The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found in Victoria Waters

North of Tasmania, straddling the Bass Strait between the Tasman Sea and the Great Australian Bight, lies the state of Victoria — Australia’s second smallest state. The region is nestled on the southeastern coast of Australia and is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the world. Victoria’s waters are bordered by the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The area’s incredible sights are perfectly complemented by some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse marine life. Although the splendor is captivating, some creatures found off the Victoria Coastline can be downright frightening. Perhaps no marine animal is quite as intimidating as the great white shark.

Great White Sharks

Referred to as the world’s largest known predatory fish, the great white shark is a colossal monster in the water. Their torpedo-shaped bodies are perfectly streamlined for efficient swimming, allowing them to make sudden, high-speed bursts of up to 35 mph while hunting prey. With around 300 teeth, great whites feed primarily on schools of smaller fish, as well as seals and dolphins. However, they do not chew their food. Instead, they use their teeth to tear prey into mouth-sized pieces, which they then swallow whole.

The average baby great white, called a pup, comes into the world already measuring nearly 4 feet in length. Terrifyingly, this means even pups are born at the top of the food chain. A typical adult female is approximately 15-16 feet, while males are usually smaller at around 11-13 feet. These sharks generally weigh between 1,500 and 4,500 pounds.

Where Are Great White Sharks Found?

Great whites live in all of the world’s oceans except for those in the polar regions. They travel an average of 2,500 miles annually. Great whites can be found from the coast of South Africa to the Northeastern Pacific Ocean.

The Victorian coast lies between these regions, making great white shark sightings in this area relatively common. Some of the largest great white sharks ever found were spotted or caught in Victoria waters.

The Largest Great White Shark Caught in Victoria

On November 6, 1987, a controversial shark hunter named Vic Hislop from Stanthorpe, Queensland, captured an enormous great white off Phillip Island, Victoria. The shark was supposedly nearly 21 feet in length and weighed over 5,000 pounds. While some sources indicate Hislop was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the shark, this measurement has been disputed and does not appear to have ever been officially recognized by the organization.

Another supposedly record-breaking great white was caught in Victoria waters off the coast of Port Fairy in the 1870s. The monstrous specimen was originally measured at a whopping 36 feet in length. However, in 1970, the remains were reexamined, and a more accurate measurement of 16.4 feet was recorded.

How Common Are Sharks in Victoria?

Victoria has more than 1,553 miles of coastline. Since Australia as a whole has at least 180 different species of sharks, a wide variety of them make their way through the area. While great whites are not uncommon, several other shark species are more frequently found in Victoria.

Tiger sharks are most frequently located around the northern areas of Australia but travel around all sides of the country. With stripes across their backs, the aptly named sharks are occasionally spotted off Victoria waters. The bronze whaler, which gets its name from its color, typically thrives around southern Australia. Many bronze whalers can be found in the coastal and continental shelf waters near Victoria. They can be potentially dangerous to humans but are not generally known to be aggressive.

Other sharks that can be seen off Victoria waters include the grey nurse shark, school shark, gummy shark, Port Jackson shark, and the broadnose sevengill shark. Gummy sharks are the most common species in the area and are found throughout Victoria. Like school sharks, they are relatively small and make up a substantial part of the commercial fishing industry in southern Australia.

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Victoria?

First, it is essential to remember that shark attacks, in general, are incredibly uncommon. In fact, you are about five times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark. Nevertheless, shark attacks do happen from time to time. Fortunately, there has not been a fatal shark attack in Victoria since 1987, and it was believed to have involved a great white shark.

It is important to be aware of the presence of sharks when entering the water. Only swim on patrolled beaches and always swim between the flags. Avoid swimming or surfing at dawn, dusk, or after dark, as sharks are often feeding during these times. You can also stay informed about reported shark sightings by downloading the free VicEmergency app or visiting the VicEmergency website.

What Sharks Can You Catch in Victoria?

Very few people have attempted to catch a great white shark. However, great whites are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, and populations are decreasing. As a result, these sharks are protected in many areas around the world. In Victoria, the capture of great whites and grey nurse sharks is prohibited.

However, you can catch mako sharks in Victoria waters. Other types of sharks you can catch in Victoria include bronze whalers, gummy sharks, school sharks, Port Jackson sharks, and broadnose sevengill sharks, to name a few. Check with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to find out the current regulations around shark fishing. The best places to fish for sharks in Victoria are said to be the waters along the Great Ocean Road, Port Phillip Bay, and Western Port.