Fern Glade Platypus Reserve — Attraction in Stowport

I should state first off that the “easy” walk to the best spots for platypus spotting might mean different things to different people. My more physically able partner was up for it and he is nudging 70. (Grumble grumble I’m not 69 yet … well in three days then.). But for those of us with a medical condition the slope was a bit much. So yes, easy for 99% of the population but just be aware that if you have limitations you should perhaps not rock up assuming you can do it. This being said, I decided to park myself in a spot and stay. If I couldn’t get to the best spot … I would give it my best shot. Word of advice to the custodians at this point. There are lots of picnic tables along the path. But they are set back from the water. Maybe some bench seats for those of us in for the long haul could just sit and be patient and watch the water. My patience - and wobbly legs - were rewarded. I DID see a platypus, less than 100m from the carpark. I tried to signal my other half quietly to call him over. But the movement was enough to send our ornithorhynchus off in a flurry of silt. I am definitely the tortoise out of our tortoise and hare partnership. But I won the race today! We also had a visit from a sweet little visitor too, and he seemed to quite like being talked to. I am about to head back to the car and the motel … but wait … there are some...

Fern Glade Reserve is less than 4ks from the centre of Burnie. We went with a family friend, he was kind enough to share this secret gem with us while we were visiting. The perfect riverside walk is both a tranquil oasis, and a local treasure. We parked pretty close to the entry to give privacy to others and found a shaded spot on the soft grass to watch the water, listen to the local birds and look for bubbles caused by platypus in the river.

There is an easy, beginner, level track that takes you through the shady tranquility of soft tree-ferns.

There are a great offering of good picnic facilities, such as fixed table and benches which were being highly utilised. A really lovely spot for a cook up, escape from the busy hours of the day and enjoy a peaceful relaxing stroll.

We didn’t spot any platypus, however, apparently you may have more luck in the early morning or dusk.

We visited at 2pm-ish. Lovely for a snooze by the water and watching out of bubbles in the water.

No dogs. No feeding ducks and or hens. Please take your rubbish...

The heart of Burnie (Emu Valley). A peaceful and unspoiled sanctuary of nature hidden in the industrial area of Burnie. One of the best locations for seeing wild platypuses in Australia. Abundant rare wildlife. Really well looked after by the local residents who volunteer to keep the area safe and clean from litter and vandalism. Well equipped picnic areas, accessible for those with mobility issues. Toilet facilities. Well signposted. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the area, but please take your litter away with you! The rare species that live here are vulnerable to...