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 (Lara)

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. There are four flat, easy grade interconnecting nature trails throughout the sanctuary. The walks are:

Wildlife Walk Circuit 1.5 km | 30 mins
Wetland Walk Return 1.8 km | 40 mins
Farm Dam for Wildlife Return 3 km | 1 hr
Wader Walk Return 3 km | 1 hr
Ponding Site Return 1.4 km | 30 mins

Important Update: Serendip previously had "captive" native animals which provided close interactions but they have been rehomed to other organisations and facilities that can better care for them. Some wild native wildlife continues to roam free in the area.

Serendip Sanctuary (Lara)

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. 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.

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.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs (and bikes) are not permitted.

Review:

This is a nice wildlife experience for the family where you can see wildlife, especially birds, up close and the experience is free! The wildlife walk is definitely the best walk if you only have limited time. Approach the bird hides quietly to avoid scaring the birds away. The enclosed aviary is enjoyable with lots of little birds enjoying the food left out for them.

You will pass the Roolympics site where you can test yourself against kangaroos at high jump and long jump.

Serendip Sanctuary (Lara)

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 is no longer staffed.

There were quite a lot of waterbirds in the wetlands viewing area.

Photos:

Location

100 Windemere Road, Lara 3212 View Map

Web Links

→ Serendip Sanctuary (Parks Victoria)

→ Serendip Sanctuary Park Notes

→ Serendip Sanctuary Map