This magnificent creature was attracting plenty of human onlookers as it took a delightful snooze in the winter sun at Blacksmiths breakwater on Monday.

Alicia Nash, of Blacksmiths, said the creature - thought to be a New Zealand fur seal - seemed "pretty placid".

"But a friend went a bit too close and he got growled at," she said.

The seal appears to have a few scars, which isn't a great surprise given it has a few predators. Humans may be scared of sharks, but seals probably have a lot more reason to feel that fear.

The Blacksmiths seal was also hanging around the breakwater on Sunday, prompting an official to cordon off an area while the seal slept on rocks.

"They put a sign up saying he's just resting and leave him be," Alicia said.

The seal was spotted swimming playfully and appeared to be headed for Swansea Heads, but "he was back on the rocks again this morning [Monday]".

A National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson reminded people to give seals a wide berth.

"The vast majority of these animals are simply resting. People must keep at least 40 metres away from adults and 80 metres if there is a pup present.

"They might look fairly docile when 'hauled-out' but they can move fast when roused and they have sharp teeth.

"These are wild animals, so they can be dangerous if people get too close."

The spokesperson said seals leaving the water along the NSW coastline was normal behaviour.

Seals hauled out on land, like at Blacksmiths, can "draw the crowds".

"People are reminded to give seals plenty of space."

New Zealand fur seals are vulnerable in NSW.

If you see a seal in distress or injured report them to the NPWS on 13000 PARKS or ORRCA 9415 3333.

Dudley's Don Owers sent us this photo of a stairway to a particular type of heaven.

"Locals in Dudley are rebuilding the track to the beach with stone blocks," Don said.

"It's a big job under any circumstances, but in this case most of the work was done by just three people - Phil and Karen Buckner and Gary Jenness."

Don said the track had suffered from state funding cuts, so "it's up to locals to get this type of work done".

Don would have pitched in, but he's recovering from knee surgery. He now has steel inserts in both knees.

He's an avid bike rider, possibly the most avid bike rider in the Hunter. If not the most avid, he's definitely in the top 10.

He must have been going stir crazy having to stay off the bike. Nope.

"I converted the tandem to electric so we can still ride and it doesn't over-stress the knees," he said.