Discover the Platypus of the Birrarung

Join Dr Jessica Thomas, Zoos Victoria's Platypus Keeper and leading platypus expert, for a fascinating journey into the secret world of one of Australia's most iconic native animals.

Spring is breeding season for platypus, making it the perfect time to learn about their remarkable behaviour. Discover how platypus navigate underwater to find mates, build hidden nesting burrows to raise their young, and take part in the courtship behaviour affectionately known as the "platypus love donut".

You'll also learn how to become a Platypus Protector during this important and vulnerable stage of the platypus life cycle, and pick up practical tips for spotting platypus along the Birrarung on your next riverside adventure.

About the presenter

Dr Jessica Thomas is a platypus specialist based at Zoos Victoria's Healesville Sanctuary. She completed her PhD on the breeding biology of the platypus and has worked with Zoos Victoria for more than 17 years, where she continues to lead research on this remarkable species.

Event information

• Light morning tea will be provided following the presentation.

• This is a family-friendly event. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• This is a free event, but registrations are essential.

This event is proudly delivered in collaboration with the North Warrandyte Osborne Peninsula Landcare Group, Melbourne Water and the Warrandyte Donvale Rotary Club.

• Most Riverfest events are free, and many have limited places with long waitlists. Please only book if you're confident you can attend, so others don't miss out. Bookings are limited to 2 tickets for smaller events and 4 tickets for larger events.
  

• Can't make it? Please cancel your ticket by opening your Humanitix confirmation email and selecting 'Manage Order'. Your place will then be released to someone on the waitlist. If you need assistance, contact us by email: riverfest@yarrariver.org.au
  

• Events will proceed unless severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances require a change. If this happens, registered participants will be notified by email.

We welcome people of all abilities. If you have any accessibility requirements or need assistance to participate, please contact us before the event so we can discuss how we can support your attendance.

Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong Boonwurrung peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.