We get many visitors asking about platypus in Tasmania and where to see them. We do know there are platypuses in the local dams, and there is a family of platypuses in the dam across the road.

Unfortunately, there have been three killed on the road outside Glencoe Guesthouse. Two were young males, probably at the age where they left to find a territory of their own and, sadly, a female.

I want to think we might have a platypus in one of our dams, but I need to investigate this. There are several places you can go to see platypus.

Latrobe is a town just 25 mins from Glencoe B&B. In the 1820s, it was the main port for the area. The Mersey River flows through Latrobe and it is the best place to see platypus.

Warrawee Forest Reserve is a nature precinct and picnic ground on the banks of the Mersey River. This is actually one the best places in Tasmania for seeing platypus in their natural surroundings (guided tours are available).

The best time to see platypus in Tasmania is late afternoon, dusk and first light. Nature walks in the area (90 minutes maximum) provide opportunities to see Tasmanian wildlife such as echidnas, pademelons and wallabies.

Flora in the area includes rare orchids. Warrawee is also the site of early European settlement in the area and remnants of past shale mining and coal mining activities remain to this day.

Additionally, there’s a carved Big Platypus in town as a reminder.

The Tasmanian Arboretum is a botanical garden again just 25 mins from Glencoe Country B&B. They state they are the best place in Australia (ref. Australian Platypus Monitoring Network) to see platypus in the wild.

They can reliably be seen most days in Founder’s Lake and at any time of the day. Every guest who has gone to the Aboretum has seen platypus.

Sometimes you do need to be patient and wait a little. Around 80 bird species have been recorded there and plenty of other wildlife are also present. It is a great place for both flora and fauna enthusiasts.

Playtpus House is on the dock at Beauty Point on the Tamar river about an hour and a half from Glencoe.

Platypus House offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch live Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas in daylight conditions and undercover. Wet and cold days are not a problem.

Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas are unique and simply amazing. Both are must-see animals that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Join an unforgettable fun and educational tour suitable for all ages, watching them actively feeding and playing as you wander through the platypus ponds and echidna garden.

Meet the platypuses, Big Jupiter, Poppy, Dawn, Freya and the newest addition, Pumpkin. In the echidna room (the other monotreme) echidnas will run around your feet as they are fed.

Meet big Thomas, Edwina and Eddie as they wander around your legs. Platypus and echidnas are related. Learn just how unique and important these beautiful animals are.

We have to mention Seahorse World which is next to Platypus House. It’s a working seahorse farm giving you unique access to these magical creatures.

An educational tour will lead you through The Cave of the Seahorse and the Wonders of the Southern Ocean Aquarium, ending with the once in a lifetime opportunity to hold a beautiful seahorse in the palm of your hand.

Visiting these attractions such as platypus in Tasmania,  and passing through Beaconsfield historic mine site makes for a great day trip from Glencoe Country B&B.

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