Come to the platypus party
Published on 08 October 2025
Celebrate the wonderful and elusive platypus at Edendale Community Environment Farm’s platypus party on Sunday 26 October.
Suitable for children aged three to 12, the two-hour event includes:
- a book launch with local author Vikki Conley and illustrator Jedda Robaard for their new book, Where the River Runs Free, including storytime, puppets and a draw-along activity
- river poetry and craft in the creative corner
- ·native fish tanks and chats with Native Fish Australia
- water bug activities with the Yarra River Keeper
- platypus jenga and platypus quest
- pop-up bookshop by Eltham Bookshop.
Platypus ecologist Josh Griffiths will be doing a day-in-the-life activity and Melbourne Water is bringing Splash the platypus; a taxidermy friend who helps children discover platypus secrets.
Mayor John Dumaresq said the platypus party would be educational and enjoyable.
“Every now and then, someone is lucky enough to spot a platypus in the Diamond Creek,” Cr Dumaresq said.
“We all have a part to play in keeping the local environment clean and safe for our native wildlife. Events like the platypus party help children and families understand and appreciate their natural environment,” he said.
Edendale Ward councillor Kelly Joy said the event’s activities have been tailored to young children to keep them engaged and help them learn about the platypus.
“From storytime to craft, the book reading and platypus games, the party will be full of fun things for children to learn, explore and be entertained,” Cr Joy said.
This event is free to attend, but please register online ahead of the event.
If you intend to drive, please consider parking at the Eltham North Adventure Playground and walk across the Diamond Creek bridge to Edendale's north pedestrian entrance.
The platypus party is free to attend and will be held at Edendale Community Environment Farm from 10.30am-12.30pm on Sunday 26 October. Register and read more at edendale.vic.gov.au/platypus-party