Serendip Sanctuary

Serendip is a wildlife sanctuary situated in the foothills of the You Yangs and is a fantastic place to view some of our more special native animals. Being only 25 minutes from Geelong or just over half an hour from the centre of Melbourne Serendip is a great place for a afternoon’s activity.

The sanctuary’s has a extensive breeding program that creates an opportunity of viewing rare and threatened species such as brolgas, Australian bustards and magpie geese. The centre features over 150 species of birdlife common to the western plains of Victoria.

There is loads of info-tainment for the visitor with a theatrette, activities room, a giant microscope for a look at some microbiology and an ’underwater world’. plus several nature trails which get the visitors close to many native animals including free-ranging kangaroos and pademelons.

The sanctury is more than a place for visitors, it plays an important role in conservation, research and the breeding of rare species. Serendip has had world wide recognition for many of its breeding programs including two of the states rarest birds Australian Bustards and Bush Thick-knees.

Rangers regularly conduct curriculum-based environmental education activities.

The centre is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily. There are picnic areas with free electric
barbecues. Disabled access is provided . A small entry fee is charged. tel: (03) 5282 1584.

To get there follow the freeway towards Melbourne. Take the turnoff to Lara (into Forest Rd) about 15 minutes drive from Geelong’s city centre (signposted for You Yangs Regional Park) then, after a further 6 km, turn right into Windermere Rd.