We checked out Platypus House at Beauty Point on our trip to Tasmania by Cabin & Car. Our sons love animals, in particular Harry, and Platypus House promised to get us up close and personal with our native Monotremes. We looked at a lot of creeks and waterfalls on our trip, but alas were unable to spot any in the wild!
What’s a Monotreme? It’s one of three animals including both the Platypus and the Echidna. The third is a South American animal related but not native here in Australia. Interestingly Echidnas are not related to the North American Porcupine.
Upon arrival you need to wait for a tour, and that tour kicks off with a short video about the Platypus lifecycle and habitat in Tasmania. On completion it was time to head out with our guide to meet the local Platypus.
There were a number of tanks, all linked with tunnels so the social platypus can travel to see each other. We learnt a lot about platypus mating, lifestyle and habitat and even got to check out a few platypus eggs.
After exiting the Platypus area we headed into the Echidna’s playroom, three of which just cruise around on the floor between their habitats looking for some food from our guide. We got to see them up close which was a real treat for the kids and us alike.
Platypus House was well worth the visit. We learnt a lot on the tour. Bear in mind you pay for entry but you are buying the tour, it’s not like a normal zoo or exhibit where you can just wonder around. But there was a café, education centre and shop to keep you busy whilst waiting for the tour. There was also a multipass to give access to Seahorse World and the Beaconsfield Mine. We opted to stick with the animals and it worked out cheaper to buy a family pass at each location.