Surfers Swarm Snapper Rocks Amid Shark Attack Spree in Australia (Video)

As the crown jewel of Rainbow Bay on Australia’s Gold Coast, Snapper Rocks is notoriously one of the most crowded (and perfect, when it’s on) waves on earth.

It’s even crowded following an unprecedented string of shark attacks on the east coast of Australia. Of course, Australia is a big country. Its own continent, in fact, for those geography-heads out there. And Snapper is about a day’s drive north of Sydney – the epicenter of the shark attack rampage from a few days ago – but still…ballsy.

Take a look at the swarm below.

Again, this is about 500 miles away from where four people were attacked by suspected bull sharks in 48 hours. And yet, it’s the same coast, same ocean.

In the latest update from the attacks around the Sydney area, tragically, 12-year-old Nico Antic is “brain-dead and will never wake up” after he was swimming with friends in harbor suburb of Vaucluse. A GoFundMe account has been created to support his family.

Another victim, 27-year-old Andre de Ruyter, was surfing North Steyne at Manly Beach when he was mauled. Two fellow surfers, who were in the water at the same time, are being hailed as heroes for helping de Ruyter to shore. Although the attack sounded severe, requiring blood transfusions right there on the sand immediately after the incident, the latest update is that de Ruyter is in “stable condition.”

So, what was the reason for the serial spree of attacks in Sydney? Most experts are pointing to recent rainy weather, causing murky ocean conditions.

It should be noted, also, that the Gold Coast is protected by shark nets and drumlines under Queensland’s Shark Control Program. However, the initiative has come under scrutiny for killing other marine wildlife, and sharks still getting through. Like recently, when a shark feeding frenzy erupted in the shallow waters of Snapper Rocks in October.

The World Surf League returns to the Gold Coast for the 2026 Championship Tour in May.