Have you ever seen a Platypus in the wild? Encountering one of Australia's most unique, fascinating and shy native animals is a truly memorable experience.
After popular demand, Council is holding a second event as we managed to find a Platypus in Jackson's Creek in September.
Whether or not the Platypus choose to make an appearance at this event, you're sure to enjoy an engaging evening learning about their ecology, behaviour, habitat requirements, and the simple actions we can all take to help protect them.
Sunbury is fortunate to support a healthy Platypus population within Jacksons Creek. As the sun sets, we'll begin at Emu Bottom Wetland before making our way to a dedicated viewing area along the creek. We'll then travel to The Nook for a second opportunity to observe Platypus activity from the pedestrian bridge and lakeside.
This free, family-friendly event involves approximately 1.5 km of walking along gravel paths, with some steps required to access creek viewing areas. To maximise our chances of seeing Platypus, participants are asked to keep noise to a minimum, particularly children, as Platypus can be easily disturbed.
Please note that this event is weather dependent. Registered participants will receive a follow-up email confirming event details and whether conditions are suitable for the event to proceed.
This event will be part of Council's guided citizen events for Great Southern Blitz.
Great Southern BioBlitz 2026
This community biodiversity survey is for the Great Southern BioBlitz (GSB) weekend running from Friday 27 November to Monday 30 November 2026. It’s free, easy, and fun to get involved.
Bring your mobile phone or digital camera to take pictures of the wild plants, animals and fungi you see, or make sound recordings of frog or bird calls. Any observations taken over the four days, need to be uploaded to iNaturalist by Sunday 6 December 2026, to be included in GSB 2026. These observations are automatically added to the GSB projects.
This is a friendly competition amongst cities to make the most observations of the most species by the most people. Hume City is collaborating with other local government areas and several organisations to form the Greater Melbourne project.
Everyday people with no expert ecological knowledge can contribute as citizen scientists to help nature, and also learn more about the local environment.
Here are links to the iNaturalist project leader boards:
To prepare for the guided nature walks and talks
- Bring your own torch
- Install the iNaturalist app on your mobile phone and create an iNaturalist account
- Make sure your phone battery or camera is fully charged
- Wear long pants and weather-appropriate clothing, bring a rain/wind-proof jacket
- Wear safe, fully-enclosed walking shoes to go in long grass
- Bring a hat (sunscreen will be provided)
- Bring your own drink bottle and snacks
- Hard copies of the Birds of Hume and Fauna of Hume will be available at the event, or find digital versions at Discover Nature in Hume.
Net Swap and Surrender
Running from 6.30pm to 7pm, Friday 27 November 2026
In the carpark at Emu Bottom Wetlands.
Hume residents can surrender illegal fruits nets (mesh holes greater than 5mm x 5mm) and swap them for either a:
- 2.8m cube fruit net
- Packet of 10 fruit bags 30cmx30xm
- Packet of 3 fruit sleeves 30xm x 90cm
Limited to item per household.
Find out more about Council's Net Swap and Surender here.
Contact for more information
Melissa Doherty
Biodiversity Engagement Lead, Hume City Council
melissado@hume.vic.gov.au
(03) 9205 2200, 0409 702 086
Privacy Notice
Through Eventbrite registrations, Council is collecting some personal information for administrative purposes. This information will not be disclosed to any other party except as required by law. You may access this information by contacting Council on 9205 2200. To view our privacy statement, go to Hume City Council Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer
By participating in this event, you acknowledge that you are aware of the inherent risks involved and voluntarily assume all risks of injury, damage, or loss that may occur during the event.