Spectacled Flying Fox

“At dusk on the Atherton Tablelands, the spectacled flying foxes begin to rise from the tree camps in their hundreds of thousands — a living cloud that turns the sky dark and remarkable.”

Spectacled Flying Fox: One of Australia’s Most Important and Most Spectacular Animals

The Spectacled Flying Fox is the largest flying fox in Australia and, like the cassowary, one of the most ecologically important animals in the Wet Tropics rainforest. Endemic to the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland, it is the primary pollinator and seed disperser for a vast number of rainforest tree species — without it, the forest would change fundamentally. It is also, at the right place and the right time of evening, one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles available anywhere in Australia.

Atherton Tablelands ToursDay tours and things to do across the Atherton Tablelands.Walking TrailsRainforest and crater-rim walks across the Tablelands.Atherton Tablelands WaterfallsFifteen falls, from the Millaa Millaa circuit to Millstream and Barron Falls.Atherton Tablelands LakesLake Eacham, Lake Barrine, Lake Euramoo, Lake Tinaroo and Mt Hypipamee Crater.

The flying foxes roost in large camps during the day — some camps in the Cairns and Atherton Tablelands region contain hundreds of thousands of individuals. At dusk, they depart these camps in long, continuous streams that can take hours to empty, filling the sky with a constant flow of large, distinctive bats that can be heard before they’re seen. Watching a major flying fox colony depart at sunset is one of those wildlife experiences that leaves a lasting impression.

The spectacled flying fox takes its name from the pale spectacle-shaped markings around its eyes — a feature that distinguishes it from other flying fox species. It feeds on nectar, pollen, and fruit from rainforest trees, visiting flowers over a large area in a single night’s foraging. The species is currently listed as endangered, primarily due to heat stress events that have killed large numbers in recent years.

Flying fox camps can be found at various locations around the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns, with Malanda and the nearby rainforest areas supporting significant colonies. Local wildlife guides and ecotourism operators can advise on current camp locations and viewing opportunities.

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