Incredible patterns photographed across Aussie beaches before they’re ‘lost forever’

Cairns: Have you ever noticed those cool patterns on the beach? They’re made by tiny sand bubbler crabs. Most folks don’t even see these little guys, but their work is pretty amazing.

John Brock, an Aussie author and photographer, has been snapping pics of these unique designs. He’s traveled to places like Byron Bay, Cairns, and Darwin, capturing the fleeting beauty of these sand patterns.

He shared that every design is one-of-a-kind, but they vanish every six hours with the tide. It’s a bit sad, but he finds it fascinating. “They’ll just create another one,” he said.

One of his best shots was at Kewarra Beach, where dozens of crabs left intricate patterns that look like flower petals. Another photo from East Point Beach shows a single crab’s work being washed away by the tide.

These crabs are crucial for keeping our beaches clean. They filter sand for food, which helps maintain the beach ecosystem. Peter Davie from the Queensland Museum explained that they process a lot of sand to survive, especially since open beaches are low in nutrients.

Interestingly, the patterns aren’t random. Research shows that crabs follow specific paths when creating their designs. They avoid crossing over each other’s lines to keep their food sources intact.

Brock’s love for these crabs is more than just a hobby. He enjoys exploring the beach and capturing nature’s art. “It’s mesmerizing to see these patterns,” he said. “They remind us to take care of our beaches and nature.”