Deep dive into the Secret World of the Hobart Rivulet Platypus
Deep dive into the Secret World of the Hobart Rivulet Platypus
Experience the Hobart Rivulet through the eyes of its most dedicated observer. This two-hour guided walk is an immersive deep-dive into the secret world of the Hobart Rivulet platypus, led by local naturalist Pete Walsh.
More Than Just a Tour: Your ticket directly funds our conservation, rescue, and advocacy work, ensuring your visit leaves a lasting, positive legacy for Hobart’s urban platypus.
Highlights:
- More Than Just a Tour: Your ticket directly funds our conservation, rescue, and advocacy work, ensuring your visit leaves a lasting, positive legacy for Hobart’s urban platypus.
- Expert Guidance: Learn how to interpret the subtle signs of platypus activity from Tasmania’s leading field expert on urban platypus.
- Unique Insights: Discover fascinating platypus facts and behaviors distilled down from thousands of hours of observation.
- Small Groups: Limited to 8 guests for a quiet, focused experience.
- Conservation in Action: Learn about the challenges of protecting wildlife in an urban setting.
Important Details & What to Expect
- Minimum Age Requirement: To ensure the best experience for everyone, this walk is best suited for ages 10 and up.
- Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate walking on uneven tracks, dirt paths, and grassy banks. Please wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoes.
- Weather: We operate rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for Tasmania’s changeable weather, including a waterproof layer.
- Meeting Point & Parking: Park your car on Anglesea St near the South Hobart Primary School. Then walk to the meeting point at the front entrance of the C3 Church/Convention Centre.
- Route: We walk along the Hobart Rivulet, beginning at C3 and ending at Cascade Gardens.
The “Platypus Promise” (Sightings Policy)
The Hobart Rivulet is a wild ecosystem, not a zoo. While Pete uses his years of tracking experience to give the group the absolute best chance of a sighting (and the success rate is very high!), nature cannot be controlled.
- If we do not see a platypus: You will receive a “Second Chance” voucher valid for 12 months, allowing you to join another scheduled walk for free to try again. (Note: Cash refunds are not provided for non-sightings).
Weather Cancellations
In the rare event of extreme weather, tours may need to be cancelled for safety reasons. If this happens, you will be contacted via text/email at least 2 hours before start time, and also offered a full refund or a priority reschedule.
Can’t find a tour on the date that suits you? Contact [email protected].
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
Pete founded Hobart Rivulet Platypus in 2020, a community organization dedicated to the conservation of the city’s urban platypus population. His grassroots advocacy inspired the ABC/PBS docu-fiction The Platypus Guardian (2023).
Pete lives in South Hobart—just steps from the Rivulet—with his partner Von and dog Loki, where he continues his work to ensure a future for the waterway’s wildlife.
