Byron Bay isn’t just about stunning beaches and laid-back vibes—it’s also a fantastic place for walking tours that offer genuine encounters with Australia’s unique wildlife and natural environment. What makes these tours stand out is their focus on native animals like platypuses and nocturnal creatures, often with expert guides who know where to look. We particularly like how the Byron Bay Platypus Walk combines the thrill of spotting one of Australia’s most elusive mammals with a relaxing picnic breakfast. Meanwhile, the Nighttime Nature Walk with Night Vision Goggles offers a completely different experience—observing nocturnal animals without disturbing them. These tours highlight how Byron Bay is more than just surf and sand; it’s a place where wildlife and wilderness are accessible for everyone interested in authentic, educational outdoor experiences.
If you’re after a wildlife-focused walk, the options below will give you a great taste of what’s possible. Whether you prefer catching a glimpse of a platypus at dawn or exploring the rainforest after dark, there’s a tour tailored to your interests and schedule.
1. Byron Bay Platypus Walk
At number one, the Byron Bay Platypus Walk offers an intimate look at one of Australia’s most charming and mysterious mammals. This 4-hour guided experience is perfect for those who want to increase their chances of seeing a platypus in the wild—something that’s notoriously tricky to do without local knowledge. The tour begins just after dawn, the best time to spot these shy creatures, and includes a gentle 90-minute walk along a creek known for platypus sightings. Your guide, who shares insights about these unique animals, is a wealth of knowledge honed over years of experience. The tour also offers the chance to spot koalas and lots of native birds.
What sets this experience apart is the locally sourced picnic breakfast served after the walk—an authentic, eco-friendly touch that perfectly complements the quiet early morning surroundings. If you’re not lucky enough to see a platypus, the tour offers a free repeat so you can try again at no extra cost. With a perfect 5-star rating from 19 reviews, it’s clear this tour delivers both on authenticity and value. Perfect for wildlife lovers and early risers alike.
Bottom Line: The Byron Bay Platypus Walk is a rewarding, well-organized chance to see one of Australia’s most elusive animals, with a friendly guide and an emphasis on eco-consciousness.
2. From Byron Bay: Platypus Spotting Walk
Second on our list is the From Byron Bay: Platypus Spotting Walk, a 4-hour outing led by an environmental scientist. This tour takes you along a picturesque creek where 1-2 platypuses are often seen, along with a diverse array of Australian bird species. The focus here is not just on spotting platypuses, but also on learning about the local ecosystem through an expert guide with a wealth of birding and environmental knowledge.
The tour includes a delicious picnic breakfast made from local produce, set in a peaceful natural setting. Its smaller group size—limited to just 7 participants—means more personalized attention and a quieter, more immersive experience. The tour is flexible, with 5 pickup and drop-off points around Byron Bay, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying.
While platypus sightings cannot be guaranteed—though they happen around 90% of the time—the guide’s expertise boosts your chances. If you don’t see a platypus, you’re invited to join another tour free of charge, which adds a reassuring layer of value. The positive reviews and focus on eco-education make this a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those wanting a deeper environmental understanding and a good shot at seeing a platypus, all with a small-group feel.
3. Byron Bay: Nighttime Nature Walk with Night Vision Goggles
The third option, Byron Bay: Nighttime Nature Walk with Night Vision Goggles, offers a totally different perspective—an 3.5-hour tour into the rainforest after dark. Using military-grade night vision goggles, you’ll observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them with flashlights or torches. This eco-friendly approach provides a respectful way to see creatures that are rarely active during the day.
Led by an environmental scientist, the tour not only offers the chance to see animals like possums, owls, and possibly even some rare nocturnal mammals but also includes a cozy cup of hot chocolate and a fresh cookie. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, and the low light environment makes for a genuinely immersive and quiet wildlife encounter.
Rated 4.9/5 from 7 reviews, this walk is perfect for night owls or anyone curious about Australia’s nightlife. The experience is more physically involved, with some walking on uneven terrain, so good footwear is recommended. While it’s shorter than the daytime options, the novelty of night-vision wildlife viewing makes it well worth considering.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in seeing what happens in the rainforest after sunset, this tour offers a unique, eco-friendly adventure with high-tech gear and an expert guide.
How to Choose the Right Byron Bay Walking Tour for You
Deciding between these options depends largely on your interests, schedule, and physical comfort. If your goal is to see a platypus in the wild, the Byron Bay Platypus Walk is the top choice for its proven success rate and included picnic breakfast. For a more in-depth environmental experience that combines birdwatching with a chance for multiple sightings, the Platypus Spotting Walk offers personalized attention and expert guidance.
If you’re more intrigued by nocturnal animals and want a truly different experience, the Nighttime Nature Walk is perfect for night owls and adventure seekers who don’t mind walking on uneven terrain in the dark. Budget-wise, all tours are relatively similar in price, but their value is reflected in personalized guides, quality equipment, and flexible cancellation options.
Practical tips: book early during peak seasons, and wear suitable clothing—especially dark colors for the day tours to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Final thoughts
Byron Bay offers a surprising variety of walking tours that allow you to connect with Australia’s wildlife in authentic ways. From the early morning search for platypuses to the quiet thrill of discovering nocturnal creatures with night vision goggles, there’s an option for every nature lover. The Byron Bay Platypus Walk stands out as the most reliable and comprehensive for those eager to spot a platypus, while the Nighttime Nature Walk appeals to those wanting a more adventurous, high-tech experience.
No matter which tour you choose, these experiences promise more than just a walk—they’re a chance to see some of Australia’s most interesting creatures in their natural environments. Book your tour early, and get ready for some truly memorable wildlife encounters in Byron Bay.