Excited tourists watch incredible scene unfold as predator hunts off Aussie coast
'When the seals are eating they whack it around to make it a bit smaller, and the birds follow,' Melinda Fredericks from Lonsdale Eco Cruises told Yahoo News.
'We'll often get around a dozen of them. If you watch the bird activity, they're a good indication of when there are seals or even dolphins around.'
Related: Tourists stunned by 'lifetime moment' off the Aussie coast
The spectacle happens regularly around the Victorian holiday town of Lakes Entrance. Tourists lucky enough to see it close-up often describe it as being like 'a nature documentary in real life'.
'Tourists are amazed to see something in the wild like that, animals actually hunting and feeding,' she said.
A week ago, when the seal was smashing up its fish, she heard the familiar cries of 'My God, wow, and look at it,' she said.
😳 Shock moment kangaroo enters suburban home
📸 Carloads of Aussies flock to water's edge as 'exciting' ancient ritual begins
🌏 Farmers lead Aussie research team to 'unreal' discovery on island
Out on the water several times a week, Melinda has been lucky enough to have seen the seal display before. The veteran guide has snapped images of seals attacking an unlikely array of prey, including puffer fish, eels and even an unfortunate octopus.
The seals are familiar with her boat, so they continue on as if no one is watching. But she doesn't like to stay more than 10 minutes, so as not to disturb the animals as they display natural behaviour.
'This time of year we get up to 100 seals, but it goes in cycles. Towards the end of May we'll get heaps of them and their pups. But when November comes, a lot of them will disappear and go offshore,' she said.
Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-justin-thomas-celeb-check-in-JUSTINTHOMASCCI0825-f8efa57f27724ceeb3ccb203cdc341e0.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
19 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
Exclusive: Pro Golfer Justin Thomas on His Favorite Places—From the Best Golf Courses to His Dreamy Babymoon Destination
As one of golf's top-ranked pros, Justin Thomas has long been taking swings around the world, whether traveling to his favorite courses, Northern Ireland's Royal County Down or Australia's Royal Melbourne, or those he finds more challenging, like Pennsylvania's Oakmont or New Jersey's Pine Valley. Though he calls Florida home, he spent extra time on Garden State greens recently while filming his big-screen debut in this summer's blockbuster comedy, "Happy Gilmore 2," in which he played a photo-snapping version of himself. Spending such a big chunk of the year traveling on the PGA Tour, where he's notched an impressive 16 career wins, the father to a 9-month-old with wife Jillian now cherishes the simpler moments. 'They hit it spot-on in the movie—your happy place changes,' the 34-year-old tells Travel + Leisure. 'Right now, mine is a full night's sleep for Molly, no whining or crying throughout the night—all the old people stuff.' The couple's little one has already become a seasoned traveler, accompanying her famous dad to most of his tournaments, though she hasn't made the jump across the Atlantic Ocean to the U.K. yet. 'With our lifestyle, you have to make do and figure things out,' he says. 'My wife and I don't have anything to compare her to, but by our very novice knowledge, she's been a great baby. We've been very lucky.' Justin Thomas with wife, Jillian Wisniewski, daughter, Molly Grace, and the championship trophy after winning the final round of the RBC Heritage 2025 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South admits Jillian is the 'mastermind' behind traveling with the infant, and his role is to 'try not to get in the way or mess anything up and be there when I'm needed,' as well as packing a travel crib and blackout curtains. 'Both of our moms kind of roll their eyes at the amount of technology and gadgets there are these days,' he admits with a laugh. But it's all worth it for the Thomases to enjoy life on the road together. 'I think it'll be just so great for her to learn about different places. Seeing so many spots is something that she'll be very lucky to do as a young'un.' With Justin Thomas Best golf destination? That's a tough one. Baker's Bay. It's a very beautiful and fun golf course. And also the experience in general—very laid-back. It's very enjoyable. Do you ever play golf when you're on vacation? I probably play more on vacation than I would maybe like, but I won't by myself, just with other people. It's more fun golf—not a grind type of thing. Fellow golfer who's the best travel buddy? You might get me in trouble! But I've traveled quite a bit with Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Gary Woodland. We used to more before Jordan, Rickie, and myself started families—it definitely has become a lot more difficult. Athlete you'd like to travel with? I'll go with Michael Jordan because I know he's got a sweet plane, so that makes it a lot easier to travel. Best trip you've been on? We took a trip to London with the Spieths and the Fowlers a couple years ago. We stayed at a great hotel in London and went to Wimbledon together. The food was so good, and we all had such a fun time! Celeb Check-in Before they became parents, the Thomases were already frequent travelers, even taking a babymoon to Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. 