Written for Bonorong by Pink Lemonade Social

Although platypus are elusive creatures, they are relatively easy to spot in Tasmania compared to the rest of Australia. As long as you're patient, you'll be able to find platypus in Tasmania’s creeks and rivers. They require vegetation and earth banks to dig their camping and nesting burrows, and they are most comfortable in the safety of wider creeks with a good flow of water.

While the pristine rivers and lakes of Tasmania, of which there are many, are the best places in Australia to see one of these beautiful creatures in the wild, in this guide we'll cover:

• Where to see platypus in the wild

• How to spot a platypus

• Platypus spotting app

What Is a Platypus and How Are They Unique?

The platypus is a very interesting creature. They are mammals, which means they produce milk for their young. Even more interesting is the fact that they are one of only two species of monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in the world. Although platypus can be found in the rivers and lakes of Tasmania and the rest of eastern Australia, you'll notice that the platypus in Tasmania are much larger than their mainland counterparts, sometimes being up to three times as long. They can reach a length 60cm long and are solitary creatures that leave their burrows at dusk to spend the night searching for food (such as worms and insect eggs) by diving beneath the surface and sniffing the ground with their ultra-sensitive bills.

While they appear cute and friendly, you'll be in for a painful shock if you come across a male platypus during mating season. Platypuses have a hollow spur on each hind leg that is connected to a venom gland, and while their venom is lethal, no deaths have been reported from platypuses or platypus stings. It is always best to simply watch these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, and never interact with them.

The Best Times to See a Platypus

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to spot platypus. Sit or stand quietly on the creek bank among the trees and bushes and look for ripples in the water's surface, especially close to the banks. It pays to be patient because you will eventually reap the benefits.

Since they are nocturnal hunters, the best times to spot them are 30 minutes before sunset, when they emerge from their burrow, and first thing in the morning, when they head back in (about 30 minutes after sunrise). In addition, planning your trip for the winter or spring will increase your chances of seeing a platypus in the wild, as it is easier to spot them when daylight is at its shortest and longest. Since platypus require more food to keep warm and healthy during the winter, they must spend more time foraging during daylight hours.

How to Spot a Platypus: 7 Easy Steps

It's possible that a platypus is swimming right near you and you wouldn't even know it. You can improve your odds by keeping an eye out for these specific details:

1.     Keep quiet; platypus are nervous creatures that will flee if you make too much noise.

2.     If you want to find a platypus, just follow the bubbles and ripples it leaves behind when it dives and comes back up for air.

3.     Look in calm water; It is much easier to see the bubbles and ripples, as well as their heads and backs as they swim around.

4.     It is possible to spot a platypus by listening for its characteristic splash as it dives.

5.     A platypus may growl if you startle it on land, but it's not common to hear.

6.     Refrain from using flash photography or making any jarring motions – Platypus have keen eyesight and are irritated by lights and flashes, so it's best to avoid them and remain as motionless as possible during your search.

7.     Platypus prefer to live in freshwater environments such as rivers and lakes, you won’t find them in saltwater.

Remember!

In spite of their endearing appearance, the male platypus is actually quite dangerous. Each of their hind legs is equipped with a venomous spur that can be used to sting dogs, other small animals and humans. Although the venom of a platypus is not lethal to humans, it can cause severe pain and even infection.

10 Places to See a Platypus in Tasmania

1. Latrobe

Many people refer to Latrobe, Tasmania, as the "Platypus Capital of the World," and for good reason. Because platypus are so common, it is the go-to place for people who want to see one in the wild. You can try your luck at seeing a platypus by the bridge near the Axeman's Hall of Fame, but if you want a guaranteed sighting, head to Warrawee Reserve, located just 5 minutes south of Latrobe off Shale Road.

Beautiful loop walks and picnic areas can be found in this conservation park, but if you want to see a platypus, you should head straight to the Mersey River and the ‘platypus pool’ named after them. The highway is based on the river's path. Avoid the reserve entirely by parking near the large rocks on the side of the road a short distance past the junction with the old Deloraine road. Try waiting patiently near the bank and seeing if any ripples appear. The Hall of Fame's Information Centre is where visitors can schedule guided tours.

2. Burnie

Many people overlook Burnie because they only see it as a dull industrial port city, but it actually has some incredible natural attractions right on its doorstep. A paradise of ferns, mosses, and the cold, rushing waters of the Emu River, Fernglade Reserve is just a few minutes outside of Burnie. The Fernglade Platypus Trail follows the riverbank, and along the way there are plenty of informative signs to help you learn about and appreciate the area's many unique features, including the platypus, of course. Many residents have attested that if you spend an hour at dawn or dusk, you will almost certainly see a platypus. Keep in mind that the park is inaccessible by car between the hours of midnight and sunrise, so you'll have to make the short trek in and out of the park on foot. Driving time from Burnie's downtown area to Fernglade Reserve is minimal. Leaving the Bass Highway 500 metres east of the city centre, near the bridge over the Emu River, take Old Surrey Road C112 towards Ridgely. Turn left at the fork in the road that is marked with a Fernglade sign just a few hundred metres further along. Although the best place to see platypus is in the Reserve at the end of the road, you can also see them in the creek itself. The Burnie Tourist Info website has additional details.

