William Ricketts Sanctuary, Dandenong Ranges

William Ricketts Sanctuary, Dandenong Ranges

William Ricketts Sanctuary is located in the Dandenong Ranges (Victoria, Australia) and is a place that feels truly magical. The sanctuary has 92 clay sculptures lovingly created by William to celebrate and reflect his deep love for nature and Indigenous Australians. The sculptures are placed around the sanctuary to form flowing pathways that gently guide you through the sanctuary while surrounded by ferns and eucalyptus trees. William Ricketts Sanctuary is maintained by Parks Victoria and entry is free.

In order for the sculptures to blend into the rocks, William took plaster casts of each rock then modelled the clay perfectly to fit. The clay sculptures were fired in a kiln at 1200oC then placed in the forest scene. This detailed process and the care taken by William makes it feel as though the sculptures are the custodians of the sanctuary and you are sharing their space.

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Cost

Entry to William Ricketts Sanctuary in the Dandenong Ranges is free.

Getting There

William Ricketts Sanctuary is located on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong in Victoria, Australia.

Driving is easy with the car park well signposted. Note the car-park is across the road from the Sanctuary.

Catching public transport from Melbourne? Take the train (Belgrave Line) to Upper Ferntree Gully which takes around 1 hour. Then catch the 688 Croydon-Upper Ferntree Gully bus. There is a bus stop at Williams Ricketts Sanctuary and it will take around 25 minutes. Please ensure you check the Public Transport Victoria website for current timetables and information.

Tips for visiting with children

One of things Noodle (8 year old) loves about William Ricketts Sanctuary is the manageable size. The sanctuary is small, cozy and easy to walk around so you don’t need too much bribery to get around! Allow at least 1 hour for your visit.

Note that food and drinks are not allowed in the Sanctuary, and the sculptures should not be touched.