Lifeguards have closed Nobbys beach while they search the water following a reported sighting of an eight-foot shark on Friday afternoon.
Surfers told lifeguards they saw what they understood to be a large shark - not believed to be a hammerhead or another creature such as a dolphin - off the reef at about 4.45pm.
Lifeguards on jet skis have been searching for the animal but have not been able to find it.
The beach has been closed and the search was still going at 5.30pm, with swimmers being encouraged to instead take a dip at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
The beach is likely to remain closed for the evening if the reported shark is not found.
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