One of my 30 for 30 for 30 gifts was a weekend at the Possums Retreat in Blackheath Blue Mountains. We had our own cabin complete with wood burning fireplace which came in handy during our mid winter trip.

Since we were staying the night we decided to drive the extra 45 minutes to the Jenolan Caves. We weren’t able to do a cave tour but we walked to a really cool lake where we saw the very rare and very bizarre duck-billed platypus. Check out our iPhone, homemade video of this strange creature: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLZ8l9RpBa0&feature=em-upload_owner

The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals, the male platypus having a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of its 20-cent coin. The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales.