Platypus whisperer Pete Walsh has spent countless hours observing, filming and bonding with the numerous platypus that call the Hobart Rivulet home.
And now, as part of the 2024 Beaker Street science festival, he shares his tips for spotting and protecting our platypus, as well as some fascinating facts about their biology and behaviour on a new self-guided rivulet platypus walk.
The panels also include some fabulous platypus drawings from the talented students at South Hobart Primary School.
A platypus makes its way up the Hobart Rivulet. Photo: @hobartrivuletplatypus
Where to start
It's best to start the walk at the city end of the Hobart Rivulet Track if you can, that way you can extend the walk and keep following this lovely waterway if you have the energy.
The walk is just under four kilometres return, so give yourself at least an hour to complete it. Another hour to give yourself the best chance of spotting a rivulet platypus.
You will encounter four large interpretation panels along the way that will take you deep into the life of our platypus. They also include helpful tips for spotting platypus and for helping us to care for our platties.
How to spot a platty
Platypus spend around 12-14 hours a day looking for food, and will dive anywhere from 1000 to 2000 times in that period to chase a tasty water bug, wriggling larva, worm, or yabby.
Platypus generally eat 13-28% of their body weight daily, which can increase to 100% for a lactating female!
If you spot a platty, it’s almost certainly on the hunt for a meal. Notice just how well adapted its body is for zipping in and out of the watery shallows to find food.
Pete's platty spotting tips
1. Get your eye in
Find an open area with good sightlines to the water, and settle in. Take your time to get familiar with the way the water moves so that you’re more likely to notice anything unusual.
2. Check for ripples
Pete says “Platypus have their own frequency of movement,” which is different from the way the water flows over the rocks. If you see ripples, it just might be a platty!
3. Scan for murky ‘smoke signals’
When the Rivulet is clear, look for areas of murky water, which might indicate a platypus diving for food. If it’s not a platty, it’s probably a duck or a turbo chook.
4. Look for twitching twigs
When debris builds up in the Rivulet, Pete says it’s like a platypus pantry, trapping water bugs and other snacks. If you see twigs twitching strangely, there may be a feasting platypus below.
5. Keep a low profile
If you spot a platty, stay quiet and still. If it dives under water, you’ll likely have a minute or two to resettle into a spot just close enough for a good view, but be sure to give it plenty of space.
One of the many beautiful illustrations created by students at South Hobart Primary School.