A whale carcass has washed up at Perth's City Beach, prompting authorities to issue shark warnings after several sharks were spotted circling close to the shoreline.

Local surf lifesavers discovered the carcass on Monday morning and alerted authorities after observing sharks in the surrounding water. The discovery quickly attracted attention from people visiting the popular beach, with a small crowd gathering near the shoreline to observe the unusual event.

Authorities issued multiple shark warnings for the area, advising beachgoers to remain aware of the conditions and follow safety directions. The presence of a whale carcass can attract marine predators, making nearby waters unsuitable for swimming until authorities determine that conditions are safe.

City Beach is a popular swimming and recreation location on Perth's coastline. The sighting comes as warmer weather brings increasing numbers of people to beaches across Western Australia.

Sharks are naturally present in Western Australian coastal waters, and authorities regularly monitor reports of shark activity around popular swimming locations. When sharks are detected close to shore, warnings or beach closures may be issued to reduce risks to swimmers and other water users.

The whale carcass itself also presents an unusual environmental sighting. Large marine animals occasionally wash ashore along Australia's coastline because of illness, injury, natural causes or other circumstances. Scientists and wildlife authorities can examine stranded animals to determine possible causes of death and gather information about marine ecosystems.

The discovery at City Beach has also highlighted the connection between Perth's metropolitan coastline and the wider marine environment. Although the area is heavily used by residents and visitors, it remains part of an ecosystem supporting whales, dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other marine species.

Authorities will continue to monitor the location while arrangements are made to manage the stranded carcass. Beachgoers are advised to pay attention to current shark alerts and follow instructions from lifesavers and other authorities.

People should avoid entering the water when a shark warning or closure is in place, particularly in the vicinity of the carcass. Conditions can change as marine animals move through coastal waters, meaning a previously safe location can become temporarily hazardous.

The latest incident provides a timely reminder for Perth beach users to check local warnings before swimming and to remain vigilant when unusual marine activity is reported.