All-abilities sensory garden planned for Serendip wildlife sanctuary

Based outside Geelong, the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary are popular reserves for wildlife viewing, education and outdoor recreation, including for disability services.

The Victorian Government will soon collaborate with passionate local businesses to deliver an all-abilities sensory garden at Serendip Sanctuary.

The rich and varied landscape of the You Yangs protects Wadawurrung cultural heritage sites and offers important habitat for native animals. It’s also a key regional tourism spot - offering mountain bike trails, horse riding, rock-climbing, abseiling, trail running, bushwalks and picnics spots.

Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt announced the sensory garden will offer a different way to connect to nature and stimulate visitors sight, smell, sound and touch.

Local businesses CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Bus Australia together will contribute $45,000 towards the build of the garden – with the final design expected to be completed later this year.

The sensory garden was one project identified in the You Yangs Precinct Masterplan, with the State Government investing $11 million to deliver a range of upgrades to help revitalise the important environmental, cultural and recreational precinct.

Once the design of the garden is confirmed, the start date for works will be announced at a later date.

Local State Member for Lara Ella George shared "Serendip Sanctuary regularly hosts a range of disability services – which is why this new sensory garden is designed to ensure it’s accessible for everyone.

“It’s so important we provide opportunities for everyone to immerse themselves in nature and projects like this remove barriers that prevent people from having that experience.

“The new sensory garden is just one of the many exciting upgrades we will see at Serendip Sanctuary in the coming years.”

For further information visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects.

Image.Serendip Sanctuary is a popular place to see native wildlife and an important centre for endangered species breeding programs. Credit: Parks Victoria