The rock was discovered in April 1975 above Brogers Creek, Wattamolla, 260 metres above sea level. It was upended by Bill Selby, whilst he was clearing land, and became known as the Selby Rock. Bill recognised the features in the rock and carefully left it standing in a near vertical position realising what a magnificent find he had made.
The late John Rebbeck devised a method to secure the rock for transport. A tripod of logs was firmly bolted together around the rock. Then a tirfor winch and a 122 metre steel rope were used to lower the rock slowly from its vertical position down the mountain side onto a low-loader. To assist this process a bulldozer, backhoe and tractor were also used. Eight men took eight hours to get the rock onto the low-loader.
Once positioned at the Museum, the rock was studied by Dr Ritchie, a specialist from the Australian National University, who catalogued the specimens on the rock and made plaster casts. He said “on its surface are several hundred specimens of 15 individual sea creatures in varying stages of growth.” He went on to say “the rock has some fine examples of crinoids or sea lilies dating back to the Permian era.” Dr Ritchie said the rock was one of the finest examples of fossilised sea life he had seen.
For further information go to – https://kangaroovalleyhistory.com/articles/the-selby-rock
