We stopped off ehre on route to Paronella Park with a Tropical Horizons tour so we did not get very long. it is a beautiful place for walks and eating food food, although we had no time to try it, it looked good. We had a guide to take us to where the illusive Platypus were swimming. We managed to see one very shy one very briefly. So they are real and not figures of the imagination, we were begining to wonder.
I recently traveled across Australia with my mother, father and infant daughter from Canada. Met with the warmest hospitality we have ever experienced - our trip was seamless and full of great experiences that now will our fond and recent memories. In pursuit of seeing as much wildlife as possible in its natural environment we took some long car rides and put Tarzali Lakes on our route one day while staying in Trinity Beach. Upon our arrival at the "gate" we noted two young men in a pick up truck headed down the driveway towards the road. There was a rope across the end of the driveway and after pausing for a short time - one of the men hollered "we're closed". This was about 1pm on a Saturday. Perhaps the Platypus had all left for the day and they wanted to avoid disappointed guests? Or perhaps they need to advertise the hours they are actually open on line so they are accurate and don't leave a sour taste in tourists mouths when they travel many km to see one particular site! I suspect the later...To those who have had a positive experience - I'm pleased for you. To those who are considering the journey? Call first! And for my family? Platypus in the wild are still a mythical creature...Cheers
I have been to Tarzali up to about ten times fishing know and i have had a great time. For the cheap price of fishing of course you have to throw them back. If you are a good fisherman have a shot at the barra if you know what your re doing you will catch a lot. The host Peter is a very helpful and kind person. The freshest fish and chips on the tablelands will really excite your taste buds.
Been wanting to view these little guys for some time so was excited to go. Nearly didn't go in as there was a yelling argument going on. Turns out was the owners but they stopped when we got there. Felt a little sorry for the lady who looked embarrassed but got straight into the job & was very informative. Cost of $5 is great value & was given a card to use again as free visit should we go back again. 5 minute walk through the paddock down to the lake. We were lucky to see 1 platypus pretty much as soon as we got there but that was it. Must have been the day for it as the only other couple their decided to have an argument in front of us. haha. Not a reflection on the business-stuff happens. Waited another half hour but no sightings. It was raining most of the time. Would be nice with a little seated viewing lookout or an undercover shelter was near to escape the rain. Lake is lovely.
Now, if you have hunted all over Australia in search of the elusive Duck Bill Platypus and have not seen any or only caught a brief glimpse of a head or a tail this is the place to go. We saved this spot as our last chance location to get a look at these unusual creatures and we weren’t disappointed.The Platypus is found in a lake on the property only a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot. They don’t jump out of the water to greet you so you still need to have some patience and keep a good lookout but there is almost a 100 percent chance that you will eventually spot one or two. The owner/operator is an interesting fellow and will give you the lowdown on the animal’s behavior and habits and the best strategies to use to see them.A journey from Cairns is well worth the trip if you are interested in seeing what is probably the weirdest looking animal you will ever see.
Peter was an incredible host. He cooked us up a wonderful, fresh and tasty meal. He (randomly) gave us valuable information for our dive trip in Cairns and set us up with one of the best dive shop at the lowest price AND he has a lake full of platypuses. We were very happy to meet Peter and visit his Platypus pond.
We spot a dozen times the endemic playtipus . 5-10meters distance! bring bino for better viewing experience
It was guaranteed, but we were sceptical. The lady owner gave us an informative talk about the animals, and pointed us in the direction of a pretty lake area. And very soon we spotted a platypus ... in fact we saw two or three. They were a little bit distant, and difficult to photograph, but it was lovely to watch them swimming and playing.I've always wanted to see platypus in the wild, and there they were. What a treat!There is also a little shop (with nice soaps and other goodies) and a shaded cafe. We had the barramundi and chips, which was tasty and good value. Nice cup of tea too! We ended up staying well over two hours, which was much longer than planned, but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.Highly recommended.
Irony would not describe enough the sign declaring the smoked goods gluten and lactose free. Truth is, we've travelled every continent but one in search of great food made simply under that motto. Easy enough? Not so. We happened to accidently find mr. Whiddet's aquaculture center. In the atherton region you will be amazed by the natural beauty and indigenous wonders throughout. If you also want to be a amazed by one person and some platypi, look no further. We were amazed.
Warning - this attraction is closed for the month of February and the start of March. We were so exvited for the platypus but were pretty disappointed to find it closed.