Lost Southern Right whale enters Wallis Lake, Forster

A startled whale has been spotted trying to make its way into open water after taking a wrong turn into a NSW estuary.

Hundreds of spectators gathered around a Mid North Coast estuary where a startled whale swam into shallow water and was last night trying to make its way home.

The 13-metre long Southern Right whale was first spotted gliding along the sandbanks of Wallis Lake on the western side of the Forster-Tuncurry bridge on Tuesday around 7.30am, where it remained at 4pm.

Residents marvelled at the sight as the mammal cruised towards oyster farms before circling back near the bridge in an effort to make its way into open waters.

The Southern Right whale was seen swimming in Wallis Lake on Tuesday. Credit Shane Chalker Photography.

The mammal’s natural navigation instinct is believed to have been warped by the bridge or traffic noise. Picture: Shane Chalker Photography.

Traffic on the bridge came to a grinding halt as commuters watched on as Water Police, NSW Maritime and NSW Parks and Wildlife urged people to keep a 100-metre distance.

Local resident and photographer Shane Chalker said the whale did not appear to be distressed but had attempted unsuccessfully to make its way into deeper water on several occasions.

“It seemed to swim really efficiently and stay in the water. and it never went close to beaching itself on the sandbanks,” he said.

“But at times it was swimming erratically, turning 90 degrees and disappearing out of site and popping up near boats.”

Locals and tourists watched as the whale tried to make its way home. Picture: Shane Chalker Photography.

The whale stuck in Wallis Lake. Picture: Shane Chalker Photography.

ORRCA Vice President Jools Farrell said the whale could either be a pregnant female looking to give birth or simply have had its natural navigation skills warped by the bridge’s pillars or traffic noise.

“It could be a female giving birth or it may have just taken a wrong turn looking for a quiet place to have a rest,” she said.

“It doesn’t happen a lot, especially a Southern Right whale, coming into an estuary.”

Mr Chalker described the sight as “rare,” saying it’s the first time a whale has drifted so far past the breakwall and under the bridge.

“I’ve seen two humpbacks inside the breakwall but never have I seen a whale on the western side of the bridge,” he said.

The Southern Right Whale may have been a pregnant female. Picture: Shane Chalker Photography.

The giant of the sea was looking for deeper waters. Picture: Shane Chalker Photography.

Ms Farrell said the whale was only at risk of being beached if it gets spooked by excessive noise.

“If it does get spooked it may go into shallow waters. We’re hoping this won’t happen and it will find its way out during the night,” she said.

“We’re hoping as it gets darker with less traffic and noise the whale may make its way back.”

Mr Chalker said it will be an anxious wait for residents, who are all hoping the whale will make it past the bridge before morning.

“It’s a bit of an unknown whether it’ll still be there in the morning.”

ORRCA staff members will return to the bridge on Wednesday morning to see if the mammal has found its way home.

Originally published as Lost Southern Right whale enters Wallis Lake, Forster