There are four interconnecting trails throughout the sanctuary, all within walking distance from the Information Centre. Each trail is no longer than 2km return.
The Wildlife Walk is the most popular, as it lets you experience a close encounter with native wildlife . With its predator-proof fencing, the sanctuary is a safe haven for native animals. To ensure their well-being, touching or feeding animals is not permitted.
The walk meanders past emus and Eastern Grey Kangaroos grazing, before providing you with some outstanding opportunities for birdwatching from viewing areas, hides and flight aviaries.
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.
Specially designed bird hides enable you to see some of the 150 species of birds that breed at, or visit, Serendip Sanctuary.
Things To Do
Guided wildlife tours
ClimateWatch
Bird watching
Wildlife viewing
How to get there
Wildlife walks at Serendip Sanctuary
When you're there
Download the Serendip Sanctuary visitor guide and map for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted at Serendip Sanctuary.
Rubbish bins are not provided. Please take your rubbish with you.
Need to know
Wildlife walks at Serendip Sanctuary
Accessibility
The walks at Serendip Sanctuary are highly accessible. Paths are clearly defined and there are tactile indicators where required.
All walks are suitable for prams and assisted wheelchairs.
Clear diagrammatic maps readily available upon arrival at the sanctuary, show walk routes.
All walkways, corridors, doorways, bird hides, seating and ramps within the sanctuary comply with current access standards. There are no stairs.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Serendip Sanctuary Picnic Area (Serendip Wetlands Education Facility)
Group wood BBQ retired
The group wood BBQ is being decommissioned and is unavailable for use. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
The future of Serendip Sanctuary – You Yangs Master Plan 2022
The future of Serendip Sanctuary – You Yangs Master Plan 2022
Located on Wadawurrung Country, Serendip Sanctuary is part of the You Yangs precinct. A special place for many including significant natural and cultural values. People have been visiting and living in this area for over 30,000 years. Showcasing open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the volcanic Western Plains, this area is an ideal spot to view birdlife and enjoy its significant wetland ecosystems. The sanctuary also provides visitors the opportunity for close encounters with Australian native wildlife including emus, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, echidnas and reptiles.What is the You Yangs Precinct Master Plan?As visitor numbers continue to increase annually, the importance of communities connecting with nature is going to be more important than ever. In partnership with Regional Development Victoria, a master plan was developed for the You Yangs precinct, that aims to protect and enhance the natural and cultural values, while also identifying new facilities, infrastructure and unique experiences that can be offered to establish the area as a leading visitor destination.
The future of Serendip Sanctuary has been developed in consultation with the community as part of the master planning process from 2019-21. The plan has been developed in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and aligns with its Paleert Tjaara Dja Let’s make Country good together 2020-2030 – Wadawurrung Country Plan.
All initiatives in the plan still require detailed assessment, planning and funding.What does this mean for Serendip?
Serendip Sanctuary will continue to be a popular visitor and education destination. Parks Victoria will explore the role Serendip can play supporting threatened species management and improving the offer to visitors who wish to enjoy the picnic facilities, walking tracks and viewing wild native animals in their natural habitat.What will happen to the animals?To gain better conservation outcomes for Victoria, Parks Victoria will focus on threatened species management with other organisations that lead species recovery programs. Partnerships in this area include Zoos Victoria, Mt Rothwell – Biodiversity Interpretation Centre and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The common captive animals that are currently housed at Serendip, will be rehomed to appropriate organisations that can provide onsite facilities that are compliant for the health and care of the animals. Wild native wildlife in Serendip will continue to roam in their natural environment. The sanctuary is naturally home to a large variety of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, and a variety of mammals and reptiles.
What will happen to the education program?
Parks Victoria’s Education Rangers will continue to provide and invest in education programs and Junior Ranger experiences for local schools, community groups and park visitors.Further informationFor further information about the You Yangs Precinct Master Plan visit parks.vic.gov.au
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