- Published:
- Tuesday 1 April 2025
The You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary are set for a major transformation, with draft concept designs revealed that will help elevate the visitor experience, improve park facilities and support the local economy.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopolous has announced that the draft concept designs have been released for community consultation – a key step in the $11 million investment to uplift the popular You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary in Little River and Lara.
Several improvements are proposed across both parks, including redesigned entrances and car parks, and upgraded picnic areas with new seating, barbecues, tables and accessible pathways.
At Serendip Sanctuary, proposed upgrades focus on delivering a better wildlife viewing experience for visitors – and include new and upgraded bird-viewing areas, upgrades to the Wetland Circuit Trail, and refurbishments of the predator-proof fence for better wildlife viewing and protection.
Refurbishments to Serendip’s Education Centre and Outdoor Learning Area aim to create better opportunities for students.
At the You Yangs Regional Park, an extension to the Epic Loop Trail will be extended, giving mountain bikers with a longer track and updated facilities. A cultural interpretation space will also be considered, offering visitors more opportunities to connect with Wadawurrung Country.
The release of the designs follows two earlier projects, including the rehabilitation of the popular entrance display pond, and the new Serendip Sanctuary Sensory Garden.
Parks Victoria has also worked with disability services, schools, community groups and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to co-design the sensory garden. CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Bus Australia have generously contributed $45,000 towards its development.
The concepts were identified by the 2022 You Yangs Precinct Master Plan, which was developed in consultation with the community, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and key stakeholders.
Community can provide feedback on the designs until Sunday, 27 April 2025 at engage.vic.gov.au/future-investment-you-yangs-and-serendip-sanctuary.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary are much loved parks and by uplifting the facilities we’re helping boost visitation to the region, and provide growing communities with access to green spaces closer to home.”
“Whether you’re a student at Lara Primary, an avid mountain biker or keen a bird watcher – the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary have something for everyone, and our $11 million investment will strengthen this.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“I know how important the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary are to our local community – and that’s exactly why we are investing in these parks, to ensure they are preserved and protected for years to come.”
"It is an exciting time for the Lara community as we embark of this transformative journey of the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary. I encourage local residents to engage with these draft designs and share your thoughts, as we work together to shape a vibrant future for this beloved precinct."