3. Westerway

Platypus can be seen frequently in the Tyenna River and the park's creeks near Westerway, which is located on the outskirts of Mount Field National Park. Many tourists visit Mt. Field and Russell Falls while in Tasmania, but few know that the Tyenna River is a platypus sanctuary. If you're short on time, but still want to see the riverbank, swing by Westerway and check out the area around the Possum Shed Cafe. If you have more time on your hands or were already planning to visit Mt. Field National Park, you can also try walking back along Lake Dobson Road to the bridge and then along the Tyenna's banks in search of the elusive platypus. The guided platypus tour is another excellent option.

4. Loongana

Loongana is in a stunning region of northern Tasmania, and because it is relatively undiscovered, you will likely have the whole place to yourself. Even though you could drive out to Taylor's Flats Picnic Area or anywhere else along the River Leven and try to spot a platypus, a stay at Mountain Valley Wilderness Retreat is your best bet. There are only five of these riverside eco-cabins available, and all guests are invited to join the owners on a free evening platypus tour. We won't say you're guaranteed to see a platypus, but the number of people who have is pretty impressive. You could spend a week unwinding in this remote valley, where you can see Tasmanian devils, spotted quolls, and even a glow-worm grotto, among other species of Tasmanian wildlife.

5. Warratah

Many visitors travel between Cradle Mountain and Stanley without stopping to enjoy the charming community of Waratah. Although it is only a few square miles in size, this historic town packs quite the tourist punch. Did you know that Waratah, Australia, was the very first place in the entire continent to install electric streetlights? In addition, how many other communities can boast a gigantic waterfall right in the middle of their downtown area? The old quarry in the middle of Waratah has been transformed into a picturesque lake, making it a good place to spot platypus early in the morning or late at night. If for no other reason than to snap a picture of the "Platypus Crossing" road sign, head to the lake's southern shore, away from the main street. Beautiful lakes line the left side of the road leading into town. They are ideal for a peaceful early morning or late evening stroll, during which you should keep an eye out for platypus. People staying at the Bischoff Hotel or the Waratah Caravan and Camp Grounds, both close to the water, have reported seeing platypuses at a surprisingly high rate. If you’re heading to Stanley, you can take a platypus twilight tour with Wilderness Tasmania Tours in Stanley, in the state's far north-west.

6. Mole Creek

Although it is possible to drive directly from Launceston or Devonport to Cradle Mountain, the small town of Mole Creek is well worth the detour. The Mole Creek Caves are the most popular tourist destination, with platypus a close second. Mole Creek Caravan Park (which is located mere metres from Sassafras Creek) is a good place to stay to spot platypus, otherwise you'll have no trouble doing so in the nearby section of Sassafras Creek just downstream from Union Bridge.

7. Deloraine 

Deloraine is a picturesque and historically significant rural town, that has become a major tourist attraction for those interested in arts and crafts. It is also a great place to see a platypus in its natural habitat. According to the locals, there are several platypus that make their home in this section of the Meander River, and they can sometimes be seen diving and paddling in the early morning or late evening. Several sightings have been reported from the Deloraine Apex Caravan Park, but you can also sit quietly on the small jetty at the Deloraine Riverbank Reserve or stand in the middle of the footbridge near the caravan park and scan the river for wildlife.

8. Plenty (Salmon Ponds)

Located roughly halfway between the historic town of New Norfolk and the wilds of Mt. Field National Park, the Salmon Ponds are a great place to spend a couple of hours. Salmon aren't the only ones who love these scenic ponds; there's also a platypus who hangs out here and can frequently be seen scratching his back on the verdant shores in search of food. The Salmon Ponds are open from 9am to 5pm daily, but your best bet for spotting a platypus is in the late afternoon during the cooler months of autumn, winter, and spring, when the ponds close at dusk.

9. Hobart

If you want to see a platypus, you might be able to in Hobart, but it will be much more difficult than in the other places we have told you (due to its high population). If you don't have time to travel all over Tasmania in search of these evasive mammals, however, long-time Hobart residents tell us that a stroll up Hobart Rivulet is your best bet. This is a lovely walk that begins in the heart of Hobart (behind Hamlet Cafe) and ends at Cascade Brewery. Keep your eyes peeled because you never know what you might see along the path because it stays close to the rivulet the whole time.

10. Geeveston

25 minutes south of Huonville, near the Heritage Park you will find the aptly named ‘Platypus Walk’. Taking a short stroll along the riverbank late in the afternoon (or early morning) might reward you with a perfect view of a platypus swimming around and diving. The best spot is the designated platypus viewing platform, which is situated close to its burrow. 

Other places in Tasmania to spot a platypus in the wild:

We can't list everywhere in Tasmania where you might see a platypus, but the following spots have been frequented by visitors in recent years, according to platypusSPOT.

·       Tasmania Arboretum (Devonport)

·       Northeast Park (Scottsdale)

·       Ronny Creek, which is more frequent, than Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain

·       Platypus Bay (Lake St Clair)

·       Snug Falls

·       New Norfolk

·       Strahan

Platypus SPOT App

When you and other travellers use the PlatypusSPOT website or mobile app, you can share the location of your platypus sighting and any relevant details, such as whether or not you were able to get a good photo of the animal. To see a map of Tasmania with the locations of sightings of platypus, visit their website and select the 'Posts' tab. This handy app can be helpful to find locations to see a wild platypus.

With any luck, you'll be able to incorporate a few platypus-spotting stops or tours into your upcoming road trip thanks to the information provided in this guide.

And remember, even if you don't see a platypus, you still get to spend the day in the stunning Tasmanian wilderness!

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