Maleny is one of the best places in Australia to see a wild platypus, thanks to the town’s Platypus Viewing Platform. Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the town is accessible on a day trip from both the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. The Platypus Viewing Platform in Maleny is the perfect spot to visit for wildlife lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures. Having wanted to see a platypus for years, Maleny is the first place we ever actually saw one in the wild. This guide covers everything you need to know about platypus spotting at the Platypus Viewing Platform in Maleny!
Another great place to see a wild platypus in Queensland is in Yungaburra, near Cairns. Find out more with our guide to platypus spotting in Yungaburra!
How to get to Maleny
The easiest way to get to Maleny is by car, as public transport to the town is quite limited. Maleny is approximately a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, or a 30-45 minute drive from the towns on the Sunshine Coast.
If you don’t have your own car, we recommend renting one for your trip. Seeing a platypus in Maleny can require some time and patience – so it’s best to not have to rely on public transport to get to and from the town.
Thankfully, it’s normally possible to rent a car in Australia at a very reasonable price. We recommend using the Tripadvisor website as they compare between a number of operators to get you the best deal, and pickup is available from nearby places including Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Click here to get a car rental quote in seconds on the Tripadvisor website!
If you are planning a road trip along Australia’s East Coast then Maleny is also an ideal stop if you want to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. We recommend checking out this wonderful 3 week Australia east coast itinerary – which gives you the chance to visit Maleny as well as other highlights along the country’s amazing east coast!
It is also possible to get to Maleny from Brisbane using public transport by taking a train to Landsborough and then a bus onto Maleny. Ideally though it’s much better to have your own vehicle, as that way you are in control of your own schedule – which helps maximise your chances of seeing a platypus!
Where to see a platypus in Maleny
Platypus Viewing Platform Maleny
The dedicated Platypus Viewing Platform in Maleny offers a rare chance to see these elusive creatures in the wild. Seeing a wild platypus is notoriously hard, and Maleny happens to be one of the best places in Australia to see these unique animals.
Overlooking a section of Obi Obi Creek, the Platypus Viewing Platform is an ideal vantage point. This section of the creek is a bit like a small pond, and platypus sightings are reasonably common here.
Of course as they are wild animals, platypus sightings can’t be guaranteed. To maximise your chance of a sighting we recommend being patient and spending as much time there at the viewing platform as possible.
Platypuses can dive underwater for up to 10 minutes, so even if you can’t immediately see a platypus there may be one in the area. If you see one dive it will likely come up in a similar area when it needs to breathe again.
It’s best to visit Maleny’s Platypus Viewing Platform at either dusk or dawn if possible, as platypuses are nocturnal animals. Visiting at this time of day means they are more likely to be active and gives you a better chance of a sighting.
Even if you can’t visit at dusk or dawn it’s still worth a visit. On our trip to the Platypus Viewing Platform in Maleny we arrived in the middle of the afternoon and saw a platypus immediately!
Something to be slightly wary of is that turtles can also be seen in the creek – so make sure not to confuse these with a platypus!
Click here to follow the Obi Obi Creek Walk to see a platypus in Maleny on AllTrails!
Car Park
Conveniently there is a car park offering free parking near to the Platypus Viewing Platform in Maleny, located by the Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club. It’s only a couple of minutes walk from the car park to the viewing platform, so even if you don’t have much time it can be worth a quick visit to see if you get lucky with a sighting!
The easiest way to find the viewing platform itself is to use Google Maps, which has the platform clearly marked. Click here to see its exact location on Google Maps!
Tips for platypus spotting in Maleny
Visit at dawn or dusk – Platypuses are nocturnal, so are more likely to be spotted during dawn or dusk. It is possible to see them at other times of day though – so don’t be put off stopping by anyway to try your luck!
Bring a zoom lens for your camera – If you have a camera capable of changing lenses, then bring a zoom lens to get the best photos. The viewing platform is slightly too far away to get a good shot of a platypus if you don’t have a zoom lens!
Bring binoculars – It’s a good idea to have a pair of binoculars to use so that you can get the best possible views if you do happen to see a platypus. The viewing platform isn’t directly next to the water, so it will be easier to get a good view with binoculars!
Be patient – Perhaps the most important tip for seeing a platypus in Maleny is to be patient. Platypuses are known for being hard to spot, and they can hold their breath for up to 10 minutes.
Although there is no way to guarantee a sighting, your best chance is to be patient and pay close attention to the water and then you should hopefully spot a platypus or two!
Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!
Like this guide to the Platypus Viewing Platform in Maleny? Pin it!
