BatReach
BatReach
4.5
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
About
Fruit bat rehabilitation center
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
41 within 5 kms
Attractions
44 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
49 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Wendy S
2 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Batreach is a must do for anyone visiting Kuranda. Seeing the spectacled flying foxes up close and learning about these vital creatures from a dedicated and experienced guide is an experience not to be missed. Thankyou Pete 🦇
Wendy (Adelaide)
Wendy (Adelaide)
Written 17 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenneth H
6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
A very small facility that is very clean and well kept. The bats are adorable! Peter’s talk was very informative and interesting. This place is doing very important work. We had a great experience! Thank you!
Also- the website clearly states they are open by appointment only so be sure to call before going.
Also- the website clearly states they are open by appointment only so be sure to call before going.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
Zion National Park, UT39 contributions
If you're going to Kuranda in the Atherton Tablelands of Queensland, Australia, you should definitely check this wildlife rehabilitation center out! Are you interested in Australian wildlife? Do you want to meet some incredible individuals up close? Drop by and visit BatReach!
Most travelers visiting Australia come from areas without flying foxes, or fruit bats. These bats are entirely different from the bats most of us are used to at home. Flying foxes (so-called because their faces resemble the face of a fox) are much larger than the micro-bats found in Europe and the Americas. Their populations are in decline, so Pam, owner and caregiver at BatReach, has dedicated her time and home to caring for orphaned and injured bats. She takes in many babies each year that are orphaned when their mothers are bitten by ticks that cause paralysis (and death for baby and mother if not found quickly by volunteers) and raises them to adulthood, when they are released back into the surrounding rainforest. Raising an orphaned bat, some not more than days old, requires around-the-clock care, with feedings usually every three hours. She also takes in injured bats and nurses them to health. If possible they are released, and otherwise they have a permanent home at the center. Pam also takes in a variety of other wildlife, though visitors are normally only shown the most exciting occupants, the bats.
Visiting BatReach is free, and you can help by donating any amount for the care of the bats as well as by buying shirts, cards, and more from the small gift shop. Pam usually opens her doors to the public most days of the week in the afternoon. When you arrive in Kuranda, go to the visitors center right next to the park in the center of town (where most buses stop) and ask for more information. Kuranda makes a great day trip or overnight trip, with many cute shops, galleries, and attractions to keep you busy.
I was last in Australia in November 2005 when I met Pam. My friend and I stayed with her for two weeks to help care for the orphaned bats, and it was one of the best experiences in my four month trip. You can inquire about volunteering if you are interested; I'm not sure about her current needs but she is definitely kept busy with so many animals to care for. Be sure to pay a visit though when you're in Kuranda. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet some of Australia's native wildlife up close!
Most travelers visiting Australia come from areas without flying foxes, or fruit bats. These bats are entirely different from the bats most of us are used to at home. Flying foxes (so-called because their faces resemble the face of a fox) are much larger than the micro-bats found in Europe and the Americas. Their populations are in decline, so Pam, owner and caregiver at BatReach, has dedicated her time and home to caring for orphaned and injured bats. She takes in many babies each year that are orphaned when their mothers are bitten by ticks that cause paralysis (and death for baby and mother if not found quickly by volunteers) and raises them to adulthood, when they are released back into the surrounding rainforest. Raising an orphaned bat, some not more than days old, requires around-the-clock care, with feedings usually every three hours. She also takes in injured bats and nurses them to health. If possible they are released, and otherwise they have a permanent home at the center. Pam also takes in a variety of other wildlife, though visitors are normally only shown the most exciting occupants, the bats.
Visiting BatReach is free, and you can help by donating any amount for the care of the bats as well as by buying shirts, cards, and more from the small gift shop. Pam usually opens her doors to the public most days of the week in the afternoon. When you arrive in Kuranda, go to the visitors center right next to the park in the center of town (where most buses stop) and ask for more information. Kuranda makes a great day trip or overnight trip, with many cute shops, galleries, and attractions to keep you busy.
I was last in Australia in November 2005 when I met Pam. My friend and I stayed with her for two weeks to help care for the orphaned bats, and it was one of the best experiences in my four month trip. You can inquire about volunteering if you are interested; I'm not sure about her current needs but she is definitely kept busy with so many animals to care for. Be sure to pay a visit though when you're in Kuranda. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet some of Australia's native wildlife up close!
Written 6 January 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dotticow
Adelaide, Australia149 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Second visit for us from South Australia and the reason we chose to stay in Kuranda for last couple of nights of our QLD trip.
Always a pleasure to hear from Pam and see some of the rescues. Iain also was able to give some interesting facts and give us an unforgettable experience with the bats. They are not currently routinely open and rely on donations so it was lucky and a pleasure to visit briefly. The bats and wildlife rescues come first as they should and are not exploited or hurt in any way. Some of the long term residents that could not be released are used at times to provide education but never for long and not causing discomfort. As a someone who did wildlife rescue for few years I admire Pam's energy and dedication. I don't visit zoos or agree with animals in captivity. I like that Pam's focus remains on rescue,rehab and release. It's refreshing!
