Serendip Sanctuary (Lara)
The sanctuary, an excellent example of the open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the volcanic Western Plains, is the perfect place to learn about and experience birdlife and wetlands ecology.
See some of the 150 species of birds which breed at or visit Serendip Sanctuary from the bird hides. Birds can be seen within metres of the viewing areas preening, feeding, incubating eggs and rearing young.
Serendip Sanctuary is a great place to visit with the family. Have a picnic, enjoy the many walks, experience the wildlife up close and learn about our natural environment.
Start your Serendip experience at the Information Centre with a peek down the giant microscope or step into the Underwater World. There are four interconnecting nature trails throughout the sanctuary, all within walking distance from the Information Centre. Each trail is no longer than two kilometres return. Take the journey along these trails, viewing wildlife in their natural habitats.
The Wildlife Walk is a popular walk offering close encounters with wildlife. Meander past emus and Eastern Grey Kangaroos grazing to viewing areas, hides and flight aviaries perfect for bird watching. You may be treated to Brolgas trumpeting, Whistling Kites soaring high overhead, magnificent Yellow-billed Spoonbills wading through the shallow water, or even a glimpse of the well hidden Tawny Frogmouth as it watches you pass by.
UPDATE: Since our visit the only the water birds remain.
Opening Hours:
Open from 10am to 4pm every day except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Cost:
Entry is free. Guided tours are available for groups (minimum of 15 people) by appointment. Moderate fees apply.
Facilities:
A picnic area with free undercover electric barbecues are available for your enjoyment. A group barbecue area with a wood fire may be reserved for a small fee. Toilet facilities cater for people with restricted mobility.
A ponding site and ponding equipment provide children with opportunities to catch water bugs and study their features using magnifying glasses.
An Information Centre provides engaging, hands on displays.
How to get there
Serendip Sanctuary is located at 100 Windermere Road, Lara at the base of the You Yangs, 60km from Melbourne and 22km north of Geelong. It is signposted from the Princes Highway.
Review:
This is a great wildlife experience for the family where you can see lots of wildlife up close and the experience is free! The path initially splits to either the Wildlife Walk or Pond View Walk. The wildlife walk is definitely better if you only have limited time.
At the car parking area is a big shelter with table plus lots of other shaded and unshaded tables with BBQ and toilets. The Information Centre has some displays and information but is not staffed.
There were a huge number of ducks in the wetlands viewing area.There is a good range of birds and animals to see and the Wallaby enclosure and Aviary provides a chance to get very close to the animals and birds. See if you can find the Tawny Frogmouth! When we visited the kangaroos and emus were in a huge fenced area and stayed a long way away near the opposite fence but often you can get much closer to them.
Photos:
Location
100 Windemere Road, Lara 3212 Map
Web Links
→ Serendip Sanctuary (Parks Victoria)
→ Serendip Sanctuary Park Notes
→ Serendip Sanctuary Map
