Family’s beach stroll leads to unexpected discovery—could it be worth a fortune?
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Nature has a way of delivering surprises, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
A routine family outing turned into an extraordinary discovery after a powerful storm swept through the region.
What the family stumbled upon has sparked curiosity, expert analysis, and even legal implications.
A father enjoying a beach walk with his family made an unexpected discovery after a cyclone battered the Queensland–NSW coastline.
The man and his young children had been searching for shells and surveying the damage left behind by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred when they came across something unusual.
While scanning the shore for anything of interest, he spotted what he believed to be a 350 g chunk of ambergris—a rare substance produced in the intestines of less than five per cent of sperm whales.
Ambergris, highly valued in the perfume industry, can fetch at least $59,000 per kilogram, but its trade is prohibited in Australia as it is classified as a whale product.
Despite its potential worth, those who find ambergris in Australia cannot legally sell or purchase it.
The father said he ‘instantly knew’ what he had found and conducted a test recommended by friends to verify its authenticity.
‘I took it home and consulted some good friends from Australia and USA who are high ranked in fields of marine taxidermy and a marine biology professor,’ he said.
Professor Michael Stoddart reviewed photos of the discovery and noted that it appeared to be ‘the right colour and texture’.
Ambergris is thought to protect sperm whales’ stomachs from squid beaks, which make up a significant part of their diet.
Professor Stoddart advised the man to inspect the specimen for any traces of squid remains to help confirm its identity.
He also explained the distinct transformation of ambergris over time.
‘The stuff is black when voided and smells disgustingly of faeces but becomes greyish white after years floating about in the ocean subject to the action of saltwater and sunlight. By then it smells of musty dampness—like fungi, or like a forest floor does after summer rain,’ he said.
Authorities require ambergris finds to be reported, as they can provide valuable insights into the life cycle and movement patterns of sperm whales.
‘Any findings must be turned into the relevant state authority—usually the state’s museum or parks and wildlife agency. Having it in your possession requires a licence granted to you by that body,’ Professor Stoddart said.
The father confirmed he was in the process of submitting the necessary paperwork to keep the specimen.
While ambergris remains a sought-after commodity worldwide, its sale is restricted in several countries, including Australia, the United States, and India.
In a previous story, collectors were sent into a frenzy over a rare $2 coin that became a must-have item.
The unexpected value of everyday discoveries continues to surprise Australians.
Read more to find out what made this coin so special.
Finding ambergris is rare, but the legal restrictions make it a complicated treasure.
If you stumbled upon something valuable yet illegal to sell, would you keep it or turn it in?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A routine family outing turned into an extraordinary discovery after a powerful storm swept through the region.
What the family stumbled upon has sparked curiosity, expert analysis, and even legal implications.
A father enjoying a beach walk with his family made an unexpected discovery after a cyclone battered the Queensland–NSW coastline.
The man and his young children had been searching for shells and surveying the damage left behind by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred when they came across something unusual.
While scanning the shore for anything of interest, he spotted what he believed to be a 350 g chunk of ambergris—a rare substance produced in the intestines of less than five per cent of sperm whales.
Mysterious object washes up after a cyclone. Image source: Daily Mail
Ambergris, highly valued in the perfume industry, can fetch at least $59,000 per kilogram, but its trade is prohibited in Australia as it is classified as a whale product.
Despite its potential worth, those who find ambergris in Australia cannot legally sell or purchase it.
The father said he ‘instantly knew’ what he had found and conducted a test recommended by friends to verify its authenticity.
‘I took it home and consulted some good friends from Australia and USA who are high ranked in fields of marine taxidermy and a marine biology professor,’ he said.
Professor Michael Stoddart reviewed photos of the discovery and noted that it appeared to be ‘the right colour and texture’.
Ambergris is thought to protect sperm whales’ stomachs from squid beaks, which make up a significant part of their diet.
Professor Stoddart advised the man to inspect the specimen for any traces of squid remains to help confirm its identity.
He also explained the distinct transformation of ambergris over time.
‘The stuff is black when voided and smells disgustingly of faeces but becomes greyish white after years floating about in the ocean subject to the action of saltwater and sunlight. By then it smells of musty dampness—like fungi, or like a forest floor does after summer rain,’ he said.
Authorities require ambergris finds to be reported, as they can provide valuable insights into the life cycle and movement patterns of sperm whales.
‘Any findings must be turned into the relevant state authority—usually the state’s museum or parks and wildlife agency. Having it in your possession requires a licence granted to you by that body,’ Professor Stoddart said.
The father confirmed he was in the process of submitting the necessary paperwork to keep the specimen.
While ambergris remains a sought-after commodity worldwide, its sale is restricted in several countries, including Australia, the United States, and India.
In a previous story, collectors were sent into a frenzy over a rare $2 coin that became a must-have item.
The unexpected value of everyday discoveries continues to surprise Australians.
Read more to find out what made this coin so special.
Finding ambergris is rare, but the legal restrictions make it a complicated treasure.
If you stumbled upon something valuable yet illegal to sell, would you keep it or turn it in?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
