On our last full day in Queensland we went back to the Tableland in search of one of Australia’s iconic animals, the Duck-Billed Platypus. We went to several places and saw a beautiful waterfall. We were told at the first place that they had quite a few on their property and the young ladies that manage the restaurant on the grounds were very helpful. They told us what to look for to find them but also said that if the Sea Eagle flies over the property, they will hunkerdown for a few hours and be difficult to find. Just as we approached the water, the huge bird flew over and we knew our chance of seeing any platypus diminished. We looked for a while and saw some photo-worthy sights, but decided to move on to another location. We found Millaa-Millaa Falls and it was beautiful. While there a lady pointed to a spot below the falls where she saw something moving she thought was a platypus and indeed it was one. She said it had a baby swimming with it but I only saw the adult. It was in a hole in the bank before I could take a picture and so I only got a photo of what was probably the entrance to the den. I wish I got a better shot but it does not always work out. My wife was happy to say she saw it.
On the last morning, we went to the Cairns Botanical Gardens near the airport. They are extensive, lovely, and free. To see pictures from the Botanical Gardens click here. To see pictures of Milla Milla Falls and other areas we searched to try to find platypus click here for the updated Tablelands photos.