These aquatic mammals are a sign of healthy waterways.
04 August 2025
In brief:
- August is Platypus Month.
- The end of winter is a great time to spot them in the region.
- Learn how to take part in a platypus survey.
Canberra and the surrounding region is home to several platypus populations. You could live closer to one than you might think.
Platypus, known as “Mulanggang” in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures. Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways.
August is Platypus Month. The end of winter is an ideal time to spot platypuses as they are actively feeding and preparing for the breeding season.
During August, Canberrans are invited to join one of 34 group surveys. These surveys help get a better understanding of platypus numbers in the rivers and creeks in the ACT region.
Citizen scientists can learn how to spot a platypus while helping researchers monitor local populations.
Here’s what you need to know:
What does a survey involve?
Each survey takes two hours. It includes:
- meeting on site
- a survey briefing
- walking to the survey location
- surveying for one hour
- returning to the meeting point and handing in your data sheet.
Who can participate?
You don’t need to have had any experience to participate. You can book into as many surveys as you would like.
Where are the surveys happening?
Surveys are taking place at:
- Cooma Creek
- Mittagong Crossing
- Point Hut Crossing
- Queanbeyan River
- Jerrabomberra Wetlands
- Lower Molonglo at Namarag.
Surveys take place at dawn and dusk, and registration is essential.
Find out more and register.
How else can I see platypus?
Waterwatch is also running free, one-hour guided walks on the Queanbeyan River.
It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp winter morning learning more about the platypus.
Find out more.
If you spot any platypus or rakali (also known as water rats) in the wild any time of the year you can log your sighting using the Platty and Ratty Portal on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website. The portal tracks sightings and helps us monitor populations of these unique species.
Another spot to potentially see platypuses is to visit the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The Sanctuary gives visitors the chance to view platypuses and bird species at the ponds.
Where can I find out more about platypus in the ACT?
Visit the Waterwatch Upper Murrumbidgee River website to watch a video about platypus in the ACT and surrounds.
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