Have you ever had that magical moment of spotting a platypus in the wild?
Join us at this event to learn where to look for, and how spot, platypus in the wild for this great #CitizenScience project, a partnership with ACF, UNSW, Centre for Ecosystem Science, and Platypus Conservation Initiative.
ACF-AWR is excited to be hosting events again in 2026 for the wonderful citizen science platy-project.
Join us and help researchers understand more about this elusive animal and how we can better protect it.
When: 12 September, 10:30 am
Where: Pfeiffer Wines, 167 Distillery Rd., Wahgunyah, Victoria
What we’ll be doing:
- Welcome from our winery host, Kylie
- An introductory talk from Anne, Pfeiffer Wines, who will talk about the Platypus family that lives nearby and show us her pictures.
- Then, we’ll talk through the best ways to spot a platypus and how to not get tricked by other creatures;
- We’ll practise our platy spotting skills with a walk around the area to identify the best platy spotting habitat; and
- We’ll also net and look at the water bugs (if possible) to see what platypus food is in the area.
- BYO picnic lunch or purchase something from Pfeiffer Wines (check if you need to order a day or more before the event) to enjoy with like-minded people as we watch for platypus.
- BYO Picnic Lunch options
For those who prefer to have their lunch provided, the winery can offer:
– a grazing plate for four [@$30] which includes:
a selection of cheeses with dry biscuits, olives and cabana.
– or a Picnic Hamper for two [@$150] which includes:
House Baked Baguette. Spiced Eggplant, Milawa Cheese, Smoked Trout Mousse
and Gooramadda Olives. Chicken Terrine and Peach Chutney. Sliced Mustard
Rubbed Rare Beef with Rocket, Roasted Tomatoes and Béarnaise Sauce, Baby
Potato, Caper and Red Onion Salad. A slice of delicious cake.
Hampers must be order with the winery at least one day in advance.
For anyone needing assistance with transport, please let us know in advance to help us
organise car-pooling arrangements.
- BYO Picnic Lunch options
You may want to then invest time to watch and wait for a platypus to reveal itself at the end of the event.
Bring clothes suitable for the weather and anything else you need to enjoy the day.
We can’t promise you will see a platypus, but you’ll be well equipped to keep looking for platypus at your nearest river or creek to help researchers understand more about this incredible creature and help prevent further declines in their numbers.
Join us at our upcoming platy-project event!
Let us know if you would like us to attempt to get a car pool ride for you by emailing acf.awr@gmail.com. We can’t promise, but we’ll try our best.
RSVP as soon as possible so you don’t miss out. Places are limited to ensure the event is safe and the best experience for all of us.
Image: Young platypus on a log in McMahons Creek, Yarra Ranges, Victoria. Credit: Doug Gimesy.