A new all-abilities sensory garden at Serendip Sanctuary is now open for the public to enjoy, offering visitors a deeper immersion into the natural wonders of the popular spot. 

The garden is designed to engage the senses, with spaces like ‘See’ (brightly coloured flora), ‘Feel’ (plants with different textures) and ‘Taste’ (edible bush foods).

Accessible pathways and resting spots make it easy to explore, take a break, and enjoy the sanctuary at your own pace.

Parks Victoria worked with disability services, schools, community groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to co-design the garden. The garden also features artwork and interpretation by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker.

Enhancing visitors’ experiences at You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary 

The sensory garden has been delivered as part of the 2022 You Yangs Precinct Master Plan – an ongoing program of work to protect and enhance the precinct’s natural and cultural assets.

The plan was developed in consultation with the community and identifies new facilities, infrastructure and opportunities for visitors to connect to this special place.

The You Yangs precinct is a rich and varied landscape. Located on Wadawurrung Country, the precinct holds significant natural and cultural values, with a long history of more than 30,000 years.

All work being delivered is aligned with the aspirations and strategic plans of Country of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

• Serendip Sanctuary: upgrades to wildlife viewing areas and visitor facilities such as toilets, picnic areas and walking tracks.
• You Yangs Regional Park: improvements to visitor facilities including the park entrance, toilets, picnic areas and tracks and trails.

The You Yangs Precinct Master Plan is being delivered as part of an $11 million Victorian Government investment, with a further $45,000 provided through a sponsorship with CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Bus supporting delivery of the sensory garden.

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