An unexpected encounter at the marina 

The children were exploring the Queenscliff Marina, hoping to spot some of the marine life and maybe even catch a shrimp or two in their bare hands.

At the edge of the marina the water was glassy and the children were perched in a perfect sport to see all the creatures beneath. Some big, some small.

Some had gently placed their fingers into the seaweed and waited patiently for the shrimp to come. Suddenly a big shadow appeared, not darting away or hiding, just hovering below.

Amid gentle ripples in the water, a stingray rose along the edge of the seaweed with its wings gracefully stretched wide. It looked more like it was flying than swimming!

The children were in awe watching the amazing creature dancing with the tide. And just when they thought it was about to swim away, it surprised them all by lifting high out of the water, high enough for some to touch its wings.

What a highlight for those who managed to give the stingray a pat.