Platypus House
Platypus House
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Welcome to Platypus House. The only place in the world you can experience this amazing animal up close and personal. A Tasmanian natural living world experience not to be missed. Watch both live platypuses and echidnas in daylight and undercover!
Duration: < 1 hour
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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See what travellers are saying
- GregBarlowBurleigh Heads, Australia41 contributionsA must do in this northern regionPermanently housed platypus and echidnas (not captured but rescued and can't be released). Very informative and well spoken commentary about both. Quality souvenirs (all made in China of course. Australia has forgotten how to make anything these days). Simple bights and ice cream on site with awesome restaurant nearby. Highly recommended.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2023
- Karen M439 contributionsUp close to monotremesThe information and opportunity to see both platypuses and echidnas up close, was fabulous. The presenters were open to all of the group’s questions and the clear tanks gave us a great view of the platypuses. The echidnas walk around us as we sit still ( well most of us who listened to the instructions) and the close encounter is really superb. They were the show stoppers for me.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 April 2023
- EndlessTravelsGreater Melbourne, Australia35,500 contributionsOne of the best places to them up close in AustraliaOne of the highlights of our recent trip to Launceston. Visit this in conjunction with neighbouring sea horse world. Seeing the platypus up close for the first time was such a thrill for our kids. Get up close at the end of the tour to the echidna added to the thrill, highly recommend this placeVisited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 May 2023
- Grant NHastings, New Zealand1,423 contributionsExcellent visit - very friendly and informative staffGreat way to see platypus and echidna in a nice setting with an informative guide. The platypus are naturally in water and can only be seen through glass or from the top of the water. But interesting to watch them go about their daily activity. The echidna are a laugh a minute with their waddle across the floor, obvious greed for food, and total ignoring of those watching. Fascinating creatures. Well worth a trip to see them.Visited May 2023Written 15 June 2023
- catkid3Victoria, Australia148 contributionsDream come trueDespite being an Australian, this is the only place where I've had the chance to properly see a platypus and get some great footage of them. I booked the first tour of the day and happened to be the only person on that tour, so it ended up being a very personalised experience. Both guides were lovely and easily answered any questions I had. You initially walk through an exhibit about monotremes and their features/predators etc before visiting the platypus exhibits. The echidna experience was also wonderful as it was so cute having them walk right past you. The gift shop was well-stocked and there's also a cafe with reasonably-priced beverages. Will definitely visit again!!Visited May 2023Written 14 July 2023
- Elly1919Adelaide, Australia81 contributionsPlatypus and Echidna what more could you wantWhat a wonderful experience , we were very happy to see some of the platypus during our tour and felt very privileged. An amazing Australian wonder. We were then given a tour with the echidnas, we didn’t realise this was included and were able to see them up close and very active it was an amazing experience. The tour guide was very informative and friendly. Suitable for young and old.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
- Rhonda SSydney, Australia14 contributionsSpecial experienceFantastic, special experience. My second visit - worth it to go back. Guided tour through the platypus exhibits and then guided time to sit to watch the echidnas - very informative, makes you smileVisited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 September 2023
- VickiL83Australia234 contributionsA must to see while in TasmaniaThey are such cute, but they are also deadly. If the male is confronted with danger, it has a gland that strikes and emits a poison. If I hadn't visited the excellent place, I wouldn't have known about this potential danger. I also would not have been able to sit amoungst our cute Echidnas. Both staff, exhibits, and knowledge of these 2 pieces of information and fabulous places at Besuty Point Tasmania are a must to see when in this area.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- Sacha PMelbourne, Australia45 contributionsUp close and personal with the monotremes!Wasn't sure what to expect from this tour when we entered, but was so happy we did it. At every other animal sanctuary we've been to, the platypus is almost impossible to spot, while here you can get up close and see them feeding, diving and generally playing. Following the platypus tour, we were led to the Echidna Garden, where we formed a circle, and the echidnas just wander around you. If you find the right spot, they'll brush past you as they roam around the area - such an amazing experience! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and very passionate in sharing here knowledge about these unique Australian critters. Highly recommended!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 December 2023