Always a pleasure to hear from Pam and see some of the rescues. Iain also was able to give some interesting facts and give us an unforgettable experience with the bats. They are not currently routinely open and rely on donations so it was lucky and a pleasure to visit briefly. The bats and wildlife rescues come first as they should and are not exploited or hurt in any way. Some of the long term residents that could not be released are used at times to provide education but never for long and not causing discomfort. As a someone who did wildlife rescue for few years I admire Pam's energy and dedication. I don't visit zoos or agree with animals in captivity. I like that Pam's focus remains on rescue,rehab and release. It's refreshing!
Written 17 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CalifTravelBuddy
calif373 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
Check with the Visitor information area (next to parking lot that the free Skyrail shuttle* drop off area) They have a chalk board and list if Bat World is open that day..it is staffed by volunteers so is not open every day.
*take the shuttle, runs every 30 minutes
driver will encourage you to walk up the hill so you can shop at the stores...do not walk...there is shopping on top where you are dropped off..the skyrail runs every minute..no need to make a specific time reservation..just show up and get on.
If you buy the round trip just have them put in the last time ?4:30PM..whatever time you arrive back via the shuttle at the Kuranda Skyrail station ..change you ticket for that time...it is easy and makes for a more relaxing day in Kuranda.
*take the shuttle, runs every 30 minutes
driver will encourage you to walk up the hill so you can shop at the stores...do not walk...there is shopping on top where you are dropped off..the skyrail runs every minute..no need to make a specific time reservation..just show up and get on.
If you buy the round trip just have them put in the last time ?4:30PM..whatever time you arrive back via the shuttle at the Kuranda Skyrail station ..change you ticket for that time...it is easy and makes for a more relaxing day in Kuranda.
Written 27 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bec1388
Brisbane, Australia31 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
I travelled from Brisbane to see this place, and went to Information as the website directed, only to be told they are closed for maintenance and have been for some time. I nearly pulled the guy across the counter and throttled him, not that it's his fault. WHY OH WHY did I not check Trip Advisor???
Written 8 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatWollongong
Wollongong107 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
We discovered BatReach by chance, as we were walking past at the beginning of the Rumjum walk in Kuranda (which starts near the fire station).
It was a fascinating experience. The volunteer doing the educational talks there at the time was a treasure trove of information on flying foxes/fruit bats and their rehabilitation. He gave a fascinating talk, and we were able to get a close-up view of an orphaned baby, Laura. We were also privileged to get a close-up encounter with an ex-pet bat, and watch her feeding on tomato and carrot. Finally, we were also privileged to see a tiny microbat in BatReach's care.
Admission is by donation only, and it's very casual - you just walk in, and the volunteer structures his/her talk around your arrival.
This is a very worthy home-grown, hands-on organisation that deserves to be supported. Its authenticity stands out amid the commercialism and tourist tat that seems to dominate the rest of Kuranda.
Check opening hours: understandably, BatReach is only open limted hours, typically 10am-2pm or thereabouts. It's worth structuring your visit to Kuranda around this.
It was a fascinating experience. The volunteer doing the educational talks there at the time was a treasure trove of information on flying foxes/fruit bats and their rehabilitation. He gave a fascinating talk, and we were able to get a close-up view of an orphaned baby, Laura. We were also privileged to get a close-up encounter with an ex-pet bat, and watch her feeding on tomato and carrot. Finally, we were also privileged to see a tiny microbat in BatReach's care.
Admission is by donation only, and it's very casual - you just walk in, and the volunteer structures his/her talk around your arrival.
This is a very worthy home-grown, hands-on organisation that deserves to be supported. Its authenticity stands out amid the commercialism and tourist tat that seems to dominate the rest of Kuranda.
Check opening hours: understandably, BatReach is only open limted hours, typically 10am-2pm or thereabouts. It's worth structuring your visit to Kuranda around this.
Written 5 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peargrin
East Coast1 contribution
My favorite Kuranda visit. Pam was so generous with her time, so informative, and so gentle and caring with her charges. It was quite moving. And the flying foxes were fascinating and delightful. While I was there, a permanent resident managed to open a container and sneak a biscuit. Pam let him cling to her shirt, and fed the rest to him while he chomped away. Then she gave his ears a good rub, and he scrunched up his eyes in delight. Honestly, would you ever imagine a bat to be so cute, intelligent, social and puppy-like? Pam and her charges are amazing ambassadors for much maligned bats. If you're ever in Kuranda, don't miss them!
Written 4 September 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missyophd
Las Vegas, NV17 contributions
I stayed with Pam at batreach and volunteered for two weeks and it was the best volunteer abroad experience I've had. She makes you feel like part of her family, cares the utmost for the animals, and surrounds you with other helpful volunteers that welcome you with open arms. You learn so much about the animals and have great hands-on experiences with them too. Plus she takes care of more than just bats--she also does small marsupials, rodents, and much much more. The days are pretty easy-going and kuranda is a great little town to hang out in with the tourists. I loved it so much I'm going back next year!
Written 17 December 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swissami19
Zug, Switzerland494 contributions
July 2017 • Family
We were all happy finding the bat reach, but it looks like we picked the "wrong day". The doors remained closed, and somebody called out they didn't open the day, they were too busy taking care of the animals.
While very understandable (I guess primarily they are there for the animals and not the visitors), it was still disappointing having the visit planned into our day.
While very understandable (I guess primarily they are there for the animals and not the visitors), it was still disappointing having the visit planned into our day.
Written 28 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing