This consultation is now closed.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on the future expansion of the Tirhatuan Park Sensory Trail.

Your insights have been invaluable in shaping the final plan and ensuring the trail evolves into a welcoming destination that enhances wellbeing, accessibility, and connection to nature for people of all ages and abilities.

We have also undertaken further engagement with Council's Conservation Team, who are supportive of the project and will continue to work closely with the Open Space team as the designs progress for each zone.

The updated layout now includes:

• a new path connection between Zones 9 and 1 to create a looped trail
• increased re-vegetation to strengthen habitat and sensory experiences
• additional seating to support comfort and accessibility.

Each zone offers its own unique design elements and sensory focus, which will be explored in more detail during the design development of each individual zone.

We are pleased to share that the City of Greater Dandenong has received Federal Government funding to construct Zone 1, the Texture Garden, in the 2026–27 financial year.

Community consultation on Zone 1 will open in March 2026, providing an opportunity for you to review the concept plan for the Texture Garden and provide feedback before the project progresses to detailed design.

The project aims to create an inclusive and accessible sensory trail that enhances wellbeing and connection to nature.

It is designed to stimulate the senses through features like texture gardens, wind forests, and birdwatching stations, offering unique experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The sensory trail will build on the park's existing features, such as the Dandenong Creek trail and wetlands, native vegetation, public art installations, wildlife habitats, and open spaces. These features will be integrated into the design of the trail.

The park is subject to flooding, therefore integrating the existing drainage infrastructure into the design will be an important consideration.

Tirhatuan Park is a large 20+ hectare recreation reserve located in Dandenong North.

The park features wetlands, native vegetation, and open spaces that provide important linkages between the Dandenong Valley Parklands and the Dandenong Creek Trail.

The sensory trail is a large-scale project split into a number of different zones that may be delivered separately as funding becomes available.

Funding is subject to future capital improvement bids being supported through Council’s annual budget process.

Opportunities to obtain grant funding will be explored.