The platypus is one of Australia's most unique and elusive creatures. With its duck-like bill, webbed feet, and ability to lay eggs, this fascinating monotreme can be found in rivers and lakes across Tasmania. If you’re visiting Devonport, you’re in luck—several spots near the city provide great opportunities to see platypuses in the wild.

Here’s your guide to the best places to see platypuses in and around Devonport, along with some tips to increase your chances of spotting them.

The Tasmanian Arboretum (Best for Guaranteed Wild Sightings)

Located just 12 km from Devonport, the Tasmanian Arboretum is one of the most reliable places in Australia to see wild platypuses. The centerpiece of this beautiful botanical reserve is Founders' Lake, a known platypus habitat.

• Best Time to Visit: Dawn or dusk, when platypuses are most active.
• Viewing Tips: Walk quietly to the lakeside and wait patiently. Platypuses surface every few minutes while foraging.
• Additional Attractions: The arboretum also features rare Tasmanian trees, scenic walking tracks, and picnic areas.

📍 Location: 46 Old Tramway Rd, Eugenana, TAS

🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – Sunset

Warrawee Forest Reserve (A Hidden Gem for Platypus Spotting)

Just 15 minutes from Devonport, Warrawee Forest Reserve is another prime location to observe platypuses in the wild. Located along the Mersey River near Latrobe, this peaceful nature reserve is home to one of the highest concentrations of platypuses in Tasmania.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon.
• Viewing Tips: Follow the walking trails along the riverbank and watch for ripples or bubbles in the water—signs of a platypus diving.
• Additional Attractions: The reserve also has picnic spots and is a great place to see wallabies, echidnas, and birdlife.

📍 Location: Shale Road, Latrobe, TAS

🕒 Opening Hours: Always open

Narawntapu National Park (Best for Nature Lovers)

A 20-minute drive east of Devonport, Narawntapu National Park is one of Tasmania’s most wildlife-rich areas. Known for its wetlands, lagoons, and coastal scenery, the park is an excellent place to spot platypuses in natural waterways.

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon, when platypuses are most active.
• Viewing Tips: Walk quietly along the Springlawn Lagoon and keep an eye on the water’s surface for platypus activity.
• Additional Attractions: Narawntapu is home to wombats, Forester kangaroos, pademelons, and abundant birdlife.

📍 Location: Narawntapu National Park, Bakers Beach, TAS

🎟️ Entry Fee: National Park Pass Required

Platypus House (Guaranteed Close-Up Experience)

If you don’t have time for wildlife spotting or want a guaranteed sighting, visit Platypus House in Beauty Point, about an hour’s drive from Devonport. This indoor wildlife centre allows you to see platypuses and echidnas up close in a specially designed setting.

• Best Time to Visit: Open throughout the day with guided tours available.
• Viewing Tips: Join a tour to learn about platypus conservation and biology while observing them in an indoor lagoon.
• Additional Attractions: Interactive displays and an echidna experience where you can see short-beaked echidnas up close.

📍 Location: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point, TAS

🎟️ Entry Fee: Tickets required for tours

Tips for Spotting Platypuses in the Wild

✔ Arrive Early or Stay Late: Platypuses are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your visit accordingly.

✔ Stay Quiet and Patient: These creatures are shy. Find a quiet spot by the water and wait—platypuses surface every few minutes while feeding.

✔ Look for Ripples and Bubbles: A platypus diving will leave behind a series of ripples or small bubbles.

✔ Avoid Sudden Movements: Fast movements or loud noises can scare them away.

✔ Use Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars will help you get a better view without getting too close.

Seeing a platypus in the wild is a special and memorable experience, and Devonport offers several excellent locations to spot these unique creatures. Whether you visit the Tasmanian Arboretum for the best chance at a sighting, explore the secluded Warrawee Forest Reserve, or venture to Narawntapu National Park, you’ll have a great opportunity to witness one of Australia’s most fascinating animals in its natural habitat.

If you're short on time but still want a close encounter, Platypus House is a fantastic alternative for guaranteed sightings.

So grab your binoculars, find a quiet spot by the water, and enjoy the magic of seeing a platypus in Devonport! 🦆🐾