Join ACFIM on a platypus spotting event... We will meet as dusk sets in - when platypus are most active.
Platypus are unlike any other animal found on earth, but due to habitat destruction, bushfires, drought and pollution this Aussie icon is threatened with extinction.
By mapping where platypus live we can track - and then prevent - declines in numbers.
That’s where you can help. There are places within the platypus’ range where sightings have never been recorded, or where they haven’t been seen for a long time. These are our biggest gaps in knowledge.
You can help researchers at UNSW fill these gaps by visiting these priority areas, look for platypuses, and upload your findings.
- We will meet in the picnic grounds beside the Kanes Bridge - the same side of the Yarra River as the renovated Boathouse.
- The best times to see platypus are dawn and dusk so start time is 4:30 pm, with talks to learn more about the area and the platypus.
- After that we’ll spread out along the swing bridge and the river banks to watch for platypus until sunset around 6.30 pm.
- Please wear warm clothes, bring something to sit on (picnic blanket or small camping chair) and a torch for finding your way along the banks when it gets dark. BYO water.
- The site has plenty of great sit spots along the river. Please speak to one of our marshals and we'll help you find the best spot for you.
Check the platy-project website to read more about the project and look at the map of habitat and sightings.
GETTING THERE
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT: BUS 200- 207 Bulleen or Doncaster Shopping centre bus - travel along Johnston St and alight at the Yarra Bend/Studley Park Rd stop in Kew. THEN walk along Yarra Bvd till the Boathouse Rd entrance to the picnic grounds.
- A bus will depart 4.10 pm from the Hoddle St / Johnston St stop and arrive 4.14pm at the Yarra Bend /Studley Park Rd stop
- This bus route can be accessed from the Victoria Park station.
- Allow a 15 minute walk from the Bus stop to the picnic ground and Kanes Bridge.
- Buses every 15 minutes.
- RETURN bus at 6.20 pm,6.35 and 6.50 p.m.
- CAR PARKING is available at the picnic grounds in Boathouse Rd - runs off Yarra Blvd.
We can’t promise you will see a platypus, but we hope you will be motivated to continue looking by yourself in other waterways near you.
This is a unique and fun event, and we hope to see you there!
If you are not currently a member of an ACF Community group you can find your nearest group here.