Join ACF for platypus spotting and give your staff an incredible team-bonding experience immersed in nature.
You’ll never forget your first platypus encounter. It’s a magical moment when this strange and adorable creature emerges from ripples in the water.
Even if you don't spot a platypus, you'll be helping save this iconic Australian animal, which is sadly at risk of extinction.
The data your team collects will help ACF and UNSW researchers better understand where platypus live and how we can better protect them.
Register your interest now in a platypus spotting experience for your organisation this September. We'll contact you with more info and to assist with booking.
About the experience
ACF platypus spotting experiences are available 1-30 September 2023 in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
We’ll guide groups of up to 12 people as they visit a local creek or river, look for platypus, and upload their findings to ACF’s interactive platypus spotting map.
Your team will learn first-hand about biodiversity and help our research partners at UNSW understand more about the elusive platypus and how we can better protect it.
Your half-day platypus spotting experience includes:
- Video briefing and toolkit in advance of the activity, including details on where to go, how to get there and what to bring and wear
- Dedicated and knowledgeable guide
- Briefing on local area including biodiversity information and former platypus sightings
- Presentation on the work of Australian Conservation Foundation
- Guided platypus spotting experience
- Environmental DNA water sampling – every eDNA kit allows researchers to identify exactly which native and introduced species of wildlife are present in the creek or river
- Platy-picnic with a selection of snacks and juice
- Group photo
Why you should get involved
Platypus spotting is a memorable team experience in the great outdoors, and no prior experience or knowledge is needed. We manage everything for you – all you have to do is turn up! Your staff will come away from the experience feeling refreshed and connected to nature.
A growing amount of research suggests that spending time in nature is fantastic for your health. It’s been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve people’s moods.
ACF platypus spotting experiences are suitable for people of all fitness levels, though some mobility is needed to walk along the uneven ground beside a river or creek. You might want to invite clients or suppliers – or even your staff’s families during the school holidays.
“This project helps put the pieces of a big – and urgent – puzzle together. The more people who take part in the platy-project, and the more sightings recorded, the greater our chance of protecting this incredible animal – while we still can.”
Gilad Bono, UNSW researcher
Where and when do we get underway?
ACF platypus spotting experiences are available 1-30 September 2023 in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Exact locations will be agreed upon during the booking process to ensure they are convenient for your staff to reach.
While the best time to spot a platypus is at dawn or dusk, our half-day corporate experiences can be scheduled during regular office hours.
How much?
The experience is valued at $5,000 for each group of up to 12 people. Your donation will support the important work of Australian Conservation Foundation in protecting and regenerating nature through campaigns and programs like the Platy-Project.
Do you have more than 12 people interested or staff in multiple cities? No problem – we can arrange multiple group bookings. Bookings are essential at least 8 weeks in advance. In case of inclement weather, your experience will be postponed to a mutually agreed date.
Ready to get platy spotting?
Register your interest now and we'll contact you with more info and to assist with booking.
To find out more, please contact Nicole Lloyd, Community & Corporate Fundraising Assistant.
[email protected]
0447 030 155
