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, The Platypus Guardian.
More Than Just a Tour: Your ticket directly funds our conservation, rescue, and advocacy work.
Highlights:
- Learning to see what’s hidden: It’s easy to walk right past a platypus without knowing it. I’ll show you how to “read” the water and spot the subtle clues that tell us someone is home.
- Real-world stories: These insights aren’t from a textbook. I’ll share what I’ve learned from the many hours I’ve spent sitting on these banks watching platypuses in the wild.
- Keeping it quiet and personal: Groups are limited to just 8 people. This keeps the noise down so we don’t spook the animals and gives us a chance to chat properly.
- More than just a tour: Your ticket does more than buy a walk. It directly funds the conservation, rescue, and advocacy work we do to keep this population safe.
Important Details & What to Expect
- Minimum Age: This walk is best suited for ages 10 and up to ensure everyone has the patience and quiet needed to spot wildlife.
- The Path: We’ll be on uneven tracks, dirt paths, and grassy banks. Please wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoes (sneakers or boots are fine).
- Weather: We walk rain or shine. Hobart weather changes fast, so please bring a waterproof layer just in case.
- Meeting Point: We meet at the front entrance of the C3 Church/Convention Centre. Please park on Anglesea St near the South Hobart Primary School.
The “Platypus Promise” (Sightings Policy)
The Hobart Rivulet is a wild ecosystem, not a zoo. While I use every bit of my tracking experience to get us a sighting—and our success rate is very high—nature doesn’t always play along.
If we don’t see a platypus: I’ll give you a “Second Chance” voucher. It’s valid for 12 months and lets you join another scheduled walk for free so we can try again. (Please note: We don’t offer cash refunds 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.
