Why not swap the steering wheel for a paddle for a few hours and jump on board Tassie Bound’s multi award-winning kayak adventure?
Explore a little deeper below the surface of the Derwent Valley’s idyllic countryside and you might find yourself catching a glimpse of our not so shy but still very wild local resident; the platypus.
With “the bill of a duck, the body of an otter, and the tail of a beaver”, this evolutionary relic has a long history of confounding humans and puzzling scientists.
Unlike other iconic Tasmanian species like the pesky possum or the ever-present wallaby, platypuses are becoming increasingly difficult to spot. Active at night and living much of their lives underwater or within the comfort of their hidden riverside burrows, their habits are the opposite of their human observers.
But right here on the edge of Tasmania’s Western Wilds is a stretch of protected river environment where; if we travel quietly and respectfully, we have an exceptionally good chance of spotting platypus in their natural habitat.
Our 2-3 hour fully guided tour on sit-on-top kayaks is the perfect way to explore the river environment and experience the rare opportunity to watch wild platypus thriving.
View the Getaway – Truffle Lodge and Derwent River Kayak story
2026/2027 availability will be uploaded mid-July 2026. Please check back then and we look forward to adventuring!
Departure Times
Evening departures every day from October to April
Details
From AUD $125.00
Location: Gretna
Product code: TWILIGHT
Includes
- 2-3 hour fully guided tour of the breathtaking Upper Derwent River.
- 6.2 km stretch of pristine river on private land.
- Wild eagle and birdlife spotting.
- Safety demonstration and qualified local kayak guides with over 12 years’ experience.
- All premium kayak and safety equipment.
- Our world-class fudge/choc brownies. We cater for gluten-free too.
- Wild platypus spotting of the biggest platypus in the world! (Although we provide the best possible opportunities to spot platypus, we cannot guarantee sightings on every tour). We have been running platypus tours for five seasons and have a success rate of around 95%.
- Pick up from Gretna and return back to Gretna (approx 1 hour from Hobart, 30 minutes from Mount Field, 15 minutes from New Norfolk and 4 hours from Cradle Mountain).
- Complimentary photos provided at completion of tour via Facebook and email if requested.
- Complimentary “I’ve spotted platypus” sticker.
The trip follows the flow of the river, so not particularly strenuous. We also provide a pick-up at the end point and shuttle you back too, so no-one needs to paddle upstream.
Trips are tech-free! Please no phones for the peace of our guests. Guides carry phones for emergencies and photos.
The guides are the founders and owners, 2 extremely qualified people with 20-plus years’ experience.
This is great value and a true premium kayak adventure for all ages at an affordable price.
Tour Duration
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours total.
PREREQUISITES
All guests must have basic swimming – ‘doggie’ paddle acceptable. All guests will be provided with a lifejacket.
General fitness and mobility are required but you do not need to have any previous kayak experience.
Can you sit, walk unaided free from serious pain and have very basic swimming skills? You’re good to book this tour. If not, please email fiona@tassiebound.com.au and we may be able to support you to join.
We provide both tandem and single kayaks. Please email us if you require a tandem. Kids 12 and under we recommend tandem.
Availability
Can’t find availability for the date you’re visiting?
Wanting to organise a group booking?
Wanting a morning trip option?
Contact us on 0417 008 422 or fiona@tassiebound.com.au and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
