Bluebottles wash ashore on Tasmania's East Coast

Launceston's Natalie Purden and her partner Sacha Rattray were hoping to dip their feet in the water near Binalong Bay on the weekend, before they spotted hundreds of bluebottles.

"We went to dip our feet in the water and were like 'oh no, they're everywhere'," Ms Purden said.

"They were that bright vivid blue, we were sitting on the rocks and could see them coming in."

They spotted hundreds at Jeanneret Beach and Cozy Corner Beach, as they searched for jellyfish-free shores near St Helens.

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Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies researcher and UTAS associate professor of marine ecology, Neville Barret, said the conditions were a once in a five year event.

"We always expect to see some during the late summer and early autumn period," he said.

"With typical westerly weather we don't see them as much, but with the warmer water offshore past the shelf and the multiple days of easterly winds they will blow ashore.

"We will see unusual species popping up onshore, including sea snakes."

If you are stung, the advice is to carefully remove any remaining tentacles by gently washing the area in seawater and picking off any remnants that are left, taking care to avoid further stings.

Before immersing the area where the bluebottle sting had occurred in hot water for at least 20 minutes or direct a hot shower on the area for the same length of time.

If in doubt, always seek medical advice.

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