How to See Neil the Seal Safely (and Respectfully) in Tasmania

Neil turns up where you least expect him — a beach, a boat ramp, a front lawn, occasionally the middle of the road. If you're lucky enough to cross paths with him in southern Tasmania, there's a right way and a very wrong way to enjoy the moment. Here's the right way, based on the official guidance from Tasmania's Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).

The official rules: stay 'six Neils away'

• Stay at least 20 metres away — the City of Clarence memorably describes it as 'about six Neils away'.
• Keep dogs on a lead and at least 50 metres away, always.
• Do not interact with Neil or try to attract his attention — he may read it as an invitation to play, and you do not want to play-fight a 1,000 kg seal.
• Follow directions from NRE Marine Conservation Program officers, Tasmania Police, and council staff, including temporary traffic diversions.
• Report sightings or concerning behaviour (yours-truly-related or human) to the Marine Mammal Hotline on 0427 WHALES (0427 942 537).

Why the rules exist

Neil may look like the world's most relaxed animal, but he is a powerful wild seal who can move deceptively fast and cause serious injury if approached or startled. The rules protect him as much as they protect people: in April 2023 he had to be relocated after people and dogs repeatedly harassed him at Kingston Beach. Every close approach, selfie attempt, or curious off-lead dog adds stress and increases the odds that officials have to intervene.

When Neil parks himself somewhere genuinely unsafe — like a road — trained Marine Conservation Program staff move him using padded poles, boards, and noise, which NRE describes as a standard, internationally recognised technique for moving large wildlife without harming it. Leave that job to them.

When and where does Neil show up?

There's no schedule — he's a wild animal, not a tour attraction. That said, elephant seals haul out near their birthplace several times a year to moult, rest, and socialise, and each visit typically lasts around six weeks. Neil has been spotted around Hobart, Kingston Beach, Dunalley, Primrose Sands, and the Clarence area over the years. Locals usually find out he's back the same way everyone else does: he appears on the local news, usually next to a dented fence.

Can't get to Tasmania? Fan from afar

Most of Neil's millions of fans will never see him in person — and honestly, that's the safest fan club to be in. You can follow his adventures in our gallery, play Cone Run, or bring a slightly smaller, considerably softer Neil home: the limited-edition plushie is 100% guaranteed not to crush your fence. A portion of proceeds from all official merch supports marine wildlife conservation in Tasmania.