Of all the species on my Australian wildlife bucket list, I thought the platypus would be the most difficult to find. I did a lot of research about where to find platypus, and Eungella National Park in Queensland seemed to be my best chance. Located high above the plains, this national park is mountainous and forested, with absolutely stunning views. To find a platypus, I thought I would have to get a combination of factors right – the right place, the right time of day, the right weather, and a fairly large dash of luck to go along with it. Apparently not.
Read more: Australian Wildlife – the most unique animals you’ll ever see
Disclaimer: this website contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue this blog and help wildlife around the world!
What is a platypus?
Many people have probably never heard of the duck-billed platypus, to give it its full name. The platypus, with its duck-like bill, the body of an otter and the tail of a beaver, is a really strange animal. It’s not a normal mammal, or a marsupial like kangaroos and koalas. It’s one of just five species of monotreme in the world, which means a mammal that lays eggs.
Yes, the platypus lays eggs. Oh, and it’s venomous too. Maybe my definition of cool differs to other people, but I officially declare the platypus a cool animal. How could anyone not want to know where to find platypus in the wild?
Where to find platypus in Eungella
If you really want to see a platypus in the wild, it’s rather simple actually. All you have to do is drive to the Broken River section of Eungella National Park for about half past three or four in the afternoon (or between six and eight in the morning, although I like my way better), and keep an eye on the shallow river on either side of the bridge.
There are three viewing points along a 600m section of Broken River and platypus live somewhere in between, their burrows hidden carefully along the bank. I couldn’t believe it was that easy when I got there. You don’t even have to trek through rainforest or up mountains, as I half-expected I would. I sat for an hour and watched several platypus swimming along about 100 metres from where my car was parked.
Obviously with wildlife, sightings are never a guarantee. Maybe I was lucky, and they popped by at just the right time. But from the relaxed behaviour of the animals (they didn’t seem to notice us humans at all), and the small crowd of tourists that eagerly awaited their arrival that afternoon, being able to see a platypus must be more than mere chance, more like a normal occurrence. In fact, I got the impression that NOT seeing one would be strange.
However easy it was, I still couldn’t stop smiling when the first little weird-faced creature caused ripples to stir the calm waters. They pop up for a few moments, then dive underneath before reappearing a short while later somewhere else. When the sun dips down behind the trees growing on the banks, you can even follow their progress under the water and watch as they stir up clouds of mud from the river bed.
After an hour, four platypus and a million photos (none of which were that great, but hey, I was excited), I decided it was time to head back to where I was car-camping for the night – a truck stop across the road from a petrol station.
How glamorous.
Exploring more of Eungella NP
But there’s more to Eungella than just being able to see a wild platypus. The National Park has over 20km of walking trails and some incredible views. All the entrances to the trails are spread out along the main road, and I really enjoyed my couple of hours walking through the beautiful Australian rainforest. The Sky Window in particular gives a magnificent view across Pioneer Valley, through which you drive along a winding road to get to the Park, an experience in itself. And don’t miss the chance to walk through the middle of a strangler fig tree that has created a natural archway across the Cedar Trail.
Most people experience Eungella on a day trip from Mackay, an hour’s drive away. Camping areas are available at the park (with a permit!), particularly at Broken River, where you can watch the platypus feeding from the comfort of your campervan. There are also a couple of resorts in the park if you’re not on a tight budget.
Or you can be like me, and sleep in your small car outside a noisy petrol station. Up to you.
So have I managed to put the platypus on your bucket list?
Like this post? Pin it for later!
Responsible Wildlife Interactions
Remember, while seeing animals in their natural habitat is a wonderful experience, the animals themselves need to be taken into consideration.
Keep your distance.
Keeping your distance is the best way to ensure that both you and the animals stay safe. Wildlife is unpredictable. Unless you’re very familiar with animal behaviour, it can be hard to tell how wildlife is reacting to a situation. Just because an animal looks calm, doesn’t mean it is. There have been too many instances of tourists getting too close to wildlife and getting injured, which usually leads to negative consequences for the animal as well.
A good trick I learned is to use your thumb to check your distance. Hold out your hand and if you can cover the entire animal with your thumb, then you should be safe. If you can’t, back away slowly. Obviously the safe distance depends on the animal: deer need less, predators need more, etc.
Never, EVER feed wildlife.
Enticing wildlife with food not only puts yourself in danger, but can lead to wildlife learning to depend on humans to survive or becoming more aggressive – neither of which are a good thing. Human food can also be dangerous to animals, making them ill or malnourished. .
Mind your food and dispose of scraps properly.
Feeding wildlife can occur accidentally too, if left unattended or not thrown away correctly. When camping, hiking, or just out in nature, store any snacks or food in proper containers, and don’t leave food lying around unwatched. Even if you think there are no animals around, there probably are. And never leave food next to a rubbish bin. If the bins are full or you can’t find one, take it with you. Don’t be lazy!
Don’t touch.
If you’re lucky enough that an animal approaches you of their own free will, please don’t try to pat them. They’re not pets, they don’t enjoy it and it can spook them into doing something aggressive. Your touch can also be dangerous to some animals, particularly marine wildlife who have very sensitive skin. Whales, dolphins and sea turtles can be harmed by the chemicals often found on our skin from lotions, suncream and insect repellent.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Many wildlife encounters become dangerous simply because the human wasn’t paying attention. When out in nature, always listen out for wildlife, don’t wear headphones, make noise and travel in groups if possible. A lot of wildlife is only aggressive when surprised.
[…] in: Eungella National Park, […]