Two dolphins have been filmed making a splash off Woodgate Beach in what locals say is a regular occurrence and one of the many benefits of living in the idyllic area.
The excited locals braved the cold weather to watch the mammals play in the ocean.
Lisa Arjona said she was sitting in her office at the Woodgate Beach General Store complex at about 1.30 pm when she looked up to see the creatures jumping out of the water ahead.
“I immediately said to my colleague that there were dolphins so we went across the road to see if we could catch them jumping again,” she said.
“I was lucky enough to watch them playing for a few minutes.”
Lisa said it wasn't the first time she had witnessed dolphins in the area, with the seaside township known for its abundance of wildlife.
“I have seen dolphins a number of times and we quite often see turtles and sometimes whales,” she said.
Even though yesterday's temperatures dropped to 12 degrees, Lisa said she braved the conditions to watch the dolphins play.
“It was so cold yesterday that only the lure of dolphins could have brought me outside,” she said.
“It even started to lightly rain but they are such a beautiful animal that I had to stay and watch a little longer.”
Rules for approaching dolphins and whales
According to the Department of Environment and Science, the Bundaberg Region is home to eight species of dolphin (delphinidae).
These include the Australian snubfin dolphin, Australian humpback dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin and offshore bottlenose dolphin.
Swimmers, boaters and kayakers are reminded that there are approach distances in place to reduce the risk of disturbing dolphins and other sea creatures including whales.
They feature caution zones, an area surrounding a whale or dolphin in which boats cannot travel at speeds of more than six knots or speeds that create a wake.
The caution zone extends out to 300 metres from a whale, and 150 metres for a dolphin.
For dolphins, the no approach zone surrounds the animal for 50 metres and extends 150 metres in front of and behind the animal.
Find out more here.
