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 an afternoon’s activity.
The sanctuary has an 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”. Several nature trails around the sanctuary are extremely popular and allow visitors to get close to many native animals including free-ranging kangaroos and pademelons.
The sanctuary 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.
Serendip is also popular day out for school groups, with rangers regularly conducting curriculum-based environmental education activities.
To get to Serendip Sanctuary from Geelong, follow the Princes Freeway towards Melbourne. Take the turnoff to C174 Lara (Forest Rd) then, after a further 6 km, turn right into Windermere Rd.
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.
