From Flying Foxes to First Nations: The Hidden Stories of Yarra Bend Park

When most people think of Melbourne tours, they picture Federation Square, laneway cafes, or perhaps a day trip to the Great Ocean Road. But tucked quietly just a few kilometres from the city centre is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets: Yarra Bend Park. A sanctuary of native bushland, this expansive green space is more than just a natural retreat; it’s a place where stories soar.

Discover Melbourne’s Wild Side

Home to one of the largest urban colonies of flying foxes in Australia, Yarra Bend Park offers a Melbourne outdoor activity you won’t find on your average tour itinerary. Watching these winged locals roost, squabble, and take to the skies at dusk is a sight few expect in such close proximity to the city.

Our Yarra Bend walking tours bring you face-to-face with this spectacle, all while providing insights into the critical role flying foxes play in pollinating native plants and sustaining the local ecosystem.

First Nations Heritage Comes Alive

This land is more than a nature reserve, it’s a deeply significant site for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. As part of our cultural tours in Melbourne, we explore how this area has long served as a meeting place and a spiritual home.

Guided by locals who are passionate about both environmental and cultural conservation, we share stories that you won’t find in guidebooks. It’s this blending of nature and narrative that makes our experiences stand out from other Melbourne sightseeing tours.

Why Nature Tells the Best Stories

Unlike the buzz of inner-city attractions, a walk through Yarra Bend invites you to slow down and tune in. You’ll notice the rustle of possums in the trees, the echo of kookaburras and magnificent black kokatooes, and the ever-changing flow of the river, all while learning how these natural elements connect with stories stretching back tens of thousands of years.

If you’re searching for off-the-beaten-path Melbourne experiences, this is it. It’s where Melbourne heritage tours meet nature tours, Melbourne, forming a truly unique exploration.

Make It Part of Your Melbourne Adventure

Looking for small group tours in Melbourne that offer depth, intimacy, and discovery? Join us on a walk that’s both grounding and eye-opening. It's perfect for families, solo travellers, and curious locals alike. Book your walking tour through Yarra Bend here.