The Bats and the Birrarung

Join Friends of Bats and Bushcare for a special small-group experience in Yarra Bend Park, where you'll discover the fascinating world of bats and the important role they play in the Birrarung ecosystem.

For more than 20 years, this dedicated volunteer group has cared for the bats that call this special place home. Through three guided activities, you'll learn about bat ecology, their riverside habitat and simple ways you can help protect these remarkable native animals.

Blending science, creativity and connection with nature, the experience includes social, ecological and artistic activities designed to help you tune into the landscape and the wildlife that lives there.

Afterwards, stay for tea, coffee and something sweet while sharing stories, insights and experiences with fellow participants.

Come ready to engage your head, hands and heart—and leave inspired to share what you've learned with others.

Meet in front of the Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-operative on Yarra Bend Road.

Please note: If required due to weather, the event will be rescheduled to 11 October.

This event is proudly hosted by Friends of Bats and Bushcare.

• Most Riverfest events are free, and many have limited places with long waitlists. Please only book if you're confident you can attend, so others don't miss out. Bookings are limited to 2 tickets for smaller events and 4 tickets for larger events.
  

• Can't make it? Please cancel your ticket by opening your Humanitix confirmation email and selecting 'Manage Order'. Your place will then be released to someone on the waitlist. If you need assistance, contact us by email: riverfest@yarrariver.org.au
  

• Events will proceed unless severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances require a change. If this happens, registered participants will be notified by email.

Please note: This activity includes planting, walking on formed and unformed bush tracks, and navigating a steep slope. Due to the natural terrain, the site is not currently accessible for people using mobility aids. We apologise for any inconvenience and encourage anyone with questions about accessibility to contact the event host before booking.

We welcome people of all abilities. If you have any accessibility requirements or need assistance to participate, please contact us before the event so we can discuss how we can support your attendance.

Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong Boonwurrung peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.