The dolphins entered the lake around two weeks ago, with locals speculating that they were trying to flee killer whales migrating along the coast.

Pickled Oyster restaurant owner Greg Ferguson said the marine mammals had been providing a wonderful experience for customers, who were entertained by their antics.

“The tourists are loving it...I’ve never seen anything like this before and I’ve been here 11 years,” he said.

“There were six, I believe now there are three or four. They put on a great show for the customers. I tried to lure them in close with some fresh flathead.”

O’Brien’s Boatshed owner Terry O’Brien has seen a lot of people on the water trying to get a glimpse of the dolphins, even in canoes.

“It’s rare for dolphins to come in,” he said.

“Some people are concerned for them but nothing can hurt them.

“We will wait for rain to open up the entrance. It’s too shallow but there’s plenty of mullet for them to eat in the meantime.”

The present cycle of tides indicates that the next high tide that may allow the dolphins access back into the ocean will be around October 17, with levels expected to peak at 1.85 metres.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) spokesman Stuart Cohen advised people not to try to chase the dolphins in boats, adding that it was illegal.

“Leave your engine off. If the dolphins swim around you, it’s their business,” he said.

“Give them plenty of space.”

NPWS will continue to monitor the situation.