The Whistle-stop Sensory Garden at Altona Miniature Railway

This fun educational space will provide children, including those with sensory processing disorders, spaces to explore and learn about nature and their senses. Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch, and Smell experiences will engage them from the moment they enter the Sensory Trail. This leads to: the Kaleidoscope Space with its riot of colour and wind chimes; the Amazing Space contains a wooden/stone labyrinth; the Play Room houses the sand pit; the Pizza Garden’s raised beds will produce take-home ingredients; and, Sensory Tracks provide underfoot textural experiences. The public will have access one day per month and group visits will be arranged.

Although this garden is purpose built for children it will also benefit other members of the community who experience it. As gardens are friendly and inclusive places, where diverse people can relax and get together, they also contribute to the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of users. The garden will significantly beautify and improve the miniature railway site, for its members, new visitors, returning patrons and local residents. It will also provide volunteer opportunities for individuals, schools, organisations and community groups to become involved in the nurturing of the garden, the creation of additional sensory spaces and hosting special events.