Sydney, Australia, is not just famous for the iconic Opera House or its breathtaking beaches, it’s also home to one of nature’s most cute and under-appreciated creatures – the flying fox. Seeing flying foxes in Sydney is surprisingly easy if you know where to look due to there being several massive colonies or “roosts” scattered around the city. Also known as fruit bats, they grace the skies of Sydney every evening with their impressive wingspan and adorable fox-like faces. If you’re eager to witness them in action, here is our guide to the best places to see flying foxes in Sydney.
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About Sydney’s Flying Foxes
Flying foxes are a fascinating group of large and extremely adorable bats that are also referred to as fruit bats. There are 60 different species of flying fox found across Australia, Asia and parts of East Africa, all belonging to the genus Pteropus.
The name flying fox comes from their extremely cute faces, which very much resembles that of a fox. And the “fruit bat” name also reveals a lot about them – they are bats which feed primarily on fruit and plant material.
Sydney’s flying foxes belong to three species: the grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), the black flying-fox (Pteropus alecto) and the little red flying fox (Pteropus scapulatus). But it is the large grey-headed flying foxes that are the star of the show in Sydney, with their 1m wingspan and large colonies.
These gentle giants play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal, contributing to the health of Sydney’s ecosystems. Find out more about Sydney’s flying foxes here: https://sydneybats.org.au/flying-foxes/.
Best Places to See Flying Foxes in Sydney
Lachlan Swamp, Centennial Park
One of the best wildlife destinations to see flying foxes in Sydney is the area known as Lachlan Swamp in Centennial Park. This green oasis is home to the largest colony of grey-headed flying foxes in Sydney, as well as a whole host of other wildlife, especially bird life.
It is really easy to access as you can catch a bus from the centre of Sydney and be there within 30 minutes. Once you get off of the bus at the edge of the park, follow the tree-lined pathways to Lachlan Swamp, where you’ll find an enormous flying fox colony roosting among the branches.
As sun begins to set, you will see the thousands of bats becoming more and more lively, chattering and moving around in the trees, before finally the entire colony will begin to hit the skies in preparation for their nightly forage.
The exact number of flying foxes present varies year on year depending on food availability, but previously there have been up to 45,000 grey-headed flying foxes roosting here at once!
Royal Botanic Garden
Nestled right in the heart of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Garden is not only a beautiful place to visit for plant enthusiasts or tourists wanting to see the beautiful gardens, but also a hotspot for wildlife sightings. Head to the Garden’s flying fox colony, located near the Domain car park, at dusk to watch thousands of bats take to the skies ready to forage.
And not only did we enjoy the flying foxes, but we were also very excited to see our first ever possums here wandering around the gardens and sitting in the trees. So make sure you keep an eye out for possums too!
Side Note: If you are interested in Wildlife and Nature and will also be travelling through Queensland, Australia, then don’t forget to also check out our Ultimate Guide on Where to See Koalas on Magnetic Island!
Parramatta Park
For those venturing beyond the city center, Parramatta Park offers a unique opportunity to observe flying foxes in a more suburban setting. Make your way to the park’s riverbank areas, particularly near the Old Government House, where flying foxes can often be spotted hanging upside down in the trees.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to see the flying foxes as part of a guided tour, there is a Sydney-based flying fox tour that you can book via GetYourGuide.
Tips for Wildlife Watching
- Timing is Key: Flying foxes are nocturnal creatures so they will be mostly sleeping during the day. It is best to plan your visit around dusk for the best chance of sightings. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and watch them in the trees as they begin to wake up ready for you to witness the spectacle of thousands taking off into the night.
- Bring Binoculars: A pair of binoculars will definitely enhance your wildlife-watching experience, especially for when the flying foxes are still sat in the trees. This allows you to get a really good view of the animals so you can really appreciate just how fox-like their faces are. But even without binoculars, the spectacle of watching thousands flying around the skies is something you can’t miss!
- Bring a Tripod if you’re a Wildlife Photographer: Flying foxes like to roost pretty high up in the trees so it can help your arms if you have a tripod so you don’t ache them holding your camera up high for long periods. Plus it enables you to use a slower shutter speed so you can take usable photos without an enormous ISO or camera-shake as the sunlight is diminishing.
Conclusion
As the sun sets over the Sydney skyline, it is time to witness one of the Sydney’s best wildlife spectacles – flying foxes taking flight. By exploring some of our recommended flying fox hotspots, you will be able to witness thousands upon thousands of these gracious bats as they venture out in search of food.
You will not only experience one of nature’s marvels firsthand but also gain a newfound appreciation for Sydney’s urban wildlife. We personally recommend Lachlan Swamp in Centennial Park as the best place to view the flying foxes, due to it being the largest colony. However, if a quick outing is all you can manage, then the Royal Botanic Gardens is the place to go, as it is central and most often already on people’s Sydney itineraries!
So grab your binoculars and get exploring! Happy Travels!
For more Australia wildlife guides, keep an eye out for our posts on Australia Wildlife & Travel, including guides on how to see koalas, wombats, cassowaries and a whole host of other iconic Australian creatures!
