  • Travel insurance for Europe

    Keep yourself and your belongings safe on your European escape by comparing insurance polices today.
  • Cruise travel insurance

    A guide to understanding cruise insurance - why you need it, what's covered, and what's not.

  • Travel insurance for backpackers

    Review affordable backpacker insurance for your next overseas adventure and find the right insurance policy to cover commonplace backpacking travel risks.
  • Domestic travel insurance: Australia

    Domestic travel insurance can provide cover for trip cancellation (domestic flights), loss or damage to luggage and expensive items, car rental excess charges and much more. Find out why domestic travel insurance is worth getting and compare policies from Australian insurers.
  • 1Cover Travel Insurance

    Read the 1Cover Travel Insurance review and compare policy options available. Access discounts to help you save even further on cover.
Go to site