'Magic': Ferry passengers treated to rare display after spotting Antarctic whale

Ferry passengers enjoying the long weekend in Sydney were treated to a rare display after a minke whale began swimming alongside the vessel.

The Antarctic minke whale was seen far from home frolicking in the ocean near Bundeena Wharf, south of Sydney, today.

"A beautiful minke whale was spotted near Bundeena Wharf today, giving passengers on the Cronulla Ferries an unforgettable experience," Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises shared on Facebook.

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"These majestic creatures are such a special sight in the area, and we're lucky to encounter such a close encounter with nature."

Cronulla Ferry passengers filmed the minke whale as it floated near the surface and blew water from its spout.

The whale was swimming close to the wharf edge in Bundeena.

One onlooker described the whale's visit as "magic".

"Beautiful, we were in the water under the wharf and saw it, magic," they commented on the video.

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Minke whales are generally an inquisitive species, according to the Australian Antarctic Program.

"They will often swim repeatedly around a small vessel, and go out of their way to approach a moving ship, before veering away at high speed," an article shared by the program reads.

Antarctic minke whales aren't often seen swimming in Australia and prefer icier waters during the summer months.

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