Serendip Sanctuary
A free, accessible wildlife sanctuary near Melbourne, offering peaceful walks and close encounters with kangaroos, emus, and diverse birdlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Serendip Sanctuary
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, accessible wildlife sanctuary near Melbourne, offering peaceful walks and close encounters with kangaroos, emus, and diverse birdlife.
"It's a hidden gem that’s both accessible and full of natural beauty."
🎯 Pack a Picnic & Bin Bags
Enjoy a BYO picnic in designated areas. Remember to take your rubbish with you to keep the sanctuary clean.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring the various trails and enjoying the natural terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangaroos & Wallabies
Open grassy woodlands
Get up close with iconic Australian marsupials grazing peacefully in their natural habitat.
Wetland Birdlife
Wetland bird habitat
Discover a diverse array of bird species from strategically placed bird hides.
Sensory Garden
Near the entrance
A newly developed area designed for an immersive, multi-sensory nature experience.
Walking Trails
Throughout the sanctuary
Explore easy, signposted paths suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Free Family Fun
Timing is Key for Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic & Bin Bags
Enjoy a BYO picnic in designated areas. Remember to take your rubbish with you to keep the sanctuary clean.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring the various trails and enjoying the natural terrain.
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Bring your camera or smartphone to snap photos of the abundant native animals you'll encounter.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Fresh water stations are available, but bringing your own water bottle is always a good idea, especially on warmer days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic & Bin Bags
Enjoy a BYO picnic in designated areas. Remember to take your rubbish with you to keep the sanctuary clean.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring the various trails and enjoying the natural terrain.
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Bring your camera or smartphone to snap photos of the abundant native animals you'll encounter.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Fresh water stations are available, but bringing your own water bottle is always a good idea, especially on warmer days.
🚸 Toddler-Friendly Exploration
The sanctuary offers short, safe loops perfect for toddlers and young children to explore without getting lost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Serendip Sanctuary for its free entry, abundant native wildlife like kangaroos and emus, and well-maintained walking trails suitable for all ages. It's highlighted as a peaceful, accessible spot for a relaxed day out with family. Some reviewers noted a desire for more native animals, but the overall sentiment is positive for its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere.
"First time visit , there were workman present building new infrastructure, the majority of paths were in good condition. Lots of bird life and the hides were well maintained, I was disappointed in the lack of native animals I believe there were more in the past, we saw 3 wallaby’s, it’s quite a large area so it could accommodate more of our native animals , especially as it is advertised as a sanctuary and there is less land available for wildlife. Overall a peaceful walk, some nice areas for a byo picnic. Toilets available in the car park area."
Debra Treiguts
"I recently checked out Serendip Sanctuary and I have to say, it’s a pretty cool spot if you’re into nature and a relaxed day out. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to find parking – there’s a ton of space so you don’t have to stress about where to leave your car. The walking trails are varied, making it fun whether you’re up for a short stroll or a longer hike. I even spotted some kangaroos and lots of different birds especially Emus.
The park also made sure to cover the basics for everyone. There are disability-friendly toilets and sheltered barbecue spots, which are perfect for a casual picnic or a small get-together. I appreciated the fresh water stations scattered around too – super handy on a sunny day. It all adds up to a very welcoming and laid-back vibe.
Its a hidden gem that’s both accessible and full of natural beauty. It might not be the most fancy place around, but sometimes you just want a spot where you can unwind, enjoy some wildlife, and have a nice, simple day outdoors. I’d definitely recommend giving it a go if you’re in the area.
Handy Tip: Take some bin bags for rubbish."
Ikjyot Singh
"It was pretty empty, we enjoyed 30 minutes without seeing a single person, just us the animals and the wind. Very unexpected on a Sunday during the day. Also love that these are short walks and you can't get lost and feel safe. I managed to do all loops with my 20 months old toddler. We saw geese, emus, wallabies and many birds. Best thing, it's free!"
Nina L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Serendip Sanctuary is located in Lara, approximately a 45-minute drive from Melbourne. Take the Princes Freeway (M1) and follow signs for Lara. Ample parking is available at the sanctuary.
While public transport options are limited directly to the sanctuary, you can take a train to Lara station and then arrange a taxi or rideshare service for the remaining distance.
Serendip Sanctuary is generally open daily, but it's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can vary. Some reviews mention it closes at 4 pm.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Serendip Sanctuary, making it easy to access the site.
Many of the walking paths are well-maintained and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, including disability-friendly toilets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Serendip Sanctuary is a free attraction, making it an excellent option for budget-friendly family outings. +1
No, tickets are not required as entry to Serendip Sanctuary is free. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
While not always advertised, occasional guided walks or events may be offered. It's best to check their social media or website for any upcoming programs.
The best way to experience Serendip Sanctuary is by taking your time to explore the walking trails, visit the bird hides, and observe the native wildlife in their natural environment.
Generally, pets are not permitted in wildlife sanctuaries to protect the native animals. Please check the official guidelines for confirmation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and numerous bird species.
Yes, Serendip Sanctuary features well-signposted walking tracks of varying lengths, suitable for all fitness levels.
Yes, there are toilets available in the car park area and picnic spots with tables, chairs, and BBQs. +1
The Sensory Garden is a new addition designed to offer an immersive experience, engaging visitors' senses with the natural environment.
Absolutely! With abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes, it's a great spot for nature photography, especially during the golden hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants within Serendip Sanctuary. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
Yes, there are sheltered barbecue areas available for visitors to use, making it a great spot for a family picnic.
Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blanket, and any utensils you might need. Don't forget bin bags to take your rubbish with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and often the most active wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for photography.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance, but a standard zoom lens can also be useful for general landscape and animal shots.
The bird hides offer unique perspectives for bird photography, while the open woodlands are ideal for capturing kangaroos and emus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Photographers
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife of Serendip Sanctuary
While the sanctuary aims to provide a natural habitat, some visitors have noted a perceived decrease in the number of native animals compared to the past. However, the presence of these animals, even in smaller numbers, still offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with Australia's unique fauna. The Sensory Garden is a newer addition, designed to engage visitors with nature through various sensory experiences.
It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a respectful distance is crucial for their well-being and your safety. Avoid feeding the animals, as this can disrupt their natural diet and behavior.
Navigating the Walking Trails
Many of the loops are relatively short, ensuring you can explore a good portion of the sanctuary without an overly strenuous effort. This makes it an ideal destination for a relaxed day out, where you can easily complete all the loops with a toddler in tow.
For those seeking a bit more activity, longer routes are available. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle undulations, making it accessible for most visitors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, and it's a good practice to also bring bin bags to ensure you leave the sanctuary as you found it.
When visiting, remember that you are in a wildlife sanctuary. It's crucial to maintain a respectful distance from the animals and avoid feeding them. This ensures their safety and preserves their natural behaviors. The best times to visit for wildlife viewing are typically early mornings and late afternoons when animals are most active.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit