Coastal treasures from the Tropic

Australia’s coastline stretches north of the Tropic of Capricorn, where the vibrant town of Broome lies, rich in culture and surrounded by stunning sandstone outcrops and mangroves. The sandstone outcrops along the coast invite the imagination, with mystical creatures emerging from the intricate, lace-like erosion, their forms shaped by the play of light and shadow on the colourful rock. 

A Landscape Shaped by Nature

The coastline, battered by cyclones, fierce winds, and waves, is a mosaic of water- and wind-carved wonders. Yet, at other times, the gentle, repetitive tides lull the seafloor, teeming with life in all shapes and colours. Walking the beach at low tide, the warmth of the sun and the peaceful rhythm of the waves reveal a place bursting with hidden treasures left behind. 

At each little imperfection, tiny streams carve new paths in the sand, winding like intertwined ancient tree branches, overlapping and gathering more water to drain toward the sea. In these quiet channels, survival is key: eat, or be eaten.

Mysteries Washed Ashore

Pearls of eggs are washed ashore, creating delicate necklaces, their dark green algae accents sparkling in the sun. What are they? Where do they come from? How will they survive until the next high tide? These mysteries spark the imagination while their beauty enchants anyone taking the time to look. 

Birds roam the beach in search of a yummy meal, discomforted when missed. 

Shells of all shapes and sizes dot the sand: conical or flat, white or vibrant in colour. Some cling to rocks, overlapping each other, or bury themselves in the sand. Some old ones have been repurposed by hermit crabs. Alone or in procession, they patrol the beach, some overtaking others, racing through narrow water rivulets like vehicles speeding on the freeway. Tiny prints are left behind, only to be quickly washed away by the trickling water, masking their presence. Disappearing is their art—freezing and hiding, leaving no trace.

Among the quiet pools, soft, viscous-looking creatures lie still. Upon closer inspection, their shapes inflate and deflate as though they are breathing. Their translucent bodies, tinged with shades of green, beige, or rouge, pulse gently with life. Perhaps they’ve caught a tasty morsel, or perhaps they are something else entirely. Beautiful in their stillness, they fade into the background, becoming as discreet as possible. 

Further along the beach, broken corals and sponges, still vibrant in colour, are washed ashore. The corals have a firm, abrasive texture, like pumice stone, while the sponges remain soft, soaked by saltwater. In contrast, rocks uncovered at low tide display extravagant, bright green algae, rivalling funky hairstyles. Corals and shells cling to these anchors, awaiting the next tide to return them to the sea. 

An Alluring Treasure

An unexpected round, flat shape sprawls across the wet sand: dark with a white centre, its texture soft and inviting. Tentacles with feather-like appendages radiate from its centre. These delicate feathers rest or wave gently, without apparent stimuli. With extreme precision, the tentacles retract, shifting their course. The feathers appear to move as if scanning the environment, guiding the tentacles with unseen signals. Its slow, deliberate movement is mesmerising—one of the most captivating treasures found on this beach. 

And of course, crabs are part of the beach. Broome boasts over 100 species! The ones spotted here are incredibly fast, making them difficult to spot when in motion, perfectly camouflaged when still. Their eyes, perched high on stalks, scan the world for danger, not missing a beat. Their survival depends on split-second decisions. 

Low tide on this tropical coast is a time of incredible activity and adaptability. Creatures employ every strategy at their disposal to survive, resulting in a fascinating show of life. Life at low tide is not for the faint-hearted. 

Rediscovering Playfulness in Nature

Playing in the low tides feels like being a child again, drawn to the treasures hidden in the sand, marvelling at their intricate patterns. Yet, adults, while encouraging kids to explore, often forget their own playfulness in nature. Venture along your own coastline, and you’ll discover treasures waiting to be uncovered. Let go, if only for a moment, of the weight of adulthood’s responsibilities to seek the magic of simple joy. What mysteries will you find, hidden beneath the shifting tides?

If you want to know more on how fostering connection in nature, you are welcome to contact Sarah at Attune to Nature. Nature flows in you.

My curiosity led me to edit this article using ChatGPT.