Welcome drink for Vic platypuses

Like many Australian kids, platypus youngsters like to frolic in fresh, flowing creeks.

A long-running drought around the Coliban River, in Victoria's central highlands, has led to platypus numbers dwindling dramatically in the area.

Over three days this month, 150 megalitres of water will be flushed into the river from the upstream Malmsbury Reservoir in a bid to restore the animal's habitat.

Conservation biologist Melody Serena says platypuses have not been seen in the area for years but the planned water release, co-ordinated by the North Central Catchment Management Authority, should help the population grow.

She says deeper water will make it easier for younger platypuses to hide from predators, such as foxes and birds.

"This is the time of year a pulse of water is going to improve the food supply and assist with the survival of juveniles," Dr Serena said in a statement on Wednesday.

"They are really vulnerable in shallow water."