National Parks and Wildlife personnel are at the beach arranging the rescue of the whale, which was discovered by surfers at midday.

Initial reports indicate it to be a rare juvenile Amoux’s beaked whale but that is yet to be officially confirmed

Rescuers, who are battling harsh weather conditions, are considering transporting the half tonne whale via vehicle to the Shellharbour boat ramp for release later this afternoon.

``There is a bank that runs right in the front (of the beach) so the water movement would consistently push it back,’’ Killalea State Park manager Nathan Cattell said at the scene.

“The water is rough, the seas are up we'd have a better chance over there. The waters more flat, we can stabilise the whale better and it’s safer for us too.”

Rachel Yerbury, from ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia), said volunteers were holding the animal parallel to the shore, to stop it from injuring itself. 

“We just need to make sure the animal is comfortable and doesn’t sustain any more injuries,’’ 

“It’s got some small cuts and a large cookie cutter shark bite, but I can’t see any other major injuries.’’

As the tide came in, rescuers opted to released the animal to the sea, to spare it the distress of land travel.  

National Parks and Rescue workers guided it away from a sand bank.

They exchanged a high five as the animal swam towards the open sea about 4.30pm. 

More to come.