This rare sight was captured by Warrnambool woman Ash Marney on Saturday at the Hopkins River mouth while walking with a friend and her dog Zando.

“We were down at the Blue Hole taking Zando for a swim near the bridge and it came marching out of the scrub towards the water,” she said.

“We thought it might have just been going for a wander but it jumped straight in and started paddling around for about five minutes.

“It didn't get far – it was paddling really hard and fast against (the) current and then it cruised back onto the bank and headed back into the bushes. 

“I didn't even know that they could swim to be honest with you. 

“It was a very unexpected but enjoyable thing to see on a quiet beach stroll.”

The Standard, Warrnambool