See Platypus in the wild at

Yungaburra

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Platypus Viewing Platform, 4434 Gillies Hwy, East Barron, QLD

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Open 24 / 7

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1 hour

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Free

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Family friendly

Details

Getting to see platypus in the wild, one of the more elusive Australian Native Animals, is high on the Bucket List for many tourists visiting Australia.

Early Australian explorers first thought that the Platypus was a fake animal, some mythical creature made up to confuse. No one could believe that an animal existed with such an unusual combination of features; swim underwater, have a beak and webbed feet like a duck, a tail like a beaver, fur like an otter, lay eggs but produce milk to feed their young.

Seeing a Platypus in the wild is almost impossible, unless you know exactly where to look. Yungaburra is one of the those locations where the Platypus love to swim and are easy for tourists to spot.

At Yungaburra there is a viewing platform that has been specially designed so you can observe the platypus in their natural environment without disturbing them.

You can also walk across the bridge and down the track which goes below the road. The track follows alongside the Peterson Creek where platypus are frequently seen.

Recommended by Susan Gan from Thrifty after 50.

Best time for this activity

Platypus are generally most active around dawn, dusk and during the night. However, you still may see them at Yungaburra during the middle of the day.

Driving distances

Yungaburra to Cairns – 1 hr 9 min (67.4 km) via State Route 52 and Bruce Hwy/A1

Parking facilities

There is a small parking area just near the viewing platform.

Official website

Atherton Tablelands

What you should bring/wear

Wear comfortable walking clothes and don’t forget your camera.

Wheelchair friendly?

No

More Information

There are several places down by the creek that are perfect for a picnic.

Some tips on spotting Platypus:
* keep noise to a minimum
* best viewing times are dawn and dusk
* watch the surface of the water for bubbles or ripples

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a platypus a mammal? Yes, a platypus is a mammal because it has fur and feeds its young.

Is the platypus poisonous? Yes, the male platypus has a spur (platypus stinger) on their back feet that secretes poison. Platypus poison claws are not life-threatening to humans but can be extremely painful.

Do platypus lay eggs? Yes, the platypus is one of 5 egg laying mammals known as monotremes.

Can you keep platypus as pets? No, they cannot be legally kept as pets in Australia.

Where to stay nearby

Yungaburra Accommodation:

Atherton Accommodation:

The Summit Rainforest Retreat-Atherton Tablelands
Lilly Pilly House – Atherton
Atherton Tablelands Birdwatchers’ Cabin

Browse more Atherton accommodation

What to see nearby :

Things to do in Yungaburra

Milla Milla Falls
Curtain Fig Tree Yungaburra, Curtain Fig National Park

Things to do in Atherton

The Crystal Caves
Bat Hospital Visitor Centre
The Waterfall Circuit

Yungaburra restaurants :

Nick’s Restaurant Yungaburra
Yungaburra Whistle Stop Cafe
Lake Barrine Tea House

Popular Atherton Tablelands Tours

Boutique Atherton Tablelands Small-Group Food and Wine Tasting Tour from Cairns

Full-day food and wine tasting tour of the Atheron Tablelands from Port Douglas
Enjoy tours and tastings of wineries, artisan producers, distilleries and coffee plantations
Sample a range of local specialties like tropical fruit wines, homemade fudge and dried dragon fruit
Spot platypus in their natural environment
Travel by comfortable minibus
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Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns

Guided wildlife–spotting tour of Atherton Tablelands rainforest
Follow interpretive rainforest walking trails to see native wildlife in their natural environment
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Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine, a natural volcanic crater lake
Go platypus spotting at dusk
Enjoy dinner at a country restaurant
Small-group tour with a maximum of 11 participants provides a more intimate experience

Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls

Full-day tour of the Atherton Tablelands from Cairns
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Enjoy your choice between three itineraries

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