FUR SEAL SPOTTED NEAR COWRIE HOLE

There was a surprise for beachgoers this morning…an Australian fur seal spotted sunbathing near the Cowrie Hole in Newcastle.

The creature certainly attracted attention, and not all of it was well-received.

New South Wales Parks and Wildlife says it most likely came ashore to rest after a big feed.

The service says signs have been put up, asking people to keep their distance (at least 40 metres) and a ranger is on site.