Parramatta Park is home to an important, large colony of bats – around 15,000 flying foxes and microbats! They can be found in between Wistaria Gardens and the old (burnt down) cafe, along the river on the eastern side of the park at Little Coogee.

During the day you can see them sleeping – rather noisily – hanging in the trees.

And at dusk, you can watch them take to the skies to go foraging for food. It’s truly an incredible sight to see!

Bat Night at Parramatta Park

Now for something extra special, particularly for your bat loving kids, WIRES puts on a monthly Bat Night. My Mr 5 loves bats and after going along to a couple of Bat Nights, I can see why! They really are fascinating animals and play a crucial part in keeping our environment flourishing.

Bat Night starts approx one hour before sunset and is run by volunteers from North West WIRES. There are bat-related activities for children (and adults), such as craft and kite flying. Then an informative talk about bats and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. And after sunset, you watch together as thousands of grey-headed flying-foxes and microbats fly off along the river. Plus there’s a little ‘gift’ pack to take away with information.

During Bat Night you can find out a host of interesting facts about bats. Like how do bats poop? How far do they fly each night? What do they eat? What hazards do they face? How can we help them? What role do bats play in the local environment?

Bat Night is suitable for families, and everyone is welcome. It’s a free event but gold-coin donations are greatly appreciated – and well deserved given the quality of information and effort involved.

They have a maximum of about 20 people at each Bat Night. They now run quarterly so make sure to contact Wires via email to book quickly.

Upcoming Bat Nights

The next bat nights are currently:

• 29th February 2020

About WIRES

WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) has been rescuing and caring for native animals since 1985.

If you see a sick, injured or orphaned flying-fox or bat please keep your distance. DO NOT touch it or try to contain it. Flying-foxes and microbats can carry a virus that is very dangerous to humans. Whilst very few are believed to carry the virus, no risks should be taken.

Call WIRES Rescue Line immediately on 1300 094 737 or fill in the rescue form for rescue assistance with any flying-foxes or microbats. All WIRES flying-fox and bat rescuers have been vaccinated and these rescues will be attended ASAP by our rescue team.

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Finding Bats in Parramatta Park

The bat colony and Bat Night is near the old cafe (the one that burnt down), not far from Little Coogee. Just downhill from there, near the pedestrian bridge and the weir.

Parking for Bat Night

Unfortunately the gates to Parramatta Park close at 8pm during daylight saving and 6pm otherwise. This is usually around the same time as the grand finale to Bat Night, and the part worth staying for as the bats take flight. So it’s generally best be sure to park your car outside and walk into the park. We parked in Parramatta Park Car Park on O’Connell Street (near Parramatta Eels). Or travel by Public Transport.