Platypus Track

A beautiful, shaded valley walk through ferns and Coachwood trees, offering a moderate challenge with steep slopes and stepping-stone creek crossings. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way!

📍 Location 🌳 Outdoor
📐 Space Large space
⏱ Setup 5 min
🎯 Play time 91 min
👥 Group size 6–30 players
🎒 Age group Joeys, Cubs
Platypus Track

Equipment Required

Compass First_aid Backpacks Water Torch Enclosed hiking shoes with good grip (for wet stepping stones) Sun hat and insect repellent Rain jacket

How to Play

  • The Meeting Point: Meet at the fire trail entrance located at the end of Excelsior Avenue, Castle Hill. Gather the youth for a roll call and a safety briefing about walking on steep terrain.

  • Leg 1 (The Descent): Start the track directly from the end of the street. Head down the trail to take in the elevated views looking deep into the Coachwood and Excelsior Creek valleys.

  • Leg 2 (The Valley Floor): Follow the path as it descends into the valley. The trail winds through dense fern gullies and towering Coachwood trees, providing plenty of shade.

  • Leg 3 (The Creek Crossings): Navigate the valley floor along Excelsior Creek. You will need to manage the group across two separate creek crossings using the installed stepping stones.

  • The Turnaround / Return: Complete the loop following the valley track markers to ascend back up the slopes to the starting fire trail on Excelsior Avenue.

Variations & Adaptations

Wildlife Spotting: On warm days, Eastern Water Dragons are highly active sunning themselves on the rocks in Excelsior Creek. Remind youth to observe them from a safe distance without provoking them.

Leader Tips

Stepping Stone Safety: The two creek crossings require balance. Wet weather can make the stepping stones mossy and slick. Position a leader at the crossing points to assist the youth one by one.

Scout Skills & Values

Physical Activity Nature / Outdoors Navigation Bushcraft / Survival
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