Sydney Flying Fox Tour Review: Australia’s Largest Bats Up Close
Have you thought about staring into the sunset sky and spotting literally hundreds, if not thousands, of giant bats taking flight? That’s what you can expect from the Sydney Flying Fox Tour, a seriously wild experience showcasing Australia’s largest bats, the Grey-headed Flying Foxes. The tour provides you the opportunity to watch these wonderful creatures in their habitat, offering really unique insight into their behavior, their importance, and basically, the threats they face. We went on this particular tour recently and this is what we found out.
An Up-Close Encounter With Nature
The Grey-headed Flying Fox is an awesome creature, with its impressive wingspan, fox-like face, and very vital role in the Australian ecosystem as a key pollinator and seed disperser, arguably. During the tour, you’ll typically watch them wake from their daytime slumber and fly out to feed at dusk, which tends to be an amazing spectacle to witness. The tour is usually conducted by local experts, who, by the way, are passionate about wildlife conservation. That really provides you with a wealth of knowledge, sharing interesting facts about the bats’ life cycle, diet, social structure, and also, the challenges they face because of habitat loss and urban development. It really is very informative!
What to Expect on the Tour
The experience usually begins with an gathering point near a known flying fox colony in Sydney, so something like the Royal Botanic Garden or a nearby nature reserve could work. You may want to bring comfortable shoes, as you will probably be walking a bit to reach the viewing spot. Once you arrive, your guide is likely to provide a run through the bats themselves and it’s almost certain they’ll cover how the colony is organized. But more importantly, you’ll then hear a very sobering description of how important it is to protect them. They really tend to spell it out clearly.
Bring binoculars, too, if you can. Although not essential, it really lets you see the bats even more closely, noticing details you wouldn’t likely see with just your naked eye. Oh, and definitely have your camera or your phone charged; that is, you’ll want to capture the memorable moment when hundreds of these amazing creatures fill the twilight sky. Seriously, it’s a photographer’s dream!
A Chance to Learn About Conservation
The Sydney Flying Fox Tour does, arguably, more than just entertain. It is an educational experience, too, promoting conservation awareness. Through interesting commentary, your tour guide really helps you learn the issues that threaten the Grey-headed Flying Fox population, very much making the case for habitat preservation and responsible urban planning. As a result, you will probably leave the tour with a really new appreciation for these misunderstood mammals. That said, the experience helps promote the importance of wildlife conservation, showing how ecotourism could support such things and, in turn, creates change.
Basically, many tour operators often donate a percentage of their profits to local conservation efforts, very much allowing you to contribute directly to the protection of these fascinating creatures just by taking part. A visit like that can change you.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
Booking in advance is recommended. You should really consider that especially during peak tourist seasons. By doing so, you make absolutely sure that you get a spot on the tour, so, too, ensuring that you can experience this unique opportunity.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Put on dark clothing. That definitely allows you to blend in better with the surroundings and not disturb the bats with bright colours.
- Bring insect repellent: That is something you absolutely do not want to forget, especially during the warmer months, in order to avoid mosquito bites.
- Respect the environment: This may go without saying but listen to your tour guide’s instructions and that, in turn, keeps both you and the bats safe.
- Be quiet: Keep any noise down. Like seriously, because loud talking or sudden movements can disturb the colony.
I want to share a bit of personal experience. When I went on this kind of tour, I thought I was very well-prepared and equipped with all that I thought I would require. As it turns out, the battery in my camera died as soon as bats took to the sky. In short, do prepare! Very much so.
Who Should Take This Tour?
It is very difficult to imagine anyone not getting any benefit from this. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and families will definitely get a lot from that trip. So, too, people just generally keen to learn about the Australian wildlife. The tour can be enjoyable and interesting, regardless of your age or background.
Is it worth it?
To experience the Sydney Flying Fox Tour is actually a reminder of the really beautiful wildlife in Australia, which is not just koalas, kangaroos and wombats. When you see that river of bats suddenly filling up the twilight sky then, just then, the bats become rather special. By taking the tour, you are not only helping spread understanding of the bats, but so, too, playing an important role in sustaining tourism which in turn, provides much-needed funds for them. In short, highly recommended!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to take the Flying Fox Tour?
The tours are, usually, available all year round, yet the bat activity tends to be much greater during the warmer months, so, usually, October to April.
Are the Flying Foxes dangerous?
No, the Grey-headed Flying Foxes pose virtually no threat to humans. They are generally very docile and, so, only become aggressive when they feel threatened.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, absolutely, the tour tends to be suitable for children, yet it is very advisable to check with the specific tour operator regarding age restrictions and the suitability, so, too, making it perfect for a family outing.