This is the amazing moment a group of sea lions hitched a ride on the front of a ship in Australia.

The marine mammals were seated at the front tip of the bow off the coast of Melbourne on December 31.

Crewmember Shane Sofranes said the clever wild animals don’t want to become tired swimming so they jump on the vessel to hitch a ride.

She said: ‘They joined us for a while but left together after some time. They are smart, they want a free ride.’

The front of the vessel that the sea lions were riding on is called the ‘bulbous bow’ and helps ships maintain buoyancy in the ocean.

This is the amazing moment a group of sea lions hitched a ride on the front of a ship in Australia.

The marine creatures were seated at the front tip of the bow off the coast of Melbourne on December 31.

Shipmember Shane Sofranes said the clever wild animals don’t want to become tired swimming so they jump on the vessel to hitch a ride.

She said: ‘They joined us for a while but left together after some time. They are smart, they want a free ride.’

The front of the vessel that the sea lions were riding on is called the ‘bulbous bow’ and helps ships maintain buoyancy in the ocean.