Spying Platypus at Peak Station Nature Refuge

April 30, 2020

Seeing a platypus in its natural environment is incredibly rare. Not only do you have to be in the right location (east coast & Tasmania) but the habitat needs to be just right. Dwelling in freshwater streams, creeks & lakes they prefer areas rich in vegetation and overhanging branches.

At the foothills of Spicers Peak Lodge on the Peak Station Nature Reserve two fresh water creeks create a cross section across the landscape collecting the water from the mountains above and sending it down stream.

If you creep slowly down to the platypus pool as it’s fondly referred to, making as little sound as possible you may very well spot the Spicers resident platypus. Often seen swimming in the pool or sunning itself on the edge. Being shy creatures, they startle easily and dart swiftly back into their burrow if disturbed.

The Aboriginal word for platypus is Wadhin pronounced “Wad in” in Yugumbeh/Bundjalung country the spiritual story of the platypus is one about obeying one’s family. The Platypus commemorates the Great Spirit for making all the animals different and respecting its wisdom.

Spicers has long been committed to conservation and in 2019 purchased an additional 150 acres further extending the Spicers Peak Station 8,000a property. This extra plot is platypus habitat and was the sole reason for the purchase.

With endangered brush tailed rock wallaby, koalas & platypus to name just a few native species a stay on Spicers Peak Nature Refuge encompassing Spicers Peak Lodge, Spicers Canopy & the Scenic Rim Trail is a richly rewarding nature experience… who knows what you might see.