Welcome to our Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories. She’s currently touring Australia, drinking in everything Oz has to offer.
Out of all the places I have visited in Australia, Melbourne has to be the most diverse. There are so many activities to enjoy and appreciate here, but one that I will forever cherish is visiting the flying fox colony.
It has always been on my bucket list to see these nocturnal creatures up close. As the sun began to set, the sky filled with these graceful creatures, turning an ordinary evening into a true spectacle of nature.
So, here’s how my adventure turned out.
Looking for the Flying Foxes
Before my trip to Melbourne, it was already set in my mind to see ‘Straya’s wildlife, including its famous flying foxes.
So, I did my homework and searched for potential sites. There are flying fox colonies in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Townsville, as it turns out – but how are you supposed to know which one to pick?
A friend of mine told me that Yarra Bend Park, a natural bushland park in Melbourne, houses some flying fox colonies. She visited it a year ago and shared her experiences with me, so, of course, I had to trust her tips.
As I explored Melbourne’s speakeasies at night, I decided to dedicate one day to visiting the park. My friend was a bit too busy to accompany me, so, even with a bit of nerves and reluctance, I went there alone.
Getting to the Park
Reaching Yarra Bend Park is pretty easy, no matter which part of the city you are in. It’s only about 4 kilometers, or a 10-minute taxi ride away from Melbourne CBD. I simply told the driver about my destination and got there in no time.
The park is free and open to the public during the day. Please make sure you visit it on one of the weekdays, as it gets too crowded on the weekends.
The Yarra Bend Park
Yarra Bend Park was everything I imagined an “Australian paradise” would be. It is full of beautiful trees and nature, unlike anything else I’ve seen in my life. It even reminded me of the Narawntapu National Park a little bit.
The views throughout the park were stunning, but the Yarra River stole the show for me, winding its way gracefully through the expanse of green.
Now, the real adventure began when I set out to find the flying foxes. Despite trekking along the trails for about an hour, there was no sign of them. Silence filled the air – no distinctive calls or rustling that might hint at their presence. I started to wonder what they might sound like, realizing I had no idea what to listen for!
About an hour and a half into my walk near the conservation area, I started to hear high-pitched, sharp squeaks that caught my attention. Although I wasn’t entirely sure these sounds came from the flying foxes, it was still enough to grab my attention.
A few steps further, and I see them – hundreds of flying foxes! Most of them were draped over the tree branches, resting and occasionally shielding themselves with their wings, trying to hide from the sunlight. I wanted to go closer, but I’d heard that their bites can be quite dangerous, so I decided to watch from a safe distance.
I spent the rest of my day at Yarra Bend Park, captivated by the flying foxes. Armed with my camera, I captured countless images of these creatures snuggled up in their wing blankets, patiently waiting for the perfect shot of one in flight. Soon enough, several stretched their wings and soared into the clouds, a truly unique sight unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
Recommendations and Tips for Visiting a Flying Fox Colony
Here are some of my suggestions if you plan to visit a flying fox colony:
- Maintain a safe distance: Avoid close encounters with flying foxes, as they can react defensively if threatened. To get a good view without disturbing them, consider using binoculars or a camera with a good zoom.
- Minimize noise: Keep noise levels low to avoid startling the flying foxes. Excessive noise can cause them to retreat further into the park, making them harder to observe.
- Time your visit: For the best experience, visit the park early in the morning or late in the evening. Flying foxes are most active during these times, giving you a better chance to see them in their natural behavior.
Visiting Melbourne’s Exotic Wildlife
It’s one thing to see flying foxes in pictures, but it’s a whole new experience to see them up close. Discovering exotic wildlife always excites me as it reminds me how charming Mother Nature is. So, my trip to Yarra Bend Park will always have a special place in my heart.
If you’re looking for places in Melbourne to visit, I highly recommend meeting its flying fox colony.
Yarra Bend Park’s Flying Foxes: FAQs
How Active Are the Flying Foxes at Day?
Not much. Grey-headed flying foxes of Melbourne are nocturnal animals, so they are usually asleep during the day.
I was a bit lucky when I visited as I saw some flying foxes “hopping” around branches even with the sunlight’s presence.
Where To See a Flying Fox Colony in Yarra Bend Park?
Along the park’s trail, there is a conservation zone where you can see most of the flying foxes. However, these guys often move around outside the protected zone, so you might unexpectedly meet them in some corners of the trail (especially near the river).
So, be attentive and check out tree canopies as you walk because they love roosting there.
Are the Flying Foxes Safe to Observe?
Yes, flying foxes usually just enjoy their business (squeaking, mumbling, and roosting on trees) and ignore people.
However, their bites can be lethal, so avoid getting close to them. It’s okay to take photos, but avoid stressing them with loud noises and sudden movements.
