Australien Forum / Australia Forum

A spectacular waterspout whirled across Batemans Bay on Sunday attracting a crowd of amazed onlookers during its brief 10-minute appearance.

Waterspouts are similar to a weak tornado on water, and mostly triggered by a combination of a rotating updraught, warm waters, and thunderstorms. They are often strong enough to suck up fish, and can be dangerous when they cross onto the land. This one disintegrated as it hit the shoreline.

Bayside Motel owner Guy Smith said the waterspout was unlike anything he'd ever seen.
It appeared in the bay right in front of the motel and Mr Smith, who also operates a local weather website, managed to capture the column which he said made a ''bit of a whooshing sound'', on his camera.