- Carolyne CAdelaide, Australia20 contributionsClose up with the monotremesOur guide was incredibly knowledgeable and could answer any questions put to her. We got to see the platypuses up close, swimming and eating and it was excellent. We sat amongst the echidnas who ate their food right next to us, it was a wonderful up close experience.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
745 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
246
Average
55
Poor
16
Terrible
13
Karen N
Wichita, KS134 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
As a part of a private driver tour, we had the privilege of stopping at the Platypus House. What a gem! The building is quite unassuming, but this little place is a gem. We were able to see several platypus in their pools, and then we were up close and personal with the echidna. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but she spoke loudly enough that even those of us who have some trouble hearing could hear her (and she was able to speak over a screaming baby). We found the tour, though short, to be well worth doing!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lesleyrs
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
An amazing time learning about platypuses and echidnas. Knowledgeable guide and fun for the whole family, I recommend this activity
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apolonia70
adelaide1,580 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Platypus are difficult to see in the wild so a visit to the Platypus House was worthwhile. The venue has a cafe on site where you can wait until your tour starts. The attraction is well set up and has easy access. The display area shows the life cycle, a life sized Tasmanian platypus on display and lots of information about monotremes. The enclosure provides great photo opportunities - the creatures are fast so have fun capturing them swimming. The tank displays provide full visual opportunity to watch platypus search out their food and feed. The echidna enclosure is very visitor friendly - you stand in the enclosure and watch the echidna walk around you as well as feed. A great experience being so close. Very informative and knowledgable staff/ guides. Enjoy.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendan
Tauranga, New Zealand5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Great experience to finally see a platypus & echidnas up close.
Wonderful staff with an informative tour guide.
Great value
Worth the trip out of Launnie.
Wonderful staff with an informative tour guide.
Great value
Worth the trip out of Launnie.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve T
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
A very knowledgeable guide takes you on tour in small groups. We arrived just as a tour was about to start so did not need to wait. You learn a lot about Platypus and Echidna and will be in close proximity to them. The echidna's will be fed and then wander about and possibly brush up against you as they go for a walk. The platypus swim and play around in their pools. You also get to see them feeding.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyne C
Adelaide, Australia20 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and could answer any questions put to her. We got to see the platypuses up close, swimming and eating and it was excellent. We sat amongst the echidnas who ate their food right next to us, it was a wonderful up close experience.
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sacha P
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Wasn't sure what to expect from this tour when we entered, but was so happy we did it.
At every other animal sanctuary we've been to, the platypus is almost impossible to spot, while here you can get up close and see them feeding, diving and generally playing. Following the platypus tour, we were led to the Echidna Garden, where we formed a circle, and the echidnas just wander around you. If you find the right spot, they'll brush past you as they roam around the area - such an amazing experience! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and very passionate in sharing here knowledge about these unique Australian critters. Highly recommended!
At every other animal sanctuary we've been to, the platypus is almost impossible to spot, while here you can get up close and see them feeding, diving and generally playing. Following the platypus tour, we were led to the Echidna Garden, where we formed a circle, and the echidnas just wander around you. If you find the right spot, they'll brush past you as they roam around the area - such an amazing experience! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and very passionate in sharing here knowledge about these unique Australian critters. Highly recommended!
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andcarm1
Port Lincoln, Australia38 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Very friendly knowledgeable tour guide. Bit pricy but was good. Kids especially loved the echidna’s. Located on the Warf it’s an interesting place with the sea horses next door
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toowoombatourist
Toowoomba, Australia301 contributions
Oct 2023
Loved the feeling of being so close to these amazing animals - so much to learn about their quirky uniqueness, even as Australians!
The bonus of the up-close and personal echidna encounter was just wonderful and unexpected!
