If you are hoping to read about a sighting of at least one platypus with a photograph as proof at the Platypus Viewing Area in Yungaburra, you will be disappointed reading this article, as the mission was unsuccessful.
Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform: An Unsuccessful Mission.
The platypus is a truly bizarre animal. It is one of only two mammals in Australia that lays eggs. It has a soft rubbery bill with no teeth. Its tail performs multiple purposes. Its front feet has webbing that extends beyond its claws. The male platypus has a sharp hollow spur connected to a poison gland on its hind leg for both protection and to fend off other male platypuses during mating season. These are only some of the unique traits of a platypus.
The actual viewing platform itself is not all that large as it overlooks the natural area. It is know to be crowded during the busy season.
Two factors work against a successful sighting of a platypus in the wild: the animal is both shy and considered nocturnal — although platypuses can be active during the day.
A sign nearby gives some clues on how to spot a platypus:
The best way to see these shy animals is by sitting quietly. on the bank of a river or stream at dawn or dusk.
Look for the platypus as it swims silently with its head, bill and back just out of the water. Watch as it glides along the surface before quietly diving under to feed.
It won’t be long before it is back on the surface again.
In the daytime platypuses retreat to their simple burrows in the bank of the river or stream. In cooler weather an animal can sometimes be seen outside its burrow basking in the out.
After looking around the natural area while attempting to be as inconspicuous as possible — and using different vantage points — no platypus was spotted. I probably arrived at the wrong time of the day to successfully sight a platypus.
Final Boarding Call
I wish I could relate an actual encounter with at least one platypus and say that I have great photographs of platypuses for you to see; but alas, that was not possible.
The only time I saw a live platypus was at the Sydney Aquarium years ago — and even then, the tank was murky and the lighting was dim so that it could be fooled into thinking that nighttime had arrived to induce its activity for visitors. Although it was in captivity, seeing the platypus was still difficult.
This article was written in the hopes that if you find yourself in the Atherton Tablelands region of Australia, you might be able to take advantage of the opportunity to spot a platypus in the wild for yourself.
Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform
4434 Gillies Highway
East Barron, Queensland 4883
Australia
Open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. No admission is charged. Free parking for vehicles is limited. This destination does not have an official Internet web site to visit for additional information.
All photographs ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
