MEMBERS of the community will have the opportunity to learn more about one of Australia's most elusive and iconic native animals at a workshop to be held on the Manning River.

The workshop is to be held at dusk to provide the ideal opportunity to spot a platypus in their natural habitat.

Organised by the Manning Great Lakes Platypus Awareness and Conservation Team (PACT) in collaboration with MidCoast Water, the event will include information about these amazing animals.

The platypus spotting workshop will be held at MidCoast Water river off-take point, where platypuses are known to live - although organisers stress there is no guarantee of sightings.

The workshop will be held at Abbotts Road, Bootawa on Wednesday April 9. Gates open from 5.30pm for spotting, with an information talk and refreshments as part of the evening, before wrapping up at 7pm.

Registration for the workshop is essential for catering and as numbers will be limited. Directions will be provided at registration as access is through private property and the site is not publicly open at other times.

The PACT team would love to get more information on where platypuses are located in our area, as they mostly have just anecdotal evidence that they are abundant.

Those attending the gatherings will be advised on how they can report platypus sightings to PACT and what they can do to protect this iconic species.

To register please contact PACT secretary Kirsty Hughes on 6592 4830 or email pact@midcoastwater.com.au by April 7.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothes, a chair or picnic rug, a torch, questions and patience! The events will be cancelled in poor weather.