The guide was passionate about her job and it showed in the way she shared all her knowledge. The animals at this facility are all rescue-animals, many having been there for a long period of time, and the staff appear to have a real connection with them all.
There is a nice gift shop and cafe attached to the tour - (check out the t-shirts - love some of the unique design messages!)
Situated right next door to Seahorse House - easy to co-ordinate tour times to do both these amazing tours over a few hour period.
The bonus of the up-close and personal echidna encounter was just wonderful and unexpected!
The guide was passionate about her job and it showed in the way she shared all her knowledge. The animals at this facility are all rescue-animals, many having been there for a long period of time, and the staff appear to have a real connection with them all.
There is a nice gift shop and cafe attached to the tour - (check out the t-shirts - love some of the unique design messages!)
Situated right next door to Seahorse House - easy to co-ordinate tour times to do both these amazing tours over a few hour period.
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VickiL83
Australia234 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
They are such cute, but they are also deadly. If the male is confronted with danger, it has a gland that strikes and emits a poison.
If I hadn't visited the excellent place, I wouldn't have known about this potential danger. I also would not have been able to sit amoungst our cute Echidnas.
Both staff, exhibits, and knowledge of these 2 pieces of information and fabulous places at Besuty Point Tasmania are a must to see when in this area.
If I hadn't visited the excellent place, I wouldn't have known about this potential danger. I also would not have been able to sit amoungst our cute Echidnas.
Both staff, exhibits, and knowledge of these 2 pieces of information and fabulous places at Besuty Point Tasmania are a must to see when in this area.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel88
Brisbane Region, Australia1,530 contributions
The website says there are no Platypus House tours operating on Sundays in May. This is the only day we have. Are we missing out on much by not participating in the tour?
Also, is there a better time of day to see them more active (eg morning v midday)?
Angel88
Brisbane Region, Australia1,530 contributions
Once I put the date in the tour times appeared. I must have made an error on my first attempt. All good now!
Casey C
Singapore, Singapore69 contributions
Is it necessary to book in advance? We are planning to visit in December.
Nick Jones Tasmania
Tasmania, Australia21 contributions
No need to book, tours run every 45 minutes .
geniecox
Wollongong, Australia
I would just like to know the admission price for 2 adults.
Nick Jones Tasmania
Tasmania, Australia21 contributions
The price for 2 adults is $49.00 (24.50 each)
This includes tour .
974Sadie
Bowling Green, KY6 contributions
I will be staying in Launceston without a car. Is there a tour or a bus that I could take to the Platypus House?
Jeanette M
Sydney, Australia328 contributions
The only actual tours I know of for people without a car to visit Platypus House, go for the full day. One is with "Tasmania -Drive" and the other is with "Prestige Leisure Tours". Of course, because they are day tours they go to other places - but all the other places are great, too. You can try those 2 companies by 'googling' them on the internet, - or asking Launceston tourism or a travel agent.
However, there is a bus/coach service from Launceston with a company called Manions'. (Route 183). It is only 45 minutes drive from Launceston to Beauty Point where the Platypus House is. If you look up that bus/coach company on the internet, you will see their address and timetable. If you used that service you can just go to the Platypus House without going on any other tour. (Seahorse World is next door to Platypus House, though - and is well worth a visit, also.)
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Claim your listingPLATYPUS HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Platypus House
- Platypus House is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Hotels near Platypus House:
- (1.87 km) Beauty Point Cottages B&B
- (0.66 km) Beachside - Beauty Point. A unique holiday home on the Tamar River
- (1.33 km) Jensens Bed and Breakfast
- (1.50 km) Beauty Point Tourist Park
- (0.94 km) Beauty Point Waterfront Hotel
- Restaurants near Platypus House:
- (0.12 km) The Cormorant Cafe
- (0.44 km) The River Cafe at Beauty Point
- (0.64 km) Chef's Catch
- (0.93 km) Beauty Point Waterfront Hotel
- (4.27 km) George Town Seafoods Pty Ltd