Flying Fox Mega-Colony — Charters Towers
Each autumn, up to 200,000 black flying foxes roost in the riparian forest of Charters Towers — the evening exodus at dusk sends a river of leathery wings streaming across the darkening sky for over an hour, one of Queensland's most dramatic mammal spectacles.
About this spectacle
At dusk each autumn, the skies above Lissner Park in Charters Towers transform into one of Queensland's most arresting wildlife displays. Up to 200,000 black flying foxes wake from their daytime roost in the riparian forest canopy and pour into the fading sky in a continuous stream lasting more than an hour. The air fills with the leathery beat of wings, the sharp chittering of thousands of animals, and a pungent musky scent that signals the scale of the colony. Against the warm oranges and purples of a Queensland sunset, the bats form dark, sinuous rivers overhead — a spectacle that builds slowly before reaching an almost overwhelming peak. Visitors can stand at the park's edge and watch the exodus unfold at close quarters, the bats passing low enough to see their fox-like faces. The sound, the smell, and the sheer density of animals make this an experience that engages all the senses.
When to go
Jan — Dec, peak Mar — May
Getting there
Nearest airport: CTL. Nearest city: Townsville.
Booking options
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