ATHERTON TABLELANDS - Platypus Hunting

Our main reason for returning to the Atherton Tablelands was to hopefully see both a platypus and a tree kangaroo, the two major attractions in this area. We saw neither during a week of searching in 2007.

We spent hours walking alongside Petersen Creek and around Allumba Pocket, Yungaburra, in the hope of seeing a platypus.

Allumba Pocket was beautiful, like walking through well maintained grassy parkland

Swimming Hole

Swing Bridge over Petersen Creek

On our third attempt we were returning to our car when David spotted this platypus who swam on the surface of the water for approx. two minutes.

Just before dark on the same day we returned to see this platypus having a lovely time, diving and feeding. We were able to sit and watch him until dark, we were overjoyed.