Grey-Headed Flying Fox Summer Roost (Royal Botanic Garden Sydney) — Hyde Park

About this spectacle

Each summer, thousands of grey-headed flying foxes — Australia's largest bat — descend on the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to roost in the canopy trees. Visitors to nearby Hyde Park and the gardens witness the spectacle of dense, rustling colonies hanging like dark fruit from the branches. As dusk approaches, the bats stir, and the sky above Sydney Harbour fills with the sight and sound of tens of thousands of megabats fanning out across the city in search of food. The leathery wingbeats, the musky scent drifting through the gardens, and the constant chattering from the colony create an unexpectedly wild atmosphere in the heart of a global city. This is one of the rare wildlife spectacles where urban infrastructure actually enhances the experience — the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge frame the evening exodus.

When to go

Oct — Apr, peak Dec — Feb

Getting there

Nearest airport: SYD. Nearest city: Sydney.

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