Sometimes the best adventures come from following your curiosity, and for Shark Bay resident Quoin Sellenger, that curiosity led to an unforgettable bonding experience with his daughter and a story that has brought smiles to an entire community.

When a friend spotted a safe resting on the ocean floor through the bay's famously transparent waters near Denham, 820 kilometres north of Perth, Sellenger saw an opportunity for adventure. Rather than simply reporting it to authorities, he decided to turn it into a memorable experience for his 13-year-old daughter Belle.

Armed with coordinates, a jet ski, and determination, the father-daughter duo set out on their mission. Working together, they managed to lift the heavy safe from the seabed—a task that required both of their strengths. It's the kind of real-world problem-solving and teamwork that creates lasting memories and teaches young people valuable life skills.

The mystery deepened when Sellenger posted about the find in a local Facebook group, hoping to locate the owner. The community's response was heartwarming and hilarious, with residents sharing creative puns and "dad jokes" about the discovery. "A lot of jokes like 'yeah that belongs in Safety Bay', or 'it looks like it's in safe hands,'" Sellenger laughed, noting how the find brought the community together in lighthearted fun.

When it came time to open the safe, Sellenger enlisted another friend—Brad the builder—turning what could have been a solitary moment into another opportunity for community connection. The strong smell emanating from the safe added to the suspense, and with an angle grinder in hand, they carefully carved into the mysterious box.

The reveal was absolutely delightful in its absurdity: inside sat a single 30-gram packet of beef jerky—marketed as the world's hottest—that had expired four years earlier but remained remarkably well-preserved by its salty environment.

While Sellenger had hoped for gold bars, he took the surprising discovery with good humor. "I think someone's actually playing a prank on someone," he mused, noting that the reef is well-known among locals and the safe was likely placed there intentionally to be found.

For Sellenger, who has lived in beautiful Shark Bay his entire life, the experience was unique. Though he's found old bottles and various items along the coastline over the years, nothing quite compared to this peculiar treasure hunt.

The story showcases the best of small-town community spirit—neighbors sharing discoveries, coming together to solve mysteries, and finding joy in life's unexpected moments. It's a reminder that adventure can be found right in our own backyards, and that the best treasures aren't always material wealth, but the experiences we share with loved ones and the laughter we create together.

Sellenger has since responsibly handed the safe over to WA Police, closing one chapter of this delightful mystery while leaving the community with a story they'll be sharing—and laughing about—for years to come.