Playful seal thrills onlookers at Southbank

A FROLICKING seal has stopped commuters in their tracks in Southbank as it cools off in the Yarra.

A seal dubbed “Arcto” has been visiting Dromana beach. Picture: DELWP

A FROLICKING seal has stopped commuters in their tracks in Southbank as it cools off in the Yarra.

The large seal twisted, turned and writhed around for onlookers crossing the footbridge connecting Southbank and Flinders St Station around 4.45pm.

The seal was spotted swimming in from near Federation Square.

It later took off in the Docklands direction.

Casual seal in the Yarra ... Gabriel

Posted by Frank Lane on Tuesday, January 12, 2016

It is not known how far the seal travelled, or where it was headed as it swum towards the Docklands from around Federation Square.

Appearing to be in no rush as it performed its own version of synchronised swimming the seal curled up in a ball before stretching out and making its way under the bridge.

One onlooker said she would have loved to stay and watch for more than a few minutes but had to move on because her children weren’t wearing sunscreen on this scorching 40C day.

It’s not the only seal to cause a stir this week.

An Australian fur seal, nicknamed Arcto, has been a recent visitor to popular Dromana beach, reserving itself a spot near the pier.

A seal dubbed “Arcto” has been visiting Dromana beach. Picture: DELWP