There is nothing sweeter than watching the faces of your kids light up when they realise that in the trees above, there are hundreds upon hundreds of grey-headed flying foxes. If you head to Yarra Bend Park, to the Bellbird Picnic Area, you will find yourself in the home of the local bats. All along this section of the Yarra River in Kew you can spot these guys having a snooze before a big night of flying. Despite their nocturnal nature, they can be quite active during the daylight hours too. If you sit and watch for even just a little while, a couple will fly overhead and if you are up for more of a spectacle, head to the area closer to dusk to spot them rousing from their slumber.
Your crew can watch from below, near a small boat launching area, or find the trail heading uphill for the flying fox lookout area. Take care on the ground below - you might be in the ‘fall zone’ for some bat droppings and it can be a little stinky! The picnic ground itself is lovely, with seating, an undercover area, public toilets and plenty of walking trails - which can be steep - in the surrounding area.

Mamma's special mention: For your coffee fix, jump back in the car and make a bee line for Studley Boathouse.

the nitty gritty

pram friendly but hilly - public toilets - parking

FREE!

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Bellbird Rd, Kew