How to see a platypus in Queensland

Platypus may be famously shy, but that doesn’t mean that finding them in the flesh is impossible. In fact you may find yourself surprised by the options available to you, should you be pondering just how to see platypus in Queensland.

From scuba diving the river bed in Tropical North Queensland, to platypus sanctuaries on the Gold Coast, here’s a stack of options where you’ll be able to see the native treasure for yourself.

Platypus facts

But first let’s get you better acquainted with this egg-laying native. The platypus, or the duck-billed platypus to be exact, is a semiaquatic, monotreme (a mammal that lays eggs) that is native to the eastern side of Australia.

A truly unique species, the platypus is the only living representation of its family and genus, with its broad, flat tail, waterproof fur, and webbed limbs and feet, which they use as rudders. Mostly nocturnal, these freshwater creatures spend most of their day nestled in burrows in the bank of a river or creek and under the cover of darkness, hunting the bottom of the river for food.

Keep in mind that this means that if you’re eager to catch a glimpse out in the wilderness, your best chance of doing so is at first or last light.

Where to see platypus in the wild

Platypus like to frolic among freshwater systems, in slow-moving streams with river beds heaving with places for them to hide. If you are wondering how to see a platypus in Queensland, there are two distinct regions where they tend to frequent - Mackay and Atherton.

A healthy platypus population resides in the Broken River at Eungella National Park - you’ll be able to catch a peek courtesy of the vantage points and bridges scattered throughout the region. You can stay at the Broken River Mountain Resort while you’re here, or neighbouring Mackay, the home of the Platypus Trail. It’s also worth stopping by the Pioneer River in Marian, another popular platypus watering hole.

Near Atherton Tablelands, there’s the Atherton Platypus Park, a creek with an in-built viewing platform to catch the platypus at play, as well as the Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform on the fringe of Mungalli Falls.

Outside of these areas there have been platypus spotted on the Sunshine Coast, via the Maleny Platypus Viewing Platform and near the Hidden Valley Cabins in Paluma Range National Park, near Townsville.

Where to see platypus in zoos and sanctuaries

But you don’t have to travel into the wilderness to catch a glimpse of platypus - there are plenty of zoos and sanctuaries across the Sunshine State where you’ll find them.

Like the David Fleay Wildlife Park, a heritage-listed sanctuary that sits near Burleigh on the Gold Coast, and was the first to successfully breed platypus in captivity. A haven for Queensland species in particular, this animal sanctuary hosts the likes of koalas, kangaroos, and a rescued male platypus named Wally. Though while you’re on the Gold Coast you may want to try your luck in the nearby Hinterland where platypus have been spotted around Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park, and Lamington National Park.

Platypus experiences and tours

Still wondering how to see platypus in Queensland a little closer? There are a handful of experienced tour operators which focus on helping you greet the river dwellers in person. Most famously is the world’s only Rainforest Scuba experience in Finch Hatton in the Mackay Region - everyone over age eight is welcome to take part, with no diving experience required.

While in Cairns you can join the Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours, one of the original nocturnal experiences which will see you rifle your way through the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest during both day and night, a near guarantee to spot a platypus in the wild.

How to take good photos of platypus

While we may have answered how to a platypus in Queensland, what about how to capture their photo? Considering how rare the occasion is to spot the mammals in the wild, you may want a keepsake of the experience.

It’s at sunrise or sunset that you’re most likely to spot platypus, but despite the darkness you’ll need to keep your camera (or phone) flash-free, as any sudden movement (flash included) will likely startle these particularly elusive creatures. As they’re unlikely to swim close to you, a long lens can be handy, as can be a faster ISO (for faster shutter speed) and a polariser to reduce the chance of capturing the glare on the water’s surface.