Platypus Spotting in Burnie

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Fern Glade Reserve has a reputation for being one of the most reliable places for observing platypus in the wild in Tasmania.

Decorated by nature with moss and ferns, Fern Glade offers a place of quiet contemplation, investigation and observation, on the edge of a city.

An interpretative trail provides interesting points on the flora, fauna and location as you meander along the riverbank linking two open areas with facilities.

The water is clean, although stained by the natural tannin, and platypus thrive there.

Platypus are best viewed in the morning or evening.  Vehicle access to the reserve is restricted from dusk to dawn.

 

Where to see platypus in Tasmania

Platypus in Burnie:

  • Fernglade Reserve
  • Upper Natone Forest Reserve
  • Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden

 

Where can I see penguins elsewhere in Tasmania?

North West

  • Warrawee Reserve, 5 minutes south of Latrobe, off Shale Road.
  • Mersey River, Latrobe and the ‘platypus pool’ is a short distance from the old Deloraine Road junction. Visitors can schedule guided tours at the Hall of Fame's Information Centre.
  • Meander River, Deloraine Riverbank reserve, jetty or footbridge near caravan park.
  • Waratah lake's southern shore, away from the main street. Beautiful lakes line the left side of the road leading into town.
  • Stanley, platypus twilight tour with Wilderness Tasmania Tours
  • Sassafras Creek, Mole Creek just downstream from Union Bridge. .
  • Tasmanian Arboretum in Eugenana, 12 kilometers south of Devonport.
  • Strahan - Botanical Creek on way to Hogarth Falls.
  • Taylor's Flats Picnic Area, Loongana. Explore along the River Leven.

 

Central Highlands

  • Little Pine Lagoon (Central Highlands)
  • Cradle Mountain – Ronny Creek (more common) and Dove Lake (less common)
  • Platypus Bay, Lake St Clair 1.5km along the track, after crossing the Watersmeet Bridge you will come to the platypus lookout hide.

 

North

  • Taylor's Flats Picnic Area or anywhere else along the River Leven Loongana
  • Northeast Park, Scottsdale
  • Platypus House, Beauty Point Guided Tour
  • Meander Riverbank reserve (Deloraine):. Checkout the small jetty or stand in the middle of the footbridge near the caravan park. Guided tours are available at the Hall of Fame's Information Centre.

     

South

  • Tyenna River and the park's creeks near Westerway, area around the Possum Shed Cafe with guided tour.
  • Salmon Ponds in Plenty
  • Heritage Park, Geevston ‘Platypus Walk’ with a designated platypus viewing platform. (Kermandie River)
  • Snug Falls, 30min south of Hobart Keep an eye out for platypus along the Snug river while visiting the falls.
  • Huon Valley Caravan Park
  • Tywnald Park, New Norfolk

 

Related Information

 

Platypus FAQ's

Location

Fern Glade Platypus Reserve, Fernglade Road, Burnie 7320  View Map and directions

Google Map
Tagged as:
Fern Glade Reserve

Facility Snapshot

Features

  • Lake or River
  • Walking Trails Unpaved

Interesting Facts

  • With its eyes, ears and nostrils closed, a Platypus uses electroreception to detect movement underwater to feed.
  • The Platypus is one of very few venomous mammals in the world. The spur on the male’s hind foot is connected to a venom-secreting gland.
  • Tasmanian platypus are relatively large, with some adult males weighing up to 3 kg. The average size of a platypus in north Queensland is 1kg.
  • They are completely carnivorous (meat-eating) and mostly eat invertebrates: swimming beetles and waterbugs, insect larvae, tadpoles, worms, snails and shrimp.
  • Platypus and echidnas are the only existing species of monotremes (egg laying mammals) on earth.
  • After burrowing deep into the riverbank, females lay one or two eggs. Here, curled up in protective chambers, they incubate the eggs between their tail and rump. Bean-sized babies emerge from the egg after 10 days and are fed milk for about four months. Milk is secreted through pores and licked off the mother’s skin or fur.

Related Information

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