In the heart of Ulverstone, a once-derelict duck pond has been transformed into one of Tasmania’s most inclusive public spaces – the Tobruk Park Sensory Garden.
The project began when the former bird sanctuary deteriorated, with poor water quality creating a biological hazard. Central Coast Council made the decision to relocate the remaining ducks and reimagine the site as a therapeutic garden to improve well-being, accessibility, and biodiversity.
Delivered in-house for $500,000, the project balanced affordability with sustainability. Council staff used recycled rubble fill for drainage, preserved mature trees through strict Tree Protection Zones, and integrated existing Teatree wetlands – a threatened vegetation community – into the overall design.
The park has been designed with people and the environment at its core, incorporating principles from medical research that highlight the importance of engaging all the senses for cognitive healing and overall well-being.
Accessibility was a priority. The garden includes three-metre-wide concrete paths with gentle gradients, raised planting tubs to support wheelchair users, and shaded seating areas for rest and reflection. Plantings such as calming Lavender and tactile Lamb’s Ears were chosen alongside drought-tolerant, non-allergenic species to provide both comfort and sustainability.
Community input shaped key decisions. The Ulverstone Dementia Café advised on sensory needs, including gradual transitions between zones to avoid overstimulation, while Council’s Access and Inclusion Group guided pathway widths and signage. Their feedback led to practical changes such as removing artificial lighting, which can disorient people with dementia, and ensuring paths complied fully with Disability Discrimination Act standards.
The result is a therapeutic, multi-sensory space that welcomes people of all ages and abilities – including those living with dementia and their carers. What was once a stagnant pond is now a safe, vibrant garden that puts inclusivity and healing at the centre of local design.
