“After a long week of surfing around the Ulladulla region on the New South Wales South Coast, my mates and I decided to spend our last afternoon before returning to Melbourne relaxing in the sun beside the tranquil aqua waters of Narrawallee Creek inlet,” says photographer Phil Skeggs.
“I also brought my trusty Canon Powershot in case there was an opportunity to get snaps of White-bellied Sea Eagles I knew to frequent the area.
As I scanned the skies, my friend Rob swam across to a nearby sandspit exposed by the low tide.
Minutes later he called out and pointed to a large Eastern Grey kangaroo that had appeared near the edge of the sandspit from the adjoining nature reserve.
It can be seen here passing two Pied Oystercatchers on an estuary sandbar.”
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
The roo watched for about 30 seconds before cautiously moving onto the sandspit.
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
Then it hopped at full speed past Rob and a couple of startled Pied Oystercatchers along the length of the sandspit before jumping into the water.
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
Kangaroo takes the plunge at Narrawallee Creek inlet.
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
As it got into deeper water, it began dogpaddling with the incoming tidal current towards the opposite shore about 70 or 80 metres away.
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
It swam right past a delighted paddleboarders before its hind legs eventually touched bottom, bounding out of the water into the bushy headland.
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
Kangaroo swims by a paddleboarder at Narrawallee Creek inlet.
Photo Credit: Phil Skeggs
The whole episode lasted just 90 seconds but capped off a truly memorable trip.