'It was a very relaxing and nice getaway for us, but I felt for Jillian because they had some great cocktails on the menu that only I was able to indulge in,' he says. 'But the food is also incredible.' The Volunteer State has a special meaning for the couple since they got married in College Grove, Tennessee, in 2022, with many of their guests staying at the Harpeth Hotel in nearby Franklin, which he says is "awesome." 'We try to get there every once in a while since there's so many great little restaurants and areas you can walk to—it's a sweet town,' he says. Thomas knows that part of the country well, having grown up in Louisville, where he recommends going to Fourth Street Live! and the waterfront, visiting nearby St. Matthews, and checking out a race at Churchill Downs. He then went to college to the south at the University of Alabama, where he played golf for the Crimson Tide; 'All you need to do in Tuscaloosa is go to a football game," says Thomas. Justin Thomas plays a shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the Valspar Championship 2025 at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, he calls the Jupiter, Florida, area home, where "everything is very laid-back and relaxed,' whether it's enjoying meals on the water at Square Grouper Tiki Bar or U-Tiki Beach or heading up to 1000 North for nights out. And when he leaves home for tournaments, he prioritizes easy, streamlined travel. These days he usually shares NetJets private flights with other players. 'Time is very precious, and the more time you can save, the better it is for our game essentially,' the No. 5 player says. In his earlier days, it was a little more taxing to travel with his golf clubs, checking them in on flights with the rest of the baggage. 'You get a sore right arm pretty quick from lugging that thing through the airport,' he says. 'Everybody's got horror stories—I've had times where bags don't show up and you're just trying to make it work.' His best advice for fellow golf travelers is to be ready to pivot. 'I don't want to say you need a backup plan, but just know things change and stuff happens, so have an understanding and be okay with it and go with the flow.' Thomas has learned to focus on what he can control, like always bringing a full-sized pillow with him in his carry-on. 'That's a must—I travel with a pillow every week,' he says of prioritizing comfort on the go. Also in his bag are Chapstick, a couple Sharpies, Advil, a phone charger, snacks, and electrolytes. But above all, there's nothing he prioritizes more than sunscreen. Spending so much of his life outside, his parents were always pretty diligent about having him get regular skin checks. When he was in high school, he had a mole taken off his back that turned out to be cancerous. 'It wasn't anything major, but it had to be dug out a little bit, and turned out to be okay,' he says. That made him realize how important these exams are, especially aware of how much the back of his neck and calves are exposed to the sun. At a skin check when he was 26, the athlete pointed out a mole on his left calf that was 'very small, but looked different.' His instincts were right—the spot was in the early stages of melanoma. The surgery was fairly simple—a half-hour procedure that he was awake for. But the impact was huge. 'It was a pretty eye-opening experience,' he says. 'I was very lucky to catch it as early as I did.' Thomas decided to turn his scare into an opportunity to educate others, starting a sunscreen line called WearSPF: 'For a lot of people, it's like being hungry: You wait till you're hungry to eat. They wait until they feel burnt or are sunburned to put on sunscreen, ' he says. 'But it's about applying before you go out, reapplying as the day goes on, and learning about the UV index. Just because it's not hot or sunny doesn't mean you can't get burnt, and I wasn't as cognizant of that in the past.' Justin with his sunscreen brand Wear SPF. Ty Nicholson/Get Engaged He's also used his influence for creative partnerships, including a recent one with Jason and Travis Kelce's Garage Beer. 'I was able to spend a little time with Jason at the tour event in Philly, and he said his wife is constantly getting on him for how sunburned he gets,' Thomas said. 'He was very excited about this collaboration because he needs all the sunscreen!" Even though he and Travis were both in Happy Gilmore 2, they didn't cross paths there—but they have hung out a bit. If he were to plan a trip with them, the agenda would be simple. 'I think going somewhere with some golf, because I know Travis loves golf, and I think Jason does as well,' Thomas says. 'But just somewhere fun and sitting back, being a fly on the wall to those two, watching them do their thing would be funny and entertaining!'
