Platypus

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Mackay offers the unique chance to go diving in its crystal clear waters whilst meeting one of the world’s most elusive animals, the Australian Platypus. 

Where to spot a Platypus in Mackay 

Broken River in Eungella National Park and Oliver’s Pool near Finch Hatton Gorge are recognised as the world’s best place to see these unusual semi-aquatic egg-laying mammals. This extremely shy creature is tough to spot, but your best chance of seeing it is at sunrise or sunset. Make sure to stay very quiet, and follow the trail of bubbles which indicates where the Platypus will surface.




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The Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park

Multiple Locations
A wonderland of waterfalls, refreshingly cool rainforest and the chance to see a platypus in the wild awaits in Eungella National Park. Australia's longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, Eungella, (pronounced young-ge-lah), is a must-see attraction.

Platypus Beach, Mirani

Mirani, Mackay Area
Free Entry
Platypus Beach is a popular swimming hole for locals and tourists, a little slice of sandy paradise on the bank of the Pioneer River, near the country town of Mirani. This is a beautiful location to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and picnics.

Teemburra Dam

Pinnacle, Mackay Area
Free Entry
Located in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, Teemburra Dam is approximately 50 kilometres west of Mackay City on a fully sealed road. The dam is a nature-lover's paradise. Made up of a mass of inlets and coves, it is easy to become entranced with the birds, fish and platypus which inhabit the area.

Platypus Lodge Restaurant and Cafe

Broken River, Mackay Area
Platypus Lodge Restaurant and Cafe is run by Austrian, yes not Australian, amiable chef owner Oskar, in the cool mountain tranquillity of Eungella National Park - Broken River section next to the Information Centre, about 80 kilometres west of Mackay.

Explore the Mackay Region in One Day

Multiple Locations
Fuel up the car, buckle in the kids and explore more of the Mackay Region with this one day itinerary. Explore walking trails at Eungella National Park and spot a platypus surfacing at Broken River, find fun for the family with a waterfall walk in Finch Hatton and end with dinner in Mackay.

Rainforest Scuba

Multiple Locations
Enjoy this world first experience diving in the rainforest in crystal clear waters where platypus live and play. Will you be one of the few in the water at the same time as a platypus in natural conditions?

Follow the Platypus Trail

Multiple Locations
Have you ever wanted to see an Australian platypus in the wild? The Mackay Region offers the best and most reliable locations to see these unusual mammals swimming in rainforest creeks and rivers. Journey to Finch Hatton Gorge and Eungella National Park for a natural adventure the family will cherish.

Broken River

Eungella, Mackay Area
Free Entry
Located within the cool tranquillity of Eungella National Park, Broken River is touted as one of the best locations in the world to see a rare marsupial in the wild, a platypus. A little over a one hour drive from Mackay, travel through the picturesque Pioneer Valley and climb the mountain range to Eungella township.

Platypus Viewing at Broken River

Eungella, Mackay Area
Free Entry
Eungella National Park, approximately a one hour drive west of Mackay, is home to one of the most reliable spots in Australia to spot the elusive platypus - in the wild! From the viewing decks at Broken River, spot this shy creature in it's natural habitat, as well as turtles and other wildlife in this beautiful National Park.
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