Paddle with the Platypus
Paddle with the Platypus
4.2
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Forrest, Victoria, Australia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.2
73 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
13
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
8
Richard G
4 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
We had a great time with Max leading our way. The hike seemed a little longer than 1K, but not bad. We were lucky to spot several platypus swimming around. It's very hard to get photos because they are under the water very quickly once they surface. You need to be very quiet for them to appear. I would not recommend for children under 12 or anyone that can't sit quietly and still for a couple hours. This was a great adventure and my husband and I both enjoyed it.
Written 8 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Callan
Auckland, New Zealand20 contributions
June 2022 • Friends
This is special. An absolutely amazing experience. We met our guide Bruce in Forrest for the dusk tour and from there followed his vehicle down the country roads to Lake Elizabeth. The lake itself is approximately a 1km walk from the carpark, the trail is reasonably well formed and steep in places but should be accessible for most people of average fitness. We spent around an hour on the lake and saw so many Platypus. The atmosphere on the lake was so calm, quiet, and peaceful. Watching all the Platypus going about their business was magical. I recommend Bruce and his Platypus tours to the highest degree. Truly the highlight of my trip to Victoria.
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendypen
Faversham, UK3 contributions
Feb 2022
We had the most magical evening on Lake Elizabeth with Bruce.
The surroundings are wonderful and the lake so still, just like a mirror. Bruce is very knowledgeable and gave snippets of information about the platypus throughout the evening. Within a few minutes we enjoyed our first sighting. We got an amazingly clear view of a platypus swimming towards the canoes and watched as it swam alongside us and then dive down into the water. It was a true privilege to be in the same environment as these elusive creatures. We enjoyed seeing them without disturbing them. I would thoroughly recommend.
The surroundings are wonderful and the lake so still, just like a mirror. Bruce is very knowledgeable and gave snippets of information about the platypus throughout the evening. Within a few minutes we enjoyed our first sighting. We got an amazingly clear view of a platypus swimming towards the canoes and watched as it swam alongside us and then dive down into the water. It was a true privilege to be in the same environment as these elusive creatures. We enjoyed seeing them without disturbing them. I would thoroughly recommend.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki P
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
We went for the dusk tour. If one's expectation is to enjoy a nice off-the-beaten-track hike and to be paddled on a canoe through a serene and secluded lake, then this would be a good tour. We went expecting to see at least the head or body of a platypus since there was meant to be a 90% chance of spotting one. All we saw during the 1.5hr canoe ride were some flutterings beneath the water surface, presumably of the platypus. Apparently when the platypus does emerge above water, it is only for 30secs max. So one's timing has to be on point.
The walk back is in pitch darkness and can be treacherous due to unseen steps and uneven and slippery terrain. It will be useful if torches were handed out. Otherwise one needs to have initiative to whip out one's phone torch and have enough phone battery to do so.
The walk back is in pitch darkness and can be treacherous due to unseen steps and uneven and slippery terrain. It will be useful if torches were handed out. Otherwise one needs to have initiative to whip out one's phone torch and have enough phone battery to do so.
Written 20 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeroen d
Delft, The Netherlands13 contributions
Jan 2020
We met Bruce early in the morning (5:30) near Lake Elizabeth and he guided us to the parking lot where we were welcomed by a lively chirping of birds and cicadas. We hiked for about 20 minutes to the lake and the views are just spectaculair. The sun rising and clear weather gives the environment a picture-like look. Arriving at the lake, Bruce tied two canoes together and took us on a peaceful trip over the lake. Bruce is a man of few words, but has eagle eyes when it comes to spotting Platypus and has expert knowledge on them. Floating over the calm water and Bruces low voice put me in some sort of meditative state. We were lucky enough to spot 4 Platypus and after an hour or two, Bruce expertly canoed us back to shore. All in all an amazing experience
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim D
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia201 contributions
Mar 2021
My wife, daughter (aged 10) and I had a great dusk tour with Bruce on Lake Elizabeth. Very peaceful. Saw 3 platypus (one up close and 2 others from a distance).
