Batreach Bat Rescue & Rehabilitation — Attraction in Kuranda

You might think that The Batman is a 2022 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character. However, true bat fans know that the real Batman is here in Kuranda, and his name is Peter.

Peter gave an informative talk on flying-foxes, describing their anatomy, physiology and ecological role. Wandering around Cairns/Kuranda and marvelling at Queensland's natural beauty? The forests wouldn't exist without bats.

Peter also explained the turbulent relationship between humans and bats. Despite the ecological significance of flying-foxes, they've suffered a "death by a thousand cuts" (Dales, 2011) due to intentional destruction and greed. To the farmer who electrocuted thousands of bats in one night and boasted about it, please come and visit this place so that you can learn the consequences of your actions.

The volunteers here are passionate and genuine. Please be mindful that this is, first and foremost, a rescue centre, NOT a tourist site. Don't take advantage of the free tours. Donate generously. Listen carefully. Learn well.

Visit this bat rehab centre and you might end up as cheery as resident bat...

BatReach is a bat hospital and education centre. Owner Pam cares for an education group of permanent care flying-foxes and rehabilitates many more orphaned pups and injured adults and insectivorous bats and possums and other mammals. When she has very large numbers of animals in care she cannot open for visitors except when specially arranged. However at other times she is open most days between 10am and 2pm and will give a bat talk to visitors who will get to meet a live flying-fox safely up close for the cost of a gold coin donation. Pam relies on volunteers to help with fruit cutting each day and takes on volunteers to assist with daily education...

This was an absolute hi-light of our time in Cairns, and to be honest I’d say it’s worth the trip to Kuranda for Batreach alone. Pete clearly has a passion for these cute little things and he makes a wonderful host, we could have chatted to him all day. The centre is only open on certain days and you must pre-arrange but this was incredibly easily organised via email. Pete was also able to advise how to find the centre as google maps gets it wrong I cannot recommend a visit highly enough, but please remember to donate. The centre is free to visit but they rely on donations to keep running their amazing program so give...