Experts are warning that sharks may linger in waters off Perth for weeks despite the removal of a whale carcass from City Beach.

The rotting carcass of the 13-metre-long humpback whale washed ashore last Monday and was taken to landfill on Thursday. It is not known why the whale died.

It was removed using a crane and truck after a two-day salvage operation to move it from the shoreline about 1.25km to an access road.

Multiple sharks were spotted lurking near the site in recent days, prompting authorities to close the beach for several kilometres in both directions amid fears a swimmer could be attacked.

City Beach, Floreat Beach and Swanbourne Beach have been closed, and the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club has cancelled the Surf Life Saving WA Enduro Championship and suspended club-based training until further notice.

Aboriginal elders performed a smoking ceremony before the dead female whale, thought to be between 15 and 90 years old, was dragged up the beach and wrapped.

The dead whale brought a number of sharks closer to shore, prompting closure of the beach. Photo: AAP

The operation to place the carcass in the truck initially failed when the excavator hired for the job was not strong enough to shift the massive mammal, and a crane was brought in to complete the task.

Experienced swimmers are taking a break from ocean activities.

Cottesloe ocean swimming group PodSquad has paused its daily morning swim although Cottesloe beaches are currently open.

Founder Shane McGurk told the ABC some swimmers wanted to return to the water quickly, while others needed time.

Curt Jenner of the Centre for Whale Research in Western Australia told the ABC whale blubber can quickly break down into oil that enters the sand. Sharks can detect small traces of oils or blood and may continue responding to them for weeks.

The rotting whale carcass that washed up on a Perth beach was taken to landfill. Photo: AAP

Despite the warnings, hundreds of sightseers have flocked to the site to inspect the decomposing whale that was emitting a pungent odour.

Some took selfies, others just held their noses and stared, as video drone operators competed for airspace and local media outlets did live news crosses from the scene.

One TikToker climbed onto the dead humpback and recorded a video of himself, drawing condemnation from many in the community.

-with AAP