The solitary seal arrived on the island early in July, looking a little worse for wear, with some scars on its tail and fins.

Concerned community members contacted experts for advice, and have since monitored the seal's progress through social media, sharing photos and videos of their close encounters with the rare creature.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife confirmed they had received multiple reports of the seal initially spotted at Redcliffe early in July.

Wildlife officers inspected the seal and found it was healthy.

Dubbed 'Neil the Seal', the young marine creature has spent plenty of time sunbaking and enjoying the surf around the island's beaches, regularly spotted at different areas.

Bribie resident Sharon Holt encountered 'Neil' on Wednesday, keeping her distance and taking photos with her professional camera lens.

She said the young seal "barked" at her when she approached but didn't move as she stayed still and photographed him.

"He remained in that relaxed mode, although now and then he'd open one eye to keep a check on me and his surroundings," she said.

"Otherwise, he seemed to be just sunbathing, letting the small waves lap over him but would also look up if a bigger wave came."

Island residents have enjoyed sharing seal encounters, photos and videos online since Neil's arrival, from sunbaking to surfing.

According to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection's website, some fur seals sometimes reach southern Queensland, but most stay in temperate waters.

"In recent years they have been seen in Moreton Bay and the shallow water off Scarborough and on North Stradbroke Island," the DEHP said.

"Please be reminded that anyone who comes across a seal that has come ashore to give them space to rest and recover.

"Intervention is considered a last resort, as a result, many factors including the risk of zoonotic disease transfer. In most cases, the seals will depart of their own accord."