Meet the Huon’s first augmented reality (AR) platypus

An exciting new augmented reality (AR) experience has just arrived at Geeveston Visitor Centre, allowing people to get up close to one of the Huon’s most unusual and difficult-to-find creatures.

Part of a broader project being formed across Tasmania, the Huon Platypus AR Project is possible because of the teamwork of local developers Handbuilt Creative and the Huon Valley Council. The project has been jointly funded by the Huon Valley Council and the Department of State Growth.

Using a handheld digital device, like an iPad, the user can zoom in to see how the platypus swims and navigates the flows of the river, shifts and shovels the gravel for food, and secretly returns to its burrow, just as it would in the wild. (Watch a sneak peek here!)

At a launch event on Wednesday 11 September 2019, representatives from the organisations behind the project spoke about its creation and how other AR experiences being installed across southern Tasmania are offering more opportunities for visitors to get involved.

We’d like to give a massive thank you to all the organisations who helped us bring this project to life and supported its success: Handbuilt Creative, the Department of State Growth, Mikkris House, and artist Brian Looker.

Read more here!

Feature image (right): Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders with Handbuilt Creative Founder David Shering

We are running a competition inviting local residents to submit a name suggestion for the Huon Platypus which includes the letter combination ‘AR’.

Head down to Geeveston Visitor Centre at 15 Church Street, Geeveston to meet the AR platypus for yourself and fill out an entry form for the chance to win a prize package valued at more than $300! Names will be drawn out of a hat on 16 October 2019.