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)

Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.

Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.

1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama

Goolwa River Retreat villas — Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.

An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .

For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.

Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.

More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.

If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.

2. Explore the Murray River

PaddlesteamerS on the Murray River — Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.

A trip to Echuca Moama isn’t complete without seeing the Murray River. Take in views from the water, with Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca Paddlesteamers . Or combine sightseeing with lunch at a local winery or brewery on a Wharf to Winery or Port to Plate cruise .

Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.

Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.

3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama

two bikers riding on the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail — Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.

On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.

Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.

4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options

lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama — Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.

Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.

Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.

Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .

5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars

two people drinking cockatails at paradise bar in echuca moama — Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.

Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.

Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.

For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.

6. Follow local art trails

Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.

The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.

Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.

7. Dive into local history

Echuca Port Museum and Penny Tourism — See the historic Port of Echuca.

The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.

The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.

Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.

Learn more and start planning the perfect holiday to Echuca Moama at visitechucamoama.com.au.

Where to see a platypus in the wild