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-swimming-venice-canals-ITBADTOURISTS0825-e4b3622643c04443bed29dcd9f01ad4a.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
Italy's Top Destinations Are Cracking Down on Bad Tourist Behavior—and It Could Cost You Hundreds
Overtourism has become a global problem, especially in Europe. Italy's bucket list destinations are no longer once-in-a-lifetime trips; instead, they're on summer travel checklists for millions. This means the once-romantic streets of Venice are overcrowded, the picturesque shorelines of Positano are bursting, and the stunning architecture of Rome is obscured by the hundreds of people milling about on every street corner. The accessibility of travel is great, but with so many people in new places—often under the veil of anonymity and the lowered inhibitions that come with being on vacation—the already crowded nature of top tourist spots is worsened by poorly behaved visitors. Headlines in recent years have highlighted loud beachgoers, Venice canal swimmers, and even acts of vandalism against art and monuments. In response to repeated extreme behavior, many major destinations in Italy have implemented a series of fines targeting tourists who disregard local rules. The city of Venice, for example, has published a list of new rules and "unacceptable behavior,' on its official government website in hopes of curbing some of these offenses. 'Current regulations enforced by the Venice City Council Municipal Police forbid certain behavior, in order to preserve urban cleanliness and landscape, and also for reasons of safety and public hygiene,' the website states. 'The violation of such regulations involves the application of administrative fines—from €25 to €500.' (At the time of publication, €25 to €500 is roughly $30 to $584.) So what can you get fined for in Venice? Here's a few of the new rules: No consuming food and drink while sitting on the ground, or while sitting or lying on banks and foundations, monuments, bridges, steps, puteals (wellheads) and high-water walkways. Fine: € 100 to € 200 (about $117 to $234) (wellheads) and high-water walkways. € € No bathing, diving, or swimming in the canals. Fine: €350 ($410) No littering or dumping trash in public areas. Fine : €350 ($410) : Do not walk around bare-chested or in swimwear. Fine: €250 ($292) You also can't bike, camp, or feed the seagulls within the city limits or you'll risk a fine. According to Tour and Travel World , Venice isn't the only Italian city enforcing penalties for bad behavior. Just like in Venice, you can be fined up to €500 ($584) for wearing swimwear outside of designated beach areas in Tuscany, Veneto, and Campania. In Cinque Terre, wearing flip-flops or other improper footwear on certain hikes can result in a fine of up to €2,500 ($2,920). Many municipalities and regions enforce these fines primarily during the busiest travel months. In Portofino, for instance, eating on the ground can incur a €500 fine, but only through Sept. 30, 2025. These fines are part of a broader trend in Europe and beyond, as local governments attempt to regulate tourism through fees, taxes, and fines in an effort to counteract the wear and tear caused by high volumes of visitors on infrastructure and local communities. When planning your trip, make sure to do a quick search tourist regulations. Once you arrive, keep your eyes peeled for signage about what is and is not allowed. Just to be safe, keep a swim coverup handy and avoid eating your meals on the ground—both good rules of thumb regardless of the destination.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-ischia-ITSECRETISLANDS0825-8f62792d9fc34965bbd6f28bab060bf8.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I've Lived in Italy for Over 40 Years—These Are the Most Beautiful Islands No One Talks About
Everyone's heard of Sicily, Sardinia, and fashionable Capri, but when it comes to enchanting islands, Italy has much more to offer than the usual headline acts. And few people realize that the country's coastline is actually peppered with over 350 idyllic islands, from picture-perfect Favignana to car-free Panarea to rugged Marettimo. Some islands are remote and hard to reach, while others require less effort. Some are chic, while others are laid-back and rustic. One word of warning, though: Italians adore their islands and make a beeline for them during their summer holidays. So, if you don't want to share your slice of paradise with lots of others, avoid traveling there in July and August. If true solitude is what you're seeking, visit during the winter months—you may be the only visitor. Here are some of the most underrated islands in Italy. Favignana Favignana Lighthouse at dusk. FrancescoAn hour's ferry ride from Trapani, Sicily, butterfly-shaped Favignana—known for its jagged shoreline, sandy beaches like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, and hidden coves lapped by impossibly clear Tyrrhenian waters—is the largest of the three Egadi Islands. Hire a small boat from the port (Capitan Sinagra is a good bet) to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, then explore on land by scooter (rentals available from Brezza Marina). When hunger calls, head to Osteria del Sotto Sale for fresh seafood and pasta before retreating to Dimora dell'Olivastro, a tranquil guesthouse set among olive groves. Marettimo Aerial view of a village on Marettimo most remote of the Egadi Islands, tiny Marettimo—accessible via ferry from Trapani—remains delightfully rustic thanks to its limited accessibility, near absence of cars, and lack of large hotels. The main (and only) town has a cluster of whitewashed, blue-shuttered buildings by a shabby port. Here, travelers spend their days swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the surrounding protected waters, exploring sea caves and grottos, or hiking fragrant trails. Marettimo Residence, an eco-friendly aparthotel with sea views, offers an excellent home base for exploring. Salina Lingua coastline on middle of the seven Aeolian Islands, sleepy Salina is famed for its Malvasia wine and capers. Small, whitewashed villages dot its coast, with Santa Marina serving as the central hub—and the best place to hire a boat for exploring by sea. Days here are blissfully simple: