Tasmanian attractions seem to excel at highlighting their wildlife, so we couldn’t resist a visit to Platypus House. Given it is located next door to Seahorse World it is easy to do both attractions on a day trip from Launceston.
Platypus House is wheelchair accessible and you are guaranteed to spot a platypus making for a winning combination.
Platypus House Tasmania review
We thought that the seahorses would be a hard act to follow but we were soon swooning over Jupiter, an 18 year old platypus, and his spiky echidna neighbours who share ‘the house.’
We were fortunate to have a private tour at Platypus House with Maddie, a knowledgeable guide who filled us in on the life and times of Jupiter and his relatives that live in the wild.
Jupiter seemed undeterred by us being nosy visitors keen to catch a glimpse of him swimming laps, preening and relaxing by the pool.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that platypus are a warm, fuzzy and cuddly Aussie creature. The male platypus have a hollow spur on each hind leg connected to a venom secreting gland so it’s best to leave them to swim peacefully and just enjoy their beauty from afar.
We’ve tried and failed at spotting platypus in the wild. They are an elusive mammal so seeing Jupiter and his neighbours was a real treat.
Next door to Jupiter’s enclosure there is a possie of girls, Poppy, Dawn, Freya and the newest addition, Pumpkin all easy to spot in their glass enclosure.
There is a short ramp which provides access to a prime viewing position for Jupiter’s enclosure. Because the ramp is short it does require muscle power to be engaged to get up the ramp.
Right next door to the platypus enclosures we found more famous Aussie friends. Bubbles, Thomas, Edwina and Eddie delighted us as they ambled around the enclosure.
Maddie once again shared her extensive knowledge with lots of facts and figures about our new little pals. To be honest, it was hard to take it in as the echidnas stole the show. They really do seem otherworldly and it is such a privilege to be able to study them up close. We watched in awe as the echidna’s thin long sticky tongues whipped around their food bowls at speed until they were licked clean. An echidna’s tongue can be as long as 18cm (just over 7 inches).
Platypus House is a step-free venue with good access throughout. Braeden was able to remain in his wheelchair in the echidna enclosure but did need to stay put once we were inside. After all, we didn’t want to be responsible for any squishing of the gorgeous residents.
Small stools are provided for visitors who are not wheelchair users.
A unisex stand-alone accessible bathroom and small cafe is available onsite.
Accessible parking bays are located in front of the Platypus House.
Keen to know about our base in Launceston? We stayed in accessible accommodation at Hotel Verge.Â
We were hosted for our visit to Bridestowe Lavender Estate but as always our opinions are our own.
