Where To See A Platypus In The Wild

The platypus may be hard to spot, but they’re well worth the effort. Here are the places where you have the best shot.

Perhaps Australia’s most elusive national animal, the platypus is notoriously shy, making it much harder than, say, a kangaroo, to spot in the wild. Still, for those willing to take the time, there are plenty of places along Australia’s east coast where your efforts could be rewarded (and tours that can help make sure you’re looking in the right places).

Generally speaking, you’ll want to seek out creeks and rivers with banks that provide bush, rock and log cover for the platypus to hide in. It will have a good flow of water as well, to keep the water healthy and liveable. They’re most commonly found in eastern Queensland and New South Wales, eastern, central and southwestern Victoria and around Tasmania.

a platypus in tasmania — Spot a platypus along Australia’s east coast with this guide. (Image: Ash Thomson Photography)

How to spot a platypus in the wild

First things first, we need to discuss platypus spotting tactics. You could be approaching a whole paddle of platypuses and still not see a single one if you don’t play your cards right. For starters, make sure you’re arriving at the right time of day – dawn and dusk are usually the sweet spots – and be as quiet as possible as they’re very sensitive to perceived dangers.

After that, it’s about keeping a sharp eye out. Look for bulls-eye or v-shaped ripples that likely signal the presence of a platypus. And don’t get them mixed up with water rats – platypuses have shorter, rounder tails and travel for longer on the water’s surface.

The season can also affect your chances of success, especially as you head further south. Platypuses need more food to keep themselves warm, so winter and early spring mean colder temperatures and more time outside during daylight hours to hunt.

Now without further ado, here’s our round-up of where to see a platypus in the wild, if you’re feeling lucky.

platypus creating ripples as it swims in a victorian river — Look for bulls-eye or v-shaped ripples made by a platypus.

1. Victoria

In central Victoria, Loddon and Campaspe rivers are both known as lucky places to spot a platypus – just look for the quiet bends of the rivers. It’s also worth looking at the creeks and rivers around Snowy River National Park and the Alpine National Park. They’re harder to spot here but do call it home.

campers by Campaspe River in Victoria — Camp by Campaspe River for the best chance of spotting a platypus at dawn or dusk.

One of the best places to spot them in Victoria is in Great Otway National Park’s Lake Elizabeth. Located a 10-minute drive from Forrest, it was made when a valley was flooded over 50 years ago. Today, the tree remnants provide plenty of places for a platypus to take cover. Optimise your chances by joining Otway Eco Tours Paddle With The Platypus itinerary . Be guided in a canoe, checking all the best spots for platypus (they claim a 95 per cent sighting success rate), while also listening to local birdlife chirping and staying for the glow worms at dusk.

Canoe around the misty Lake Elizabeth with Otway Eco Tours.

2. New South Wales

The national parks of New South Wals are a smorgasbord for platypuses – but you’ll still need a skilled eye to catch one of these elusive creatures. They’ve been spotted in Brisbane Water, Budderoo and Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve national parks on the outskirts of Sydney. Head further inland to spot them in Guula Ngurra National Park.

platypus spotted in byron bay hinterland with Vision Walks Eco Tours — Spot a platypus with Vision Walks Eco Tours. (Image: DNSW)

North of Sydney, Monga National Park is home to these cuties, but for those wanting some support to spot a platypus, head to Byron Bay hinterland. Here, you can join a tour with Vision Walks Eco Tours for a Platypus Walk. They’ll pick you up in Byron Bay, then lead you on an easy two-kilometre walk in the hinterlands. The best part? If you don’t spot one, you can come back for free another day.

Close to the Victorian border, Kosciuszko National Park has several spots known for platypus sightings: try the High Plains, Khancoban, Lower Snowy River, Selwyn, Thredbo–Perisher, Tumut and Yarrangobilly areas. Murray Valley Regional Park is also known for platypus sightings.

3. Queensland

I had my own platypus-spotting luck in the Atherton Tablelands. Yungaburra has even built a whole viewing platform to catch sight of their platypus locals at the edge of Mungalli Falls, but my group had only just started on the path to the platform at dusk when we saw two of them swimming around each other in the creek. These tablelands also have a Platypus Park with another built viewing platform. For help spotting these north Queensland dwellers, Wait-A-While Rainforest Tours (based in Cairns) claims a 90 per cent success rate in spotting platypuses on their tours.

guest and guide on Wait-A-While Rainforest Tours looking at a platypus in atherton tablelands — Join Wait-A-While Rainforest Tours for help spotting a platypus. (Image: TEQ)

Towards Airlie Beach, Eungella National Park is known to have a comparatively large platypus population in Broken River. You’ll find vantage points and bridges scattered throughout the region, with signs suggesting platypuses can be seen there. Stay for a night or two at Platypus Bush Camp near Finch Hatton Gorge on the edge of the national park for more chances of seeing them at dawn and dusk. There’s a viewing platform here, too, as well as flush toilets, rainforest showers, picnic and dining areas and two fire pits.

platypus in broken river, queensland — Spend time by Broken River to see a local. (Image: TEQ)

4. Tasmania

With higher numbers of platypuses and lower numbers of people, Tasmania is actually your best bet if you’re desperate to see one (and who wouldn’t be). Latrobe is often called the Platypus Capital of the World, as spotting one in the wild here is quite common. Stop by the bridge near Axeman’s Hall of Fame for an in-town experience. But a five-minute drive to Warrawee Reserve is your best bet. Here, follow the banks of the Mersey River to the Platypus Pool – one guess why.

Towards Cradle Mountain, Mole Creek is a popular stop for its caves and platypuses. Not far away, Loongana has plenty living along River Leven, with Taylor’s Flats picnic area being a particularly good place to stop for a gander. Extend your stay (and your chances) with an overnight at the secluded Mountain Valley Wilderness Retreat . Stay in the north to try your luck in the Meander River at Deloraine (and then have a wander through the popular arts and crafts offerings when you’re done). Waratah (between Cradle Mountain and Stanley) is another good option.

a platypus above the water in tasmania — Tasmania is one of the best places to find a platypus. (Image: Ash Thomson Photography)

Just outside of Burnie, Fernglade Reserve had a Platypus Trail along the riverbank where locals will tell you it’s almost guaranteed to spot one at dusk or dawn (which is also when the car park closes, so park outside then take the short walk in).

Tyenna River is a very popular home for the platypuses, especially around Mt Field National Park. Here, you’ll find a two to three-hour Paddle with the Platypus tour run by Tassie Bound, who will take you in kayaks down the river to the best places to see these water mammals. A little further south, Geeveston has a well-known Platypus Walk with viewing platforms.

Hobart itself is also an option, although not as fruitful as these others. Here, you can walk along Hobart Rivulet from the CBD to Cascade Brewery for a shot at spotting a platypus.

hikers stopping at a viewing platform along the platypus walk in geeveston — Follow the Platypus Walk in Geeveston. (Image: Liam Neal)

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Where to see a platypus in the wild