Encountering Australia's wildlife in its natural habitat is a magical experience. Observing animals in the wild, where they explore freely and behave naturally, offers a unique and unforgettable connection to nature.
One of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Australia is spotting the elusive platypus in the wild. This semiaquatic, egg-laying monotreme is endemic to eastern Australia and is a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia.
To help you achieve this remarkable encounter, we've identified some exceptional tour operators across the country that provide the best opportunities to see platypuses in their natural environments.
- FNQ Nature Tours - Atherton Tablelands, Queensland
- Premier Travel Tasmania - Tasmania
- Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours - East Gippsland, Victoria
- Sydney Bespoke Tours - Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Where to see Platypuses in Queensland
Atherton Tablelands with FNQ Nature Tours
The Atherton Tablelands, nestled in the highlands southwest of Cairns, offer a spectacular blend of lush rainforests, volcanic lakes, and diverse wildlife. This region is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, making it a prime location for spotting the elusive platypus in the wild.
For those seeking the best chance to witness these unique creatures, FNQ Nature Tours provides guided tours that explore the most beautiful locations within the Atherton Tablelands. These expert guides utilise their experience to maximise viewing opportunities while offering interpretation of various behaviours.
Platypus in the Atherton Tablelands. Image: FNQ Nature Tours
Featured wildlife tour - Tablelands & Crater Lakes (Full Day)
On this epic day adventure, you will experience a spectacular mix of habitats across the Atherton Tablelands; from lush rainforest, volcanic lakes, wetlands through to savanna country. Located in the highland region southwest of Cairns, this tour covers landmarks such as the Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and Milla Milla Falls, and opportunity to spot the Platypus and Tree Kangaroo.
Where to see Platypuses in Tasmania
Tasmania with Premier Travel Tasmania
Tasmania offers numerous locations where you can see platypuses in the wild, such as the rivers and streams of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Mt Field National Park. Guided tours with Premier Travel Tasmania provide insight into the natural history of these unique monotremes and the opportunity to observe the unique duck bill and webbed feet of Platypus in the wild.
Platypus in Mt Field National Park. Image: Premier Travel Tasmania
Featured wildlife tour - Private Tasmania Wildlife Encounter (4D/3N)
Tasmania is a delight for Marsupial lovers! Discover Tasmania's breathtaking eastern region, including Freycinet National Park, Mt Field National Park and the Tasman Peninsula. Take a journey through a mix of expansive ancient temperate rainforests, spectacular coastlines, rugged mountains and wetlands provides a rich array of rare and endemic plants and animals. Encounter Pademelons, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Bennett's Wallabies, Common Wombats, and opportunistically, Platypuses and Echidnas.
Where to see Platypuses in Victoria
East Gippsland with Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours
East Gippsland, situated east of Melbourne, is one of the rare regions worldwide where an unbroken chain of forest extends from the Alps to the sea. This area is particuarly unique due to its concentrated diversity of ecosystems, encompassing lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, towering eucalypt groves, pristine rivers, estuaries, and white sandy beaches.
Among its many natural wonders, East Gippsland is also one of the prime locations to spot the elusive platypus in its natural habitat, thanks to the region's pristine rivers and creeks. Local wildlife tour operator Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours offers an incredible multi-day itinerary into the region, giving you the very best opportunity to observe these icons in the wild.
Platypus swimming on the surfaces of an East Gippsland river. Image: Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours
Featured wildlife tour - East Gippsland Wildlife Journey (4D/3N)
Venturing across East Gippsland's magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species. It is especially attractive to enthusiasts looking to spot some of the more shy forest dwellers including Yellow-bellied and Sugar Gliders, Swamp Wallabies, King Parrots and the piercing call of the Eastern Whipbird. Other highlights include walking with Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Echidnas on Raymond Island, searching for koalas in eucalypt forests, spotting Lace Monitors lazing beside secluded rivers and listening for Superb Lyrebirds mimicking other birds on the fertile rainforest floor.
Where to see Platypuses in New South Wales
Southern Highlands with Sydney Bespoke Tours
The Southern Highlands, located just a short drive from Sydney, boast a stunning array of landscapes, from rolling hills to tranquil rivers and creeks. This picturesque region is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in its natural environment.
Sydney Bespoke Tours offers personalised guided tours through the Southern Highlands, ensuring the best possible chance to observe these fascinating creatures. You'll explore the serene waterways and hidden gems of the Highlands, making for an unforgettable experience filled with wildlife sightings and the beauty of untouched nature.
Platypus in the Southern Highlands. Image: Sydney Bespoke Tours
Featured wildlife tour - Sydney Wildlife Safari (Full Day)
Venture to the pristine bushland of the Southern Highlands, just 90 minutes from Sydney, to observe several of Australia's most iconic species in the afternoon and evening. With the help of a knowledgeable and passionate naturalist guide, you will have the chance to spot Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Emus, wallabies, cockatoos, rosellas, kookaburras, Superb Lyrebirds and the elusive Platypus.