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The platypus is one of Australia’s most unique and important animals. They are a key indicator of a healthy waterway, eating sensitive waterbugs (aquatic macroinvertebrates) and relying on clean rivers to move freely.
They are an apex predator in freshwater ecosystems, only found in Australia. Known at a monotreme, platypus are one of only two mammals that lay eggs alongside the echidna. Platypus are a culturally important species to Aboriginal communities.
Protecting the platypus helps protect our waterways, wildlife, and environment.
How to spot a platypus
Best Times:
- Early morning
- Late afternoon and evening
- August - September is mating season
- December - February you may see young platypus out and about, days are longer meaning there are more light hours in the morning and evening for you to spot a platypus
Best Places:
- Calm freshwater creeks, rivers, ponds, with overhanging banks and still pools
Be still, quiet and wait:
- Sit and observe. Avoid noise and sudden movements
- It may take 30 minutes for the landscape to calm after your arrival and wildlife to feel safe to explore in your presence
What to Look For:
- Small brown animal floating low in the water (40-50cm long)
- Flat, paddle-shaped tail & duck-like bill
- Smooth, silent dive
- Circular ripples on the water surface
- Bubbles rising or a dark shape breaking the surface as they forage underwater
- Pops up for a breathe and to crush it's food close to where it dived (within 10–20 metres)