Tallow Beach at Byron Bay shut after dead humpback whale found on shore on Wednesday morning

Sad pictures and videos have emerged after a young whale was found dead, resulting in the closure of a popular Byron Bay beach.

A Byron Bay beach has been closed for a day after a dead juvenile humpback whale was found in the shallows.

The marine mammal was found at popular Tallow Beach in northern NSW, a few kilometres from the tourist hub’s CBD about 7am on Wednesday.

The cause of the death is unknown, according to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

A spokesperson said the humpback was pushed to shore by strong winds.

“NPWS closed the beach, nearby carpark and Tallow Beach Rd to ensure public safety while the carcass was removed for burial,” they said.

“The carcass will be buried on Arakwal Country, respecting the direction of Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal Native Title Holders.

The whale carcass was transported to a different beach to be buried. Picture: Graham DPE

“These closures will remain in place until 5pm today, or until the beach is deemed safe to access.”

Wildlife rescuers were unable to help because the whale was found deceased.

The whale carcass being picked up for burial. Picture: Graham DPE

Onlookers can be seen taking in the sad sight at the beach in photos and videos.

Humpback whales migrate along the Australian east coast between April and November each year, drawing crowds of whale watchers on boats and vantage points on shore.

The cause of the juvenile humpback’s death is unknown. Picture: Graham DPE

“I’d recommend never surfing anywhere in the Byron Shire ever again …,” one man wrote on a Byron community Facebook group.

Marine experts including Griffith University’s Dr Olaf Meynecke have previously advocated for dead whales to be towed back out to sea.

A whale washed up at Tallow Beach, Byron Bay on Wednesday. Picture: Ava Turnbull

He has said it’s not proven burying the animals results in material travelling into the ocean – potentially increasing shark risks – but they take longer to decompose when ashore.

On July 1, the Skullcandy Oz Grom Open surfing competition ramped up safety protocols after a whale washed up, died and was buried on Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head.

A boy checks out the unfortunate sight. Picture: Ava Turnbull

Fears were raised sharks could be drawn to the area, but the event was held safely.

Byron Shire Council has been contacted.

ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) confirmed it was not called to the beach.