Attacks in Australia have become more common over the decades as the population has grown and activities such as surfing and scuba diving have gained in popularity.

Suffering severe injuries to her limbs, the woman was airlifted to hospital for immediate treatment.

A woman in her 30s is being treated by NSW Ambulance after being bitten by a shark at the eastern suburbs beach.

A woman has been attacked by a shark at Sydney's popular Coogee Beach.