On 27th November 2025, I had the privilege of stepping into a space that most people haven’t had the chance to experience yet: the brand-new Serendip Sensory Garden in Lara, just outside Geelong. The occasion was the last meeting of Parks Victoria’s Disability and Inclusion Advisory Panel for 2025.
For the past two years, I have been active on the panel, a role that will continue until October 2026. This group brings together people with lived experience of disability to help shape the priorities of the Disability Action Plan. Standing in the Serendip Sensory Garden last week, I felt the significance of the role that people with disabilities have brought to this work.
Five Sensory Spaces
The garden is composed of five sensory spaces; see, hear, smell, touch and taste, each celebrating the different ways people experience the natural world. It is unique because it invites visitors of every ability to connect with nature through all the senses. While many people instinctively begin by looking around, vision is just one of many ways to engage in this unique park.
Collaboration at its best
What makes this space truly special is the thought that has gone into it. It’s an example of true collaboration in which the designers didn’t simply consult the panel—they listened. They unpacked our ideas, asked follow-up questions, and came up with a state-of-the-art example of what accessibility should look like. The result is a garden that celebrates diversity and invites everyone to enjoy its natural beauty.
Some of the Accessibility Features
The paths leading to the various breakout areas shift from pebbly yellow stone that feels crunchy underfoot to smooth pavers that signal you’re entering a new space. Slightly raised metal edging outlines the path width, and the varied textures provide clear, immediate feedback that supports orientation, confidence, and independence – particularly useful for people who are vision impaired.
More Features
A variety of seating options enhance the natural landscape: benches crafted from fallen logs with metal handrails, wooden sun lounges and large flat basalt rocks that merge perfectly into the surroundings. The rest areas seem to appear exactly where you need them! Hundreds of native trees have been planted to create pockets of shade along the pathways. There is also a pond that will soon become home to threatened fish species, adding another layer of ecological significance to the site.
Wadawurrung Artwork
Each sensory space is complemented by beautiful artwork in vibrant colours by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist, Jenna Oldaker. Her pieces feature symbols that translate into words from the Wadawurrung language, each reflecting a deep relationship with Country and weaving culture into every corner of the garden.
A Deep Sense of Calm
In the sound space, the designers have chosen plant species that attract birds and bees, creating a living orchestra of natural sound. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t kind on the meeting day – cold, windy and grey – but I can imagine how different it will feel on a warm, sunny day, when the plants have filled out, the native flowers are blooming, and the grasses rustle in a gentle breeze. A deep sense of calm will fill the space, with no distractions – only the sounds of nature.
Aromatic Plants
Aromatic plants add another sensory layer. Even at this early stage, the scents of lemon myrtle, mint bush, native thyme, lemon-scented gum, and wattle fill the air.
My visit reminded me of the importance of the Disability and Inclusion Advisory Panel. When people with lived experience help shape public spaces, the results aren’t just accessible; they’re welcoming for everyone.
The Serendip Sensory Garden is more than a park. I hope every visitor—families, school groups, locals, tourists, and especially people with disabilities—feels a sense of belonging and connection.
It’s a place where nature speaks to everyone, exactly as they are.
L to R: Wooden sun-lounge in listening space; examples of artwork by Traditional Owner and artist, Jenna Oldaker.
Thanks to Parks Victoria for their dedication to making parks inclusive for everyone. Also thanks to Caroline Bayola for taking such great photos.
