Plush platypus fits the bill. April 22, 2005 — 10.00am. Save. ... Move over, Ian Thorpe. A well-upholstered 12-metre platypus is the new tourism torpedo.

For Team Platypus, this will no doubt be twisted into proof that theirs is Australia's finest semi-aquatic, web-footed, plush toy in waiting. Team rakali are too devastated to comment at this time.

Under Queensland’s conservation laws, it is illegal to take “one or more” platypus from the wild, with a maximum fine of Aus$430,000 (US$288,000).