Dusk Platypus Picnic

Pack your picnic and join us by the Birrarung (Yarra River) at Griffith Park, Eltham, for a relaxed and memorable evening discovering one of Australia's most remarkable native animals.

Exclusively for young people aged 18–25, this special event is led by the Nillumbik Conservation Crew, with support from Nillumbik Shire Council's Environment Team.

Bring your dinner, a picnic rug or chair, and settle in as local experts share fascinating insights into platypus behaviour, habitat and conservation. As the sun begins to set, we'll quietly watch the river together, keeping an eye out for ripples, bubbles and the subtle signs of a platypus at play.

Whether you're passionate about wildlife, keen to meet like-minded people or simply looking for a peaceful evening in nature, this is a chance to slow down, connect with the Birrarung and experience the magic of dusk by the river.

Looking for something a little different? Bring a friend, your housemates or make it an unforgettable date night with a picnic by the river.

Sightings aren't guaranteed—but the experience is :)

This event is proudly hosted by Nillumbik Conservation Crew, with support from Nillumbik Shire Council. To learn more, click here.

• 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.

Inclusive participation: This event is open to young people aged 18–25. We welcome participants of all abilities and encourage anyone with accessibility requirements or who may need additional support to contact the event host before attending. We'll do our best to accommodate your needs wherever possible.

Location and terrain: The event takes place in Griffith Park, which features established walking paths. Some areas may include uneven ground, grassed surfaces and natural terrain. As the event is held at dusk, low light conditions should also be expected.

Lighting: Participants are encouraged to bring a small torch to assist with moving safely around the site. To protect local wildlife, please avoid shining torches directly onto the river or surrounding habitat.

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.