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When Serendip Sanctuary's stunning sensory garden opened at the start of the year, we immediately added it to our You Yangs hit list. Now, the impressive immersive space has gained some certified cred. The sanctuary’s sensory garden scooped up two major Parks and Leisure Australia Awards, cementing its status as one of the country's most thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces.
Located just over an hour from Melbourne in Lara, the garden opened on February 11, and has already taken home the Regional Industry Initiative Award, while also receiving a commendation for Community Facility of the Year.
As you’ll know if you’ve visited, this isn't your average botanical garden. Created in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, disability services, schools and community groups, the immersive space has been designed so visitors of all ages and abilities can experience nature through each of the five senses.
Visitors to the garden can take in vibrant native plants from accessible viewing points, breathe in the scent of fragrant Australian flora from shaded timber seating, listen to birds and buzzing bees drawn to the carefully selected plantings, and discover edible bush foods including Murnong alongside a traditional grinding stone created by Wadawurrung artist Glenn Braybrook. There's also plenty to touch, from textured native plants and boulders to an interactive water feature.
The award judges recognised not only the garden itself, but the collaborative process behind it. From the earliest planning stages, the project was shaped by the knowledge and lived experiences of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation alongside local disability services, schools and community groups.
“Winning the Regional Industry Initiative Award and receiving a commendation for Community Facility of the Year is a real testament to the vision, collaboration and hard work that has gone into the sensory garden,” said Parks Victoria Regional Director Clare Purcell.
Following its regional success, the sensory garden is now in the running for a national Parks and Leisure Australia Award, with winners to be announced later this year.
According to Parks Victoria, the sensory garden forms part of the broader You Yangs Precinct Master Plan – an ongoing project to protect and celebrate the region's natural and cultural heritage while improving visitor facilities. The next stage of upgrades is already underway and will deliver a revamped entrance, accessible toilets, refreshed education centre and new birdwatching areas, with works expected to wrap up by mid-August.
You can learn more about what’s in the works for this precious pocket of nature over here.
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