tarzali lakes aquaculture centre

I recently traveled across Australia with my mother, father and infant daughter from Canada. Met with the warmest hospitality we have ever experienced - our trip was seamless and full of great experiences that now will our fond and recent memories. In pursuit of seeing as much wildlife as possible in its natural environment we took some long car rides and put Tarzali Lakes on our route one day while staying in Trinity Beach. Upon our arrival at the "gate" we noted two young men in a pick up truck headed down the driveway towards the road. There was a rope across the end of the driveway and after pausing for a short time - one of the men hollered "we're closed". This was about 1pm on a Saturday. Perhaps the Platypus had all left for the day and they wanted to avoid disappointed guests? Or perhaps they need to advertise the hours they are actually open on line so they are accurate and don't leave a sour taste in tourists mouths when they travel many km to see one particular site! I suspect the later...To those who have had a positive experience - I'm pleased for you. To those who are considering the journey? Call first! And for my family? Platypus in the wild are still a mythical creature...Cheers

It was guaranteed, but we were sceptical. The lady owner gave us an informative talk about the animals, and pointed us in the direction of a pretty lake area. And very soon we spotted a platypus ... in fact we saw two or three. They were a little bit distant, and difficult to photograph, but it was lovely to watch them swimming and playing.I've always wanted to see platypus in the wild, and there they were. What a treat!There is also a little shop (with nice soaps and other goodies) and a shaded cafe. We had the barramundi and chips, which was tasty and good value. Nice cup of tea too! We ended up staying well over two hours, which was much longer than planned, but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.Highly recommended.

At the tour information centre in Ravenshoe we were told to look in any river and we will find platypus! We looked and didn't see a thing!! He never mentioned the platypus park! We saw the location on the map he gave us. We were not disappointed! For only $5 each and just a short walk from the kiosk we saw about 4 or so platypus. At first I thought it would be some small enclosure but it was a huge lake! We saw our first as soon as we arrived. We stayed for about 20 mins. We also saw fish and turtles! I loved every second like a kid at Christmas. The host was great. We bought some smoked ham off him and had lunch. He was very knowledgable about the area and snorkeling/diving in cairns. Chatted away the afternoon! I highly recommended this little gem!

After getting up early 2x, and hiking the Peterson trail and waiting an hour in the evening and seeing only two quick patypuses we were so happy to go here and see about 10 of them in about half an hour!! Incredible for just $5!! It was even raining but the little guys didn't seem to mind. Had lunch there afterwards - crayfish is really yummy!!

Been wanting to view these little guys for some time so was excited to go. Nearly didn't go in as there was a yelling argument going on. Turns out was the owners but they stopped when we got there. Felt a little sorry for the lady who looked embarrassed but got straight into the job & was very informative. Cost of $5 is great value & was given a card to use again as free visit should we go back again. 5 minute walk through the paddock down to the lake. We were lucky to see 1 platypus pretty much as soon as we got there but that was it. Must have been the day for it as the only other couple their decided to have an argument in front of us. haha. Not a reflection on the business-stuff happens. Waited another half hour but no sightings. It was raining most of the time. Would be nice with a little seated viewing lookout or an undercover shelter was near to escape the rain. Lake is lovely.

I have been to Tarzali up to about ten times fishing know and i have had a great time. For the cheap price of fishing of course you have to throw them back. If you are a good fisherman have a shot at the barra if you know what your re doing you will catch a lot. The host Peter is a very helpful and kind person. The freshest fish and chips on the tablelands will really excite your taste buds.

Warning - this attraction is closed for the month of February and the start of March. We were so exvited for the platypus but were pretty disappointed to find it closed.

Highlights:• We did catch some fish but, all were a small similar size (~10 inches)• Owners boy was friendlyPitfalls:• Initially the manager was quick to take our money and spoke very fast, he did not speak with clear English and did not show a friendly attitude towards our business• All the fish we caught were the same size and species• There was very little shade provided and we did not find shade given the position of the sun• The hooks provided were of the perfect size to puncture the fishes eyes, this happened to three fish we caught and was very unpleasant to free the fish• Several of the fish caught were already missing eyes• We could not keep any of the fish to take home and cook, yet everything we caught had to be thrown into a net in the water. Our perspective on this was that we catch the fish (pay to catch the fish) for the manager to sell. This arrangement took a lot of fun out of the experience.• There was no place to wash our hands while fishing

Now, if you have hunted all over Australia in search of the elusive Duck Bill Platypus and have not seen any or only caught a brief glimpse of a head or a tail this is the place to go. We saved this spot as our last chance location to get a look at these unusual creatures and we weren’t disappointed.The Platypus is found in a lake on the property only a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot. They don’t jump out of the water to greet you so you still need to have some patience and keep a good lookout but there is almost a 100 percent chance that you will eventually spot one or two. The owner/operator is an interesting fellow and will give you the lowdown on the animal’s behavior and habits and the best strategies to use to see them.A journey from Cairns is well worth the trip if you are interested in seeing what is probably the weirdest looking animal you will ever see.

We stopped off ehre on route to Paronella Park with a Tropical Horizons tour so we did not get very long. it is a beautiful place for walks and eating food food, although we had no time to try it, it looked good. We had a guide to take us to where the illusive Platypus were swimming. We managed to see one very shy one very briefly. So they are real and not figures of the imagination, we were begining to wonder.

Irony would not describe enough the sign declaring the smoked goods gluten and lactose free. Truth is, we've travelled every continent but one in search of great food made simply under that motto. Easy enough? Not so. We happened to accidently find mr. Whiddet's aquaculture center. In the atherton region you will be amazed by the natural beauty and indigenous wonders throughout. If you also want to be a amazed by one person and some platypi, look no further. We were amazed.

Peter was an incredible host. He cooked us up a wonderful, fresh and tasty meal. He (randomly) gave us valuable information for our dive trip in Cairns and set us up with one of the best dive shop at the lowest price AND he has a lake full of platypuses. We were very happy to meet Peter and visit his Platypus pond.

This was our second time to Tarzali lakes in 3 years.You will not be dissapointed if you come here, you will see platypuses in their natural enviroment. Early morning or evening visit will provide better conditions,but we find that even in the middle of the day is good for watching as long as you do not mind the strong sun.We tried other place for viewing these elusive creatures, but we walked away frustrated and dissapointed, this is not the case at Tarzali Lakes though.There are tasty treats available here and fishing fans will find that they can fish until they drop here :o))

This was Horizin Tours first time to come here. Our guide Jason said he saw more platypus on this trip than he had seen ever before. more than we could count.

We spot a dozen times the endemic playtipus . 5-10meters distance! bring bino for better viewing experience