QUEENSLAND (REUTERS) - A humpback whale stranded on a sandbank in Queensland was helped to safety by her calf on Friday (Oct 7).

The distressed whale was beached in shallow waters near North Stradbroke Island, east of Brisbane on Friday morning, Australian media reported.

Footage showed what appears to be the calf repeatedly nudging the mother in an attempt to dislodge her.

Australian media reported the humpback managed to free herself after being stuck for about 40 minutes.

Migrating humpback whales are a common sight along Australia's east coast between April and November each year, where they mate and give birth before heading to Antarctic waters, according to the Australian Government's Environment website.