The Australian coastline is renowned for its stunning beauty and the occasional surprise that Mother Nature washes ashore. But for one caravan couple, their latest beachside discovery has left them more than a little perplexed. Susie Fitzgerald and her husband, who have been embracing the nomadic lifestyle and residing in Darwin for the past six months, stumbled upon an extraordinary sight during a routine walk with their dog at Casuarina Beach.

Imagine walking along the shore and finding the sand peppered with thousands of 'hairy' balls for as far as the eye can see. That's exactly what happened to Susie, who described the scene as stretching for possibly 400 metres. The sight was so unusual and fascinating that it captured her curiosity, prompting her to pick one up, only to be pricked by 'tiny little pricks' on its surface.



This beachside enigma has sparked interest and conversation among locals and scientists alike. While Susie was initially at a loss to identify her prickly find, marine biologist Benjamin Mos from The University of Queensland provided some clarity on the matter. These 'hairy' balls are, in fact, known as 'sand dollars,' and they are a common find along Australian beaches, especially after large swells or significant tidal events.


Sand dollars are intriguing creatures, closely related to sea urchins. They typically live buried in soft sediment and sand, which is why beachcombers often discover them washed up on the shore. Although the exact species of the sand dollars Susie found remains unidentified, their appearance on the beach is likely linked to the recent big tides, as suggested by Mos.



For those who encounter sand dollars, they are generally safe to touch, provided you can avoid their spines – a lesson Susie learned the hard way. And while they might emit an unpleasant odor as they decompose, these marine creatures are relatively harmless.

The allure of sand dollars extends beyond their biological interest. They are often collected for their aesthetic value and used to create jewelry and ornaments. Despite their name, sand dollars are not of monetary value, but their flattened shape is reminiscent of a coin, hence the name. It's a reminder that sometimes, the treasures of the sea are not gold or pearls but the simple, natural wonders that wash up on our shores.

This peculiar beachside find comes on the heels of another mysterious event, where several Sydney beaches were closed after hundreds of black, golf ball-sized spheres appeared on the sand. Initially baffling authorities, it was later revealed that these spheres were composed of fatty acids and chemicals typically found in cleaning and cosmetic products, mixed with some fuel oil, according to NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings.



Australia's beaches are full of surprises, and while some are explained by science, others remain part of the great oceanic mystery. Have you ever come across an unusual find while strolling along the beach? Perhaps you've got your own theories or experiences to share about these natural phenomena. We'd love to hear your stories and insights, so feel free to reach out to us at the Seniors Discount Club or share your comments below. Whether it's a prickly encounter with a sand dollar or a puzzling sphere, the ocean continues to intrigue and amaze us with its secrets.