Lots of glowworms on the way back.
Lots of glowworms on the way back.
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jhaberfield
Perth, Western Australia, Australia14 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
I underwent this tour with my wife and parents who are in their early 60s. It was a beautiful setting and we were lucky enough to see a number of platypus. The walk in is lovely too. Would recommend to anyone interested in nature.
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet F
Onoway, Canada31 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
The ‘on the water’ portion of this tour was all one could ask for - quiet, peaceful, scenic, isolated, with the chance to see Platypus in the wild.
However, we found the rest disappointing, with little or no regard for the comfort, safety, convenience, or enjoyment of the guests who pay a substantial amount to join the tour. Bruce's customer service skills are, to put it kindly, weak.
First of all, as other reviewers have mentioned, phone or email contact can be difficult and there is no sure way to know that you are actually booked in.
While the actual platypus spotting time on the water was great, it would have been nice if the guide had provided more information about platypus, beyond simply answering questions. Don’t expect to learn much.
Most concerning was the walk from the lake back to the parking lot. It quickly became too dark to see the trail. The guide set a fast pace which may be appropriate for someone familiar with the trail and carrying a light, but definitely not appropriate for guests who have no light and don’t know the trail! Worse, he did not wait to make sure everyone was aware of the rough spots or especially STAIRS on the trail. Luckily, some guests were thoughtful enough to wait and make sure those following were able to negotiate the now imperceptible stairs safely. It was a very unsafe situation that could easily have been avoided by providing a couple of lights to use if needed.
We did see plenty of glowworms which the guide did talk about - unfortunately by the time we caught up with him, the talk was over and it was time to move on.
If the chance to see a Platypus in the wild is on your bucket list, and you are willing to overlook an unprofessionally run tour, then this is for you. If you are simply looking for an interesting, fun excursion, there is no shortage of better options available in the area.
Be prepared for a fast paced walk from parking lot to the lake - 1 km with some uphill sections. Wear good walking shoes as there rough spots and debris on the trail. Also be sure to wear warm clothing as you will be sitting still and silent for the 2 hours on the water, and it can get chilly in the evening.
Also, there are no facilities once you leave the parking lot, so be sure to take care of that before setting off.
Spend some time reading up on the Platypus before the tour, since you may not learn much from the guide.
Don’t expect to see much of a platypus – just the top of its head and back as it swims along the surface for a few seconds at a time.
Take your own light for an evening tour !
However, we found the rest disappointing, with little or no regard for the comfort, safety, convenience, or enjoyment of the guests who pay a substantial amount to join the tour. Bruce's customer service skills are, to put it kindly, weak.
First of all, as other reviewers have mentioned, phone or email contact can be difficult and there is no sure way to know that you are actually booked in.
While the actual platypus spotting time on the water was great, it would have been nice if the guide had provided more information about platypus, beyond simply answering questions. Don’t expect to learn much.
Most concerning was the walk from the lake back to the parking lot. It quickly became too dark to see the trail. The guide set a fast pace which may be appropriate for someone familiar with the trail and carrying a light, but definitely not appropriate for guests who have no light and don’t know the trail! Worse, he did not wait to make sure everyone was aware of the rough spots or especially STAIRS on the trail. Luckily, some guests were thoughtful enough to wait and make sure those following were able to negotiate the now imperceptible stairs safely. It was a very unsafe situation that could easily have been avoided by providing a couple of lights to use if needed.
We did see plenty of glowworms which the guide did talk about - unfortunately by the time we caught up with him, the talk was over and it was time to move on.
If the chance to see a Platypus in the wild is on your bucket list, and you are willing to overlook an unprofessionally run tour, then this is for you. If you are simply looking for an interesting, fun excursion, there is no shortage of better options available in the area.
Be prepared for a fast paced walk from parking lot to the lake - 1 km with some uphill sections. Wear good walking shoes as there rough spots and debris on the trail. Also be sure to wear warm clothing as you will be sitting still and silent for the 2 hours on the water, and it can get chilly in the evening.
