Do you want to see platypus in the wild? Read our guide to finding platypus at Eungella National Park in Queensland Australia with tips about how to spot this elusive creature.
There are so many amazing animals to see when you are in Australia and one of the strangest of them all is the platypus. They are also one of the most difficult of all Australian animals to see in their native habitat with only a few places on the Australian mainland and the island of Tasmania where you have a chance of spotting this rare creature.
One of the best places to see platypus is at Broken River in Eungella National Park in Queensland.
In this post, you can find out everything you need to know to be able to see these elusive creatures in their native habitat.
Where is Eungella National Park?
Eungella National Park can be found at the end of the Pioneer Valley in Northern Queensland approximately 80 km west of Mackay, and 858 km northwest of Brisbane.
It is a steep drive up the Clarke Range which could be tricky if you are towing a caravan.
It is home to numerous species of animals including some which can be found nowhere else. Look out for greater gliders, tawny frogmouths, sugar gliders and brushtail possums.
There are numerous species of birds in the park too and when birdwatching keep an eye out for rainbow lorikeets, red-browed finches and blue-faced honeyeaters.
The forests at Eungella also provide a refuge for unusual frogs. Some such as the secretive Eungella tinker frogs are found only in the Clarke Range.
Although they are a rare sight (according to the Queensland Government website all about Eungella) you may hear them around rocky creeks. Apparently, they can be identified by a short series of metallic ‘tinks’.
Eungella National Park is also great for hiking with more than 20km of walking tracks. These vary from 30 minute easy walks to half-day and day walks.
Some of the walks form part of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk. Eungella is the starting point for the 56km Mackay Highlands Great Walk. There is basically a walk to suit everyone even me and I really do not like hiking.
To find out more about the walks and safety information when visiting Eungella obtain a copy of the Mackay Highlands and Eungella National Park Visitor Guide from the Broken River information centre. Also check out the Queensland Government website all about Eungella National Park.
Where can I find the platypus at Eungella National Park?
Just saying the name Duck-billed Platypus tells you that this is one strange creature! It was such an oddity that when descriptions and even real specimens reached Europe in the 19th century that it was declared a hoax!
To be honest, when you first see one for real it is hard to believe it isn’t some sort of elaborate hoax by mother nature – a bill like a bird, a tail of a beaver, teeny little eyes and such big feet!
The duck-billed platypus can only be found in Australia and even in Australia, they are not widespread. There are only a few places you have a small possibility of seeing one. And one of those places is at Broken River in Eungella National Park in Northern Queensland.
As I mentioned earlier Eungella is an hour’s drive west of Mackay so if you are heading to the Mackay region be sure to add it to your itinerary.
At Broken River, there are special viewing platforms where you can sit patiently and wait for that first incredible sighting!
We have visited 3 times now with a 2/3 success rate. Sadly for my daughter on her one visit they didn’t appear despite us all sitting patiently for over an hour!
FAQ’s about platypus
What is a platypus?
Platypus are classed as a monotreme. It is only one of 5 species of mammals that lay eggs rather than give birth to live young. (The other 4 species are echidna) They are small – 43 cm on average for females and 50 cm for males and covered in thick brown fur. They are semi-aquatic and carnivorous.
The platypus is also (and I love this!!) venomous. It lives in Australia so it has to be…. The male platypus has a spur on its hind foot that delivers venom!
As well as finding duck-billed platypus at Eungella National Park there are lots of graded walking trails through magnificent sub-tropical rainforest to tackle in the park.
Other animals that can be found in the park include possums, pademelons, eastern long neck turtles and spotted quolls.
We were spooked on our first visit when a lot of rustling in the forest turned out to be a brush turkey!!
There are also lots of beautiful birds to spot – there is a comprehensive list of the 227 birds you could spot at the park at Eungella which I recommend you print off and tick them off as you go!
Tips for finding platypus in the wild in Australia
- The duck billed platypus is a shy animal and can be difficult to spot – the best time to get a chance of seeing one is at sunrise or sunset (though a cloudy day may also prove succesful).
- The plural of platypus is platypuses (though I think platypi sounds so much better!)
- As I mentioned there are only a few places where you can have a chance of finding platypus in the wild and Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge are some of the most reliable.
- At Broken River there is an information centre, a small cafe and toilets.
- Prepare for the drive up to Eungella to be a steep one (it is 686 metres above sea level)! Once at the top the view over the Pioneer Valley is rather beautiful!
- Take a picnic! Or book accommodation and stay in the park – camping, cabins and hotel options are all available.
Broken River Visitor Information Centre
534 Eungella Dam Road, Broken River QLD 4757
Phone: 07 4958 4745
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: 10 am-4 pm, 7 days a week
For more information about the Mackay region visit mackayregion.com and/or drop into the visitor’s centre in Mackay where the helpful staff will give you all the information you need to have a great holiday!
Mackay Visitor Information Centre
320 Nebo Road, Mackay Q 4740 Phone: 1300 130 001
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mackayregion.com
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week
What accommodation options are there at Eungella?
Broken River Mountain Resort
Broken River Mountain Resort is the perfect getaway for those looking to relax and unwind. The resort has a restaurant, bar, shared lounge with garden views as well as family rooms.
Book your stay at Broken River Mountain Resort
Exploring Queensland
I have lots of posts all about visiting Australia and a number of these are focused on the beautiful state of Queensland.
With an enviable climate, wonderful wildlife, stunning beaches if Queensland is your destination these posts will help you get the best of your visit!
- Ultimate guide to Australia – everything you need to know to plan your visit.
- Queensland bucket list – 23 must see and do experiences