Beachcombing is a great way to explore our shores and learn more about the animals that live along our rocky shores, sandy beaches and mangroves. There are so many amazing things to look out for including shells, shark eggs, crabs, cuttlefish bone, seaweed, sponges, along with interesting rocks, sea glass and driftwood. You never know what you will find?
Below is a selection of images taken while Beachcombing in NSW, Australia. If you are interested in getting a Macro lens for your close ups, I got mine at Embrace Ecology.
Bluebottle 
Bluebottles 
Cart-rut Shell Dicathais orbita eggs on a sponge 
Sand balls made by the Soldier Crab 
Ghosts Crabs Ocypode cordimana 
Soldier Crab Mictyris longicarpus 
Sponge 
Beachcombing Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen
- Check the tides, the best time to explore is when the tide is going out
- A great time to explore is after a big storm
- Use caution and common sense as waves can still be big.
- Bring a camera to record your discoveries
- Use a scale to help identify the animals later
- Check local restrictions on collecting shells and driftwood.
- It is illegal to remove living animals or plants from the foreshore and rocky reefs in Marine Parks and National Parks
- Remember hermit crabs are always needing to upgrade their shells
- Bring a bag to collect rubbish to help keep our marine environment clean.