Also, there are no facilities once you leave the parking lot, so be sure to take care of that before setting off.
Spend some time reading up on the Platypus before the tour, since you may not learn much from the guide.
Don’t expect to see much of a platypus – just the top of its head and back as it swims along the surface for a few seconds at a time.
Take your own light for an evening tour !
Written 10 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdyrdek
Switzerland810 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
My husband and I did this tour in late December 2013. There were two others on the tour with us and I believe that is the max (4), plus the guide, so the setting is very intimate.
Though the guide was friendly and the atmosphere on the lake was completely peaceful, this tour just didn't do it for me. In our opinion, it was extremely overpriced for the experience. We went out of our way to do this tour and felt like we would have been better off just asking some locals how to get to the lake and spending some time out there on our own -- just walking around. Although we spotted a platypus, we didn't get anywhere near it to even recognize it was a platypus.
Don't get me wrong -- the area is beautiful and it is as magical and peaceful as other reviewers claim. It would definitely get a 5-star for the beauty and the story behind the tree stumps in the water, but the tour was not worth it at all and brings my rating down to a 3-star at best.
If you do decide to try it, go for the tea when he offers tea or hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was like drinking brown water (no taste at all).
Though the guide was friendly and the atmosphere on the lake was completely peaceful, this tour just didn't do it for me. In our opinion, it was extremely overpriced for the experience. We went out of our way to do this tour and felt like we would have been better off just asking some locals how to get to the lake and spending some time out there on our own -- just walking around. Although we spotted a platypus, we didn't get anywhere near it to even recognize it was a platypus.
Don't get me wrong -- the area is beautiful and it is as magical and peaceful as other reviewers claim. It would definitely get a 5-star for the beauty and the story behind the tree stumps in the water, but the tour was not worth it at all and brings my rating down to a 3-star at best.
If you do decide to try it, go for the tea when he offers tea or hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was like drinking brown water (no taste at all).
Written 26 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyTravellerYay
Perth, Australia64 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Guide turned up late and forgot the life jackets, was obviously pushed for time and was speeding down to the lake on narrow dirt roads which was quite dangerous as cars were coming the other way. Kayaks were tied together but facing wrong way so was uncomfortable to sit for some people, the guides knowledge was questionable and we did not get any luck with seeing a platypus on this occasion. Tour was cut short due to initial delay with a max of 30mins in the water at best, guide tried to blame other people at the Lake for lack of platypus sighting even though others were being extremely quite and only on one bank of the entire Lake. Was dark when leaving and guide showed no interest on safety with people walking back on their own. All in all very boring and no interesting facts to even note, the worst tour I have ever been on.
Written 21 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, just want to know what are the tours time schedule in the dawn and dusk? Thank you for answering. Nancy
Written 14 June 2019
Hi Nancy
Best to contact the operator directly for meeting times. It varies a bit with the seasons I understand
Written 14 June 2019
I have heard that a fire went through the area is this true and if so is the tour still running and is there much damage.
Written 26 February 2019
Hi... i'm not aware of the fire, best call would be to call Bruce who runs the tour.
Written 27 February 2019
Hi. Would anyone know which days (in November and December) the tour at dusk runs?
Written 3 August 2017
Hi. I have read there are two daily tours, at dawn and dusk.
During Daylight Savings Time and Standard Time, at what times do these tours start and finish?
Including when and where to be met in the town of Forrest?
I would either need to arrange car hire (some time in advance) from Melbourne.
Or see if a company called Geelong Adventure Specialists could pick me from Geelong Train Station, drive me to Forrest and drop me off, then pick me up at the end of the tour and return me to Geelong Train Station, for a late train back to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station.
Also, would there be much if any visibility or natural light?
If I went on the tour, I would like to capture it with a digital camera (30 x optical zoom), or record video on a camcorder.
I can get good straps to attach either item to me.
Apparently, it's also a good idea to bring a torch along for the walk back from the lake.
Written 10 January 2017
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