A five-metre great whiteshark nicknamed ‘Bruce’ may still be terrorising beaches near Newcastle, New South Wales.

Repeated sightings mean the beaches may remain closed for a record seventh day.

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The local council says it would like to have a 24-hour period with no sightings of the predator before beaches are re-opened.

Despite repeated sightings of the huge shark, nicknamed ‘Bruce’ by a local radio station, not everyone has been able to keep out of the water.

Scores of swimmers and surfers defied warnings and slipped in for a dip at Newcastle’s beaches on Wednesday, when the mercury hit 34C, and Thursday, when it reached 28C.

The last confirmed sighting of the shark was at Nobbys Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

‘Bruce’ was first spotted last Saturday at Merewether Beach.

—with AAP.