Jun 1

Jun 1 Local outdoors spaces

Autumn, family, fun, mental health, outdoor play, Science, sensory, senses, tree, vegetables, Winter

As the weather begins to cool down, head out into the fresh air to explore local spaces with your children.
Here are a few reserves, parks and sanctuaries that are inviting, full of sensory play, and waiting for you to visit!

The places mentioned here are all local to Geelong/Djilang. If you don’t live in or around Geelong/Djilang, there will be some similar places you can visit in your area - hopefully, this post provides some inspiration for you to search them out.

Serendip Sanctuary (Parks Victoria) 100 Windermere Rd, Lara

Serendip is currently being upgraded and has a large sensory garden to enjoy as you enter. This space invites you to smell, touch, taste, listen and feel. It’s a lovely place to explore with young children. Then there’s a nature trail (pram and wheelchair accessible) to walk, where you will see a variety of birds and animals.

Gateway Sanctuary Nature Playground - 130-168 Melaluka Rd, Leopold.

This is a great nature playground with water-play, rope bridges and a track looping around the sanctuary. A great spot to meet friends and spend a good part of the day.

Johnstone Park, 24–28 Gheringhap Street, Geelong

This park has the perfect hills for grass rolling, and you can follow up with a visit to the library next door! Right near the Geelong Station, it’s easy to access by public transport.

Eastern Beach, 95 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong

Easy to get to, near the centre of town, Eastern Beach is perfect for a shallow paddle, making drawings in the sand and, having a stroll around the boardwalk.

Geelong Botanic Gardens, Corner of Eastern Park Circuit &, Podbury Dr, East Geelong

The Botanic Gardens can be a little bit of a magical place to explore. There is an indoor greenhouse, autumn leaves on the lawn, a vegetable garden and lots of pathways to run along!

Balyang Sanctuary, 1-11 Marnock Road, Newtown

This is the perfect spot for a picnic, with big open spaces, bridges, and a walking track that is great for prams and bikes. There are also waterbirds, such as cormorants, ducks, and swans. - Take along some binoculars for bird spotting *(and added fun!)

The Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve, Common Rd, Inverleigh

This reserve has walking tracks to explore while you listen for birdlife, try to spot a rare orchid, and find amazing trees. If you’re lucky, you might see some kangaroos or echidnas.