Come to Royal NP for the walking, stay for the platypus!

A milestone has emerged in conservation with the arrival of Gilli, a six-month-old baby platypus born in the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney. Gilli’s birth is the first recorded platypus birth in this area in over 50 years, marking a hopeful sign for the species’ future in the region.

This significant event follows a focused reintroduction effort by conservation groups in early 2023, including the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, WWF-Australia, and other environmental advocates. A small group of adult platypuses, sourced from southern NSW, were relocated to the Hacking River within the park to establish a thriving population. The birth of Gilli is a testament to the early success of this initiative, demonstrating the resilience of platypuses when returned to a supportive environment.

Gilli’s presence is inspiring, representing not only a renewed presence of native wildlife but also a reminder of the park’s historical importance as a platypus habitat. Conservationists hope that this success story will encourage continued efforts to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and create safer ecosystems for species under threat.

Come to Royal NP for the walking, stay for the platypus, Walking Tours Australia

The 850gm female puggle, as baby platypuses are known, was discovered in the Hacking River in the park.

She is believed to be the child of two of 10 platypuses — six females and four males — that were re-homed in the park last May.

The researchers behind the program, from UNSW, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia and the World Wildlife Fund, conducted a weekend of night-time surveys to recapture the egg-laying mammals.

Project lead Gilad Bino said he was overjoyed to find the puggle after it swam into the team’s nets.

“We were over the moon,” Dr Bino said. “It was just amazing … so rewarding and very humbling to be part of this mammoth effort.”

And if you fancy experiencing Australia’s oldest national park, come on our 3-day Royal National Park Coast Track pack-free guided walk.

This award-winning walk on the spectacular Coast Track is the jewel in the crown of the Royal National Park.

The Coast Track runs along sheer sandstone cliffs with panoramic views stretching miles in all directions.

Experience picturesque freshwater lagoons, the unusual milky white cliff faces sculpted by the sea, ancient Aboriginal carvings and the tranquil Palm Jungle rainforest plus much more.

This is a 26km walk over 2 days with unlimited opportunities for photographing the scenic coastline and observing birds and wildflowers in this magnificent National Park.

And you never know, you might even spot a platypus!