swimming in crystal-clear waters off pebbly beaches, lingering over fresh seafood, and taking in sweeping views. Don't miss the lemon granita at Da Alfredo in Lingua, dinner on the waterfront terrace of Porto Bello, and a stay at the luxe Capofaro Resort. To reach the island, take the ferry from Milazzo via Lipari (about 90 minutes). It's also accessible via ports in Sicily, Palermo, and Naples. Panarea White buildings on the coast of Panarea. RogerWith its whitewashed lanes and bougainvillea-draped terraces, Panarea is the definition of barefoot luxury. One of the easternmost Aeolian Islands, it's reachable only by ferry from Naples, Milazzo, Messina, or Reggio Calabria. Cars are banned, so visitors get around on foot or by golf cart; however, the island is arguably best explored by boat. Rent one from Sea Panarea to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and the nearby islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca before settling in for sunset Negronis at the see-and-be-seen Bar del Porto. Nights often end at Hotel Raya, famed for its rooftop cocktails and late-night soirées. Pantelleria Agricultural terraces on Pantelleria. Grey Zone/Adobe Stock Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a remote volcanic island dotted with traditional dammusi, thick-walled, domed stone dwellings built to keep out the heat. Its rugged landscape is shaped by geothermal activity, with fumaroles, mud baths, and natural saunas in place of sandy beaches. Don't miss the cave-like Grotta del Bagno Asciutto, where steam rises from the earth, or a glass of the island's famed sweet dessert wine, Zibibbo. Reserve a room at Sikelia, built around a group of typical dammusi, where the mud treatments at the spa alone are worth a stay, and dine at La Nicchia for swordfish with tomatoes, olives, and capers. Pantelleria is reachable by plane from Palermo or Trapani (it's about a 30 to 45-minute ride). Vulcano A hiker on an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea. Beyond the shore, rent a Mehari to explore the island's lush interior, where goats roam the mountainside. Then, follow the winding roads to Gelso, home to a black-sand beach and the waterfront Trattoria Da Pina, also referred to as Trattoria Dai Maniaci. Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello. Ponza A woman on a remote nature path on largest of the Pontine Islands, Ponza sits in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples, and remains largely under the radar for most international travelers. Brightly painted houses cling to cliffs above the bustling harbor, and the island's hilly terrain makes the local bus the easiest way to reach scenic trails that wind through scented vegetation to hidden bays and coves. The stunning Spiaggia di Frontone, a pebbly crescent of clear water framed by rocks, is easily reached by taxi boat from the port. Stay at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla, which boasts its own beach club, and dine at Acquapazza for fresh-caught seafood with a view. Ferries from Anzio take about 80 minutes. Procida Marina di Corricell on Procida. Frank Fell/robertharding/Getty Images Often overlooked in favor of Capri and Ischia, the tiny, low-key island of Procida charms with its lemon groves, pastel-hued fishing villages, and laid-back pace. Ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli disembark at bustling Marina Grande, lined with shops and restaurants, but the real draw is Corricella, a jumble of candy-colored houses made famous in "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Climb to the fortified Terra Murata for panoramic water views, then explore the flat terrain by scooter or bike from Sprint near the port. After a day in the sun, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, where airy accomodations offer sea views, and linger over plates of seafood pastas at Da Mariano. La Maddalena A secluded beach on La Maddalena. Salvatore/Adobe Stock La Maddalena, the largest of Sardinia's namesake archipelago, is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Palau but feels far removed from the flash of the nearby Costa Smeralda. Its pink-tinged rocky shoreline frames some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, best experienced via boat tour. The island's sole town is a lively port with shops, bars, and restaurants, while a short bridge connects it to Caprera, home to Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi's former residence and pristine beaches. Base yourself at Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma, which offers adults-only accommodations, a spa, and easy access to the archipelago. Elba Fetovaia beach on Elba the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, offers a mix of history, culture, and postcard-worthy beaches—and it's only an hour ferry ride from Piombino. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled here in 1814, and his villas remain among the island's top sights, along with the ruins of a first-century B.C. Roman villa at Punta delle Grotte and Portoferraio's hilltop Forte Stella. Between sightseeing excursions, lounge on the sweeping bay at Biodola or seek out hidden coves only reachable by boat or on foot. From Marciana Alta, ride the cable car to Monte Capanne for views as far as Corsica, then unwind with gelato in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, or Capoliveri. For a romantic base, book the standalone seafront suite at the boutique Hotel Ilio, set above Sant'Andrea Beach and surrounded by gardens. Ischia Just an hour by ferry from Naples, Ischia offers a quieter charm than nearby Capri, and Baia di Sorgeto is its hidden crown jewel. Tucked into the southern village of Panza, this rocky cove is home to natural infinity pools warmed by volcanic springs that spill into the sea. While Baia di Sorgeto feels blissfully under the radar, other hot springs on the island—such as Negombo and Giardini Poseidon—are more popular and, chances are, far more crowded. After your soak, head to Sant'Angelo, a car-free fishing village with boutiques, seaside cafés, and sweeping views, or unwind on nearby Maronti Beach. Accommodation options abound, from the cliff-top Mezzatorre Hotel and San Montano Resort & Spa to Regina Isabella Resort and the garden-filled Villa Ravino.
