A surprise beach sighting had early morning locals doing a double take at South Narrabeen today, after what appeared to be a lone Swamp Wallaby was seen sprinting across the sand and into the water.
The animal was first spotted at around 6.15am by a group of friends from the surf boat team Collaroy Cannons, who had just finished training and were walking along the beach.
South Narrabeen Beach. Photo: Mike Renie
“We were just walking on the beach after training and all of a sudden a kangaroo started sprinting down to the beach towards the water to go for a swim.
“It took us by surprise and we were all laughing so hard. Definitely a memorable morning, that is for sure.
“He was so cute, I wanted to take him home with me,” said Elani Plummer.
Staff at South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club also confirmed the report when Manly Observer arrived on scene to verify the video; it was spotted again at around 11.30am they said.
The species has not yet been officially confirmed, but the animal resembles a black faced swamp wallaby. They have a natural habitat in nearby Warriewood Wetlands.
WIRES has been unable to confirm the animal’s whereabouts or condition but have been working hard to track the wallaby down.
John Grant, WIRES spokesperson said: “We had numerous reports today.
“A local WIRES volunteer accepted the callout and searched in all the likely spots from Collaroy up to Narrabeen with no luck.
“A local WIRES volunteer accepted the callout and searched in all the likely spots from Collaroy up to Narrabeen with no luck.”
“We are hopeful locals are keeping their dogs leashed so they do not chase and further stress the wallaby if it has not already found its way back to its usual habitat.”
Swamp Wallabies live in bushland, heath, and forest undergrowth, often near roads like Wakehurst Parkway, with sightings common in reserves such as Manly Dam and Warriewood Wetlands. Far less common on local beaches!
Swamp Wallaby. Photo: Hannah Greenland
Hannah Greenland, Environmental Science Graduate said: “The Swamp Wallaby, Wallabia Bicolor, can typically be found in coastal heathland habitats, as they favour dense bush and close proximity to waterways such as a creekline.
“This makes the appearance of a Swamp Wallaby on an open, sandy beach, heading into the surf during the middle of the day quite strange.
“Coastal heath occur throughout the Northern Beaches region, providing a lovely habitat for these beautiful creatures.
“However, disruption to this habitat has resulted in them being spotted further from their homes, and often along main roads.
“They are quite shy and will avoid open, public spaces like this where they feel threatened.”