Platypus

Platypus are unique Australian species, found throughout rivers and creeks in the country, including those in Nillumbik.

They are known to be difficult to find. With your help, we can better understand these shy creatures and support them into the future. This is more important than ever, as platypus have been formally listed as ‘vulnerable’ in Victoria. In Nillumbik, they are not as common as they once were.

Learn where you might be able to spot one, and how you can help protect platypus in our Shire. 

Where to see a platypus in Nillumbik

Platypus are known to live in the Birrarung (Yarra River), along with the Diamond Creek, Plenty River and Watsons Creek. The best time to spot platypus is at dawn and dusk during autumn and spring.

Council also run environment events and education including youth-specific platypus activities. While a sighting is not guaranteed, you can learn about them from experts and help create a safe place for them to live and thrive!

How you can help protect platypus

Outdoors

• Report sightings! Community platypus reports provide land managers and researchers with meaningful ecological data. This helps build knowledge of local platypus populations and guide conservation efforts, including how we manage waterways. 
• Pick up litter or report larger items in waterways via Council's website.
• Keep dogs on a leash around waterways.
• Report the use of illegal 'opera house' nets via the 24/7 ‘13FISH’ phone line.
• Take fishing line home with you.

At home and at work

• Ensure rubbish is stored in your bins and doesn’t escape when waiting for collection.
• Snip circular items, like old rubber bands, hair elastics and milk bottle rings, before binning them.
• Avoid pouring pollutants, such as chemicals and oils, down drains.
• Have a property near a creek? You might be eligible for assistance from Melbourne Water to care for waterway habitat.
• Install a raingarden or water tank to reduce stormwater pollution.
• Join Nillumbik’s Gardens for Wildlife to learn about wildlife friendly gardening.

Get involved

• Join a local group active in caring for platypus habitat, including Friends of Edendale and Friends of Platypus.
• Participate in environment events and education including youth-specific platypus activities.
• Monitor waterbugs, an important food source for platypus.