Australasian Bat Night returns for its 11th year

Get your wings ready and prepare to soar into a night of fun, education and adventure as the beloved Australasian Bat Night returns for its 11th year!

This free, family-friendly event, hosted by Sunshine Coast Council, will once again light up the Maleny Showgrounds on Saturday, 15 November, from 1pm to 8pm, offering something for all ages.

Expect guided tours, bat-themed craft activities, batpack bag printing, expert talks, and an outdoor movie under the stars.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns invited the community to join Council and everyone’s favourite flying fox mascot, Frankie, to explore the fascinating world of bats and their vital role in keeping our environment healthy.

“Bat Night is a great opportunity to learn more about these fascinating winged creatures and how we can live alongside them in a wildlife-friendly biosphere,” Cr Burns said.

“There’ll be plenty to see and do, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon with the family while learning about our nocturnal neighbours.

“Mark your calendars and spread the word – Bat Night promises to be a fun afternoon for the whole family.”

Why bat conservation matters

Bats play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

They pollinate plants and disperse seeds, helping to keep our forests healthy.

Did you know that flying foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s iconic Eucalypt Forests? These magnificent trees mostly release their nectar at night, relying heavily on nocturnal pollinators like flying foxes. Bats are especially important for long-distance pollination between forest patches. Without them we risk losing food and shelter sources for koalas, pristine habitats for native birds, and the magnificent forests we all enjoy.

However, many bat species are under threat due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.

By learning about and supporting bat conservation, we can help protect these remarkable animals and ensure they continue to play their part in keeping our environment healthy for generations to come.

Working together for our environment

An important part of Sunshine Coast Council’s role is to maintain and enhance the region’s natural assets, liveability and environment. Council also encourages everyone to share their passion for nature by getting involved in a range of conservation programs and initiatives, or explore a range of options for more sustainable living. To improve our understanding of flying foxes, join the Bats in Backyards Flying-fox Watch Citizen Science program and log your observations every Friday. Find out more at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/environment

Bat Night 2025 program

Guided tours to the nearby Pecan Park roost: Explore the natural habitat of our local flying foxes.
‘Batpack’ bag printing and other art activities: Get creative and take home a unique souvenir.
Dedicated speakers’ program from bat experts: Learn from the best in the field about bat conservation and ecology.
Educational and market stalls: Discover more about bats and pick up some fantastic goodies.
Food stalls: Enjoy a variety of delicious treats.
Outdoor cinema under the stars: Bring a blanket and a picnic to relax and watch Fern Gully under the night sky.

Don’t forget to bring a torch to help you find your way in the dark as you watch the local flying fox roost “fly out” for the night – a sight you won’t want to miss!