Join Mappa and Up the Creek as dawn breaks for this guided paddle on the Birrarung. From the vantage point of the river, you’ll experience the fly in of Naarm’s iconic flying foxes like never before. Supported by Nocs and guided by Davita Coronel, we’ll learn about the ecological history and significance of this species while witnessing their return to the colony as the sun rises.
A portion of every ticket price will be donated to Friends of Bats and Bushcare, an organisation dedicated to the care and conservation of bats in Yarra Bend Park.
Daybreak PADDLE
SOLD OUT
/ Birrarung (Yarra River) /
/ Yarra Bend, WURUNDJERI COUNTRY /
/ 23.11.25 /
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You've likely seen the flying foxes navigating the night sky, but have you witnessed them return to the colony after their nocturnal journeys?
Held in partnership with Up the Creek and supported by Nocs Provisions, we'll meet just before sunrise, paddling up the Birrarung (Yarra River) and learning about the grey-headed flying foxes that call the riverbank home. Given the time of year, the early morning may yield some reunions of mother (who's spent the night foraging) and pup (who's hung on the branch, if not practiced a few flaps of the wing), a natural ritual which often goes unnoticed in the buzz of the city.
No prior experience paddling is required but please be conscious that this is a physical activity with a level of fitness necessary. There will be 2-3 per boat, so come with a friend or meet one when you get here!
WHERE
Yarra Bend Park*, Wurundjeri CountryWHEN
23.11.25 at 5am*specific meeting point shared upon ticket purchase
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Dr. Davita Coronel is President of the Friends of Bats and Bushcare, a volunteer organisation that supports the roost of flying-foxes in Yarra Bend Park. Hailing from Amsterdam, Davita has called Naarm home for the past five years, studying the flying-foxes and completing her PhD Learning to Live with Flying-foxes at Deakin University. You’ll often find her in Yarra Bend Park, with her hands in the soil planting trees or educating people about the flying-foxes.
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Up the Creek is an organisation that values and celebrates connection with the more-than-human world. Founded on a commitment to develop the whole person in harmony with the larger living system of our environments, Up the Creek offers a program of thoughtful, water-based adventures.
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Guided paddle up the Birrarung with Up the Creek (inclusive of all boat gear and communal dry bags)
Nocs binoculars (for a closer look at the bats!)
Overview of the cultural and ecological history of the flying fox
Learn about the significance of nocturnal native species to healthy ecosystems
Witness the early morning fly-in with an expert (be curious and ask questions!)
Participate in community effort to increase awareness of flying fox ecology and conservation
Coffee Supreme coffee and morning tea snacks provided post-paddle -
Drinking water
Comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in and don’t mind getting wet (unlikely but possible)
Optional: head lamp or torch