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05/09/2005: "MRS SEAL ROCKS"

Mrs Horgan owned and ran the Post Office store at the tiny village of Seal Rocks for most of her life.

She loved the town and the dusty road in from the main road - which kept many city visitors away.

Mrs Horgan resented development. Few dared to challenge her strong view that the township with a population of 200 should ever change.

Well those days are gone, and so is dear Mrs Horgan...."Mrs Seal Rocks".

She kept a 'visitors to her shop' book, which would be a who's-who of champion surfers, divers and VIP visitors.

It is a 'colony' of grey nurse sharks offshore at the two small 'seal rocks' that has made the area popular and world famous.

Years ago, sea lion (seals) were residents at big seal rock - gradually their numbers dwindled away to zero, along with the grey nurse sharks.

In 1988 the sharks made a dramatic return and have been regulars since. But not without many hazards which has now resulted in protection for the species.

It could be said that Sea Rocks was where it all began - greatly assisted by the wonderful photography of husband and wife diving team, Ron and Valerie Taylor who are part-time residents here.