When exploring Australia, something everyone wants to see is one of the country’s native wild animals in their natural habitats. Eungella National Park is one of the best places in the country to see wild platypuses, and attracts many tourists for this reason. After visiting the park multiple times, I’m sharing how to see platypuses in Eungella National Park!
Don’t worry about it being too busy though, there’s limited accommodation and camping options so it’s not as busy as being in the city. This national park is a relaxing and beautiful national park and there’s lots to see in the area. To learn more about what to do there, what to see and where to camp, check out my full guide on Eungella National Park.
Whether you’ve seen them before or not, Eungella won’t disappoint for seeing platypuses in the wild. Broken River is home to many platypuses, which like to show up most in near sunrise and sunset. This article has all of the tips on how to see platypuses in Eungella National Park.
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Locations to See Platypuses in Eungella National Park
Despite most people heading to Broken River to see platypuses, that’s just one of the places to see them. Below the highlands in Finch Hatton Gorge, there’s some, along with the river at Platypus Bush Camp before reaching the gorge. They’re not as easy to see in the gorge, as during the dry season most areas just have trickling water through the creek there. Which is why many people choose to stay at the camp to see them throughout the evening or morning.
In highlands of Eungella National Park, platypuses can also be seen in Crediton Creek along with Broken River. To see them in Broken River, you can watch from Broken River camp above, the bridge crossing over the river, and the River Walk. The latter has many viewing points, including under the bridge, further west to the other end of the creek and the easterly to a viewing platform.
Take your time to enjoy the area all times of the day on the River Walk, it goes further than just the few hundred metres around the bridge. Discover the other ends of the river walk and possibly see more platypuses at the same time!
Best Time to See Platypuses
There’s many informational signs around the River Walk explaining the best times to visit and see platypuses. Specifically when the time around the sunset and sunrise makes up the best time to see platypuses in Eungella National Park. Depending on when the sun is setting and rising, the best time goes on for a few hours each day, changing slightly throughout the year.
However, it is possible to see platypuses any time of day, or night, really. Platypuses are more active during sunset and sunset because they’re feeding, as they rise to the surface to chew their food. But it’s not like after sunrise they all lay down and do nothing, the platypuses are still active during the day, just not as active as that time frame.
It’s not as easy to see these creatures during the wet season, as the water is darker and murky from an influx of water in the river. However, they’re still around during the raining season. I’ve gone twice to Eungella National Park to see platypuses, and going in September the river was most calm and clear. This made it easy to see the platypuses going under the water and rising back up. Tracking their path made it easier to take photos as they came up to the surface (without flash, of course!).
What Platypuses Look Like
This section goes over a few factors of what platypuses look like, ideally making it easier to spot them while at Eungella National Park. During my first visit to Eungella National Park, I was surprised to find out platypuses are actually quite tiny. The largest the males get are 50 cm, and the females 43 cm, according to National Geographic.
Half a metre isn’t small, but you’re not seeing them from very close so they will appear smaller than this. All of the viewing areas are far enough away from the platypuses so they can continue to live a natural and wild life. Platypuses are quite shy, so if the viewing platforms were closer, they might move away altogether. For this reason it’s important to be quiet, and stay focused watching the water’s surface to see platypuses.
If you’re not sure it’s a platypus—there’s many fresh water turtles in the river as well—look for a mirrored body shape from front to back. The duck-bill is similar to the beaver-like tail in shape and size. They’re a dark brown colour, but look darker in the water, almost a black. And, if all else fails, look for bubbles coming up from under the water. This might be a time the platypuses are eating just below, though they won’t always come up just in that spot.
Be Quiet and Calm
For some people, watching wildlife means grabbing some beers with the mates. Not so much here though. If drinking and friends means loud and noisy, then it’s not going to be easy to find platypuses. It’s so important to be calm and quiet, platypuses are shy and hyper aware of their surroundings.
If someone is talking loudly or stomping around, the platypuses might shy away from coming to the surface, or return under the water quickly. Or, they might stay at the other end of the river altogether where it’s hard to see them.
So just relax, and stay quiet while looking for platypuses in Eungella National Park—or anywhere really. This way everyone can enjoy the experience more and see the platypuses more often whilst visiting the park.
Respect their Natural Habitat
Respecting Eungella National Park’s wild nature is key to seeing the platypuses. Staying on the path means there’s less disruptions for these little mammals and they should be more keen to come to the surface. Going off the path and breaking sticks, moving rocks or even throwing things in the water is a no-go for this one.
It should go without saying that feeding wild animals is not only illegal in Australia, but encourages negative traits on wildlife and can even make them sick. I’d have to say though, I’ve never seen this type of behaviour from people visiting the national park. Visiting Eungella National Park is a great way to experience nature and see platypuses in the wild, so keep enjoying!
Close to Eungella National Park, is the Cape Hillsborough National Park, check out my full guide for visiting the park. Or, check out my east coast road trip guide from Brisbane to Cairns in Queensland, including this Eungella National Park as a stop!
