Platywatch Willsmere

As part of September's Platy-watch survey, ACF Malvern group are hosting a spotting event on the Yarra River from Willsmere Park in Kew.

We will be looking for platypus from and around the footbridge over the Yarra. This is located near the mouth of Darebin Creek, which is about a kilometer down from Darebin Parklands. Some may recall we held a similar event there with NxNW last year.

Will our luck be any better this time? Come and find out with us.

• The best times to see platypus are dawn and dusk so start time is 5pm.
• After meeting we’ll spread out along the river banks and footbridge to watch for platypus until sunset around 7 pm.
• Please wear warm clothes, bring something to sit on (picnic blanket or small camping chair) and a torch for finding your way along the banks when it gets dark.

Check the ACF platy project page to read more about the project and look at the map of habitat and sightings.

A note on access:

While not a complete wilderness, Willsmere Park is 'discrete': being tucked out of the way between the Eastern Freeway and the river. Getting to it is a little convoluted. The following advice may help.

From the South: the only vehicle access to Willow Grove is from Belford St via Kilby Road. Take the first turning left after crossing over the freeway.. There is some off street parking.

• Public transport: the 200 and 207 buses run past Hyde Park on Kilby/Willsmere Road. A pedestrian path runs from there under the freeway to Willsmere Park.

From the North: NB there is no access to the footbridge from Farm Rd or LaTrobe Golf Club! The only way in is via the track running along Darebin Creek, which is accessible from either Darebin Parklands, or Sparks Reserve off Heidelberg Road. Either way, be prepared for a walk of a kilometer or so.

• Public transport: the nearest stations are Darebin, and Alphington. Otherwise, the 546 bus along Heidelberg Road.