Earlier this week a two-metre shark swam through the line-up at Snapper Rocks and did what frustrated locals only wish they could - clear the water of surfers. The shark, believed to be either a dusky whaler or a bull shark, swam within five metres of surfers before the alarm was raised and the crowded line-up cleared.

Photographer, Brad Schmidt, said the shark wasn't hostile appearing "more curious than hungry". It swam down the point and then out of sight. According to Brad, surfers slowly paddled back out though it was noticeably less crowded than before the visit.

All photos by Brad Schmidt. //STUART NETTLE