Rare white platypus spotted, but it's not an albino

The white platypus appears to be coping well with its lack of camouflage. (HANDOUT/LOU STREETING)

Researchers hunting for an endangered turtle have discovered something even rarer - a white platypus frolicking in a NSW stream.

Photos and footage of the extraordinary creature have been published in a scientific journal after several encounters over the past two years or so.