You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary upgrades

Project status

 Project status
  • The You Yangs precinct draft concept designs consultation received over 300 survey responses and four submissions. We are now reviewing the findings and will report back in mid-late 2025. Find out more at Engage Victoria. 
  • Works to build the new sensory garden at Serendip Sanctuary are underway with final works and plantings scheduled for spring 2025.
  • Engineers have assessed the condition of the Serendip display pond and have found the existing concrete walls and base are structurally compromised, with major cracks and leaks. We have investigated options to find a long-term, sustainable solution to rehabilitate the display pond. The upgrade project is being delivered as part of the package of early works and is due to be completed in spring. 
  • An Integrated Water Management Plan consultant is developing a plan for how toilets, ponds and sewage are treated on site, and ensuring we are making sustainable water choices.
  • Read the July 2025 community update here.
Last updated: July 2025 

 

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The project

This project is being delivered on Wadawurrung Country.  


The You Yangs 'precinct' is a rich and varied landscape, comprising the distinctive granite peaks of ‘Wurdi Youang’ and Serendip Sanctuary, situated south within the low lying plain.

Located on Wadawurrung Country, the precinct holds significant natural and cultural values, with a long history of more than 30,000 years.

Today, the You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary are popular areas for wildlife viewing, education and outdoor recreation, including mountain biking, horse riding, rock-climbing and abseiling, trail running, bushwalks and picnics.

In 2022, a master plan for the precinct was released that sets a vision for this unique environment and key regional tourism destination. The plan aims to protect and enhance the natural and cultural assets that have already established the precinct, while also identifying new facilities, infrastructure and unique experiences that can be offered.

With an $11 million investment provided by the Victorian Government, and $45,000 provided through a sponsorship with CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Buses, we are now delivering on initiatives in the master plan. 

 

Early works: Serendip Sensory Garden

A new sensory garden is being created at Serendip Sanctuary, as part of early works to deliver initiatives identified in the 2022 You Yangs Precinct Master Plan.

Works on the garden are almost complete.  The final works and plantings are expected to be completed in spring 2025 with the garden to open to school groups and the public shortly after.

The garden includes five spaces, each with a focus on one of the five senses. From brightly coloured flora in the ’See’ space, to vegetation with various textures in the ’Feel’ space and edible bush foods in the ’Taste’ space, the new garden will provide a place for people of diverse ages, backgrounds and abilities to connect with nature.  

Pathways are designed to be flat, compact and of appropriate width for wheelchair access and those who are less able-bodied. Rest stops and quiet spaces are available to enable visitors to easily relax and explore the garden.

The garden design also features artwork and interpretation from Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker.

Parks Victoria has worked with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, disability services, schools and community groups to co-design the garden. 

 

Draft designs of the new Serendip Sensory Garden. For a detailed written description email engage@parks.vic.gov.au.

Pictured above: Designs for the new Serendip Sensory Garden (click to enlarge).

 

Serendip pond

The display pond at Serendip Sanctuary was built in the 1990s and its structure is deteriorating. We have investigated options to find a long-term, sustainable solution to rehabilitate it. 

Engineer assessments have found that the existing concrete walls and base are structurally compromised, with major cracks and leaks, and are likely to fail entirely if filled with water. The walls are also not capable of retaining the soil from the outside of the pond.

Based on these findings, we are aiming to replace the pond walls, repair the base slab and waterproof the whole structure. In May 2025, a contractor was appointed to complete the pond works with the completed works expected in spring.  

 

Later works

We are planning the other master plan initiatives that will be delivered as part of the project. From upgrading visitor facilities, improving tracks and trails, and enhancing the wildlife viewing experience at Serendip, we are looking at ways to help revitalise this important environmental, cultural and recreational precinct. 

Feedback on the draft concept designs 

In the April 2025 consultation, we sought feedback on the draft concept designs to guide which works should be prioritised and delivered with the funding available.

Thank you to the You Yangs precinct community groups and visitors, and the community members who shared their feedback. We are now reviewing the findings and will report back in mid-late 2025.

The draft concept designs are subject to detailed costings and environmental, cultural heritage and statutory assessments and approvals, and market conditions at the time of procurement and construction. 

View the draft concept designs

 

Project benefits 

Visitors

The You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary are popular places for wildlife viewing, education and outdoor recreation. This project will provide a better, safer, and more accessible experience for visitors for years to come.

Environment

The upgrades will provide visitors with opportunities to explore and learn about the environmental and cultural values of Serendip Sanctuary and You Yangs Regional Park, while also ensuring the plants, animals and ecosystems that thrive here are protected. 

Community 

Improved facilities will mean that local communities in Lara and Little River will have more opportunities to get active, get into nature and connect with friends and family in the You Yangs precinct. Enhancing the offering at Serendip Sanctuary will further support community development with schools and disability groups by providing quality educational experiences and spaces that cater to people with diverse needs and abilities. 

Economy

Nature-based tourism is an important contributor to local businesses. Improving the visitor experience across the You Yangs precinct will help boost tourism in the area and support the regional economy. 

 

Project funding

This project is being delivered with the following funding:

  • $11 million from the Victorian Government
  • $45,000 from CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Buses
 

 

Environment and cultural heritage management

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will be undertaken for this project, to ensure that cultural heritage and plants and wildlife will be protected during works.

Who are we working with?

  • Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
  • Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
  • CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Buses

 

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.

Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We are also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.

When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it is important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.

 

Stay updated

Subscribe to receive updates on the project or get in touch with the team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au. As the project progresses, information on this page will be updated.

 

Related information

 

 

 

 

 

 

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