Explore
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, featuring extraordinary sculptures of people and animals half-hidden in the natural environment, just waiting to be discovered.
Interconnecting paths take you on a magical tour of cool temperate forest, lush fern gullies, and the 92 striking sculptures, perfect for quiet reflection and contemplation of the vision of artist William Ricketts.
An audio tour bringing to life the work and passion of William Ricketts is available for hire at the sanctuary for a fee of $5.
A gallery featuring additional works by William Ricketts, as well as information on the artist and his sculptures, can be found in the north-west area of the grounds.
Opening hours
William Ricketts Sanctuary is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm except Christmas Days, days of Total Fire Ban and Severe Weather events.
Entrance to the sanctuary is free.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
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There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know the all best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
William Ricketts Sanctuary
When you're there
Download the William Ricketts Sanctuary visitor guide (PDF) for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Take an audio tour of the sanctuary
An audio tour bringing to life the work and passion of William Ricketts is available for hire at the sanctuary for a fee of $5.00.
With 92 sculptures of people and animals to explore in their magnificent natural surroundings, the full-length audio tour takes you on a journey through the Sanctuary, bringing to life the work and passion of William Ricketts.
The audio tour provides fascinating insight into William Ricketts life, particularly the time spent with communities in Central Australia, and his message to the Australian people regarding the relationship between our natural environment and Indigenous people.
Use the audio tour and map (PDF) to enrich your experience in the sanctuary or learn about the sanctuary as you travel to the park, or back at home.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary audio tour, part 1 (8MB MP3): An introduction to the sanctuary, guiding you from the information centre to the old house where videos are on display.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary audio tour, part 2 (10MB MP3): Takes you from the 'shrine' at the back of the old house, into the grotto and up to the base of the new house on the main track.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary audio tour, part 3 (11MB MP3): Guides you through some of William Ricketts' more expansive and well-known works. It starts at Australia Crucified, passing through the gallery, past the Earthly Mother, Pmara Kutata and returns you to the information centre at the end of the tour.
Need to know
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Accessibility
William Ricketts Sanctuary is not suitable for picnics. Nearby picnic areas are available in the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and parts of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Built on the side of a hill, the sanctuary is not big and can be explored slowly. However, manual wheelchair users may need assistance due to the steepness of some sections of the paths.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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William Ricketts Sanctuary
William Ricketts Sanctuary - temporary closure
Following the significant storm event on 9 June 2021, William Ricketts Sanctuary was heavily impacted by fallen trees and branches.Assessment of the storm damage at William Ricketts Sanctuary so far has found 32 sculptures have been damaged. The public toilets, original residence, Stone Studio and Kiln have also been damaged as well as fencing, pathways and handrails.The Sanctuary remains dangerous for the public to enter – the risk of weakened or damaged trees and branches falling is still extremely high, even on days that look calm. There is often no warning and no time to get out of the way.The Sanctuary will need to remain closed into 2022 as we carry out the significant and complex work needed to make it safe for people to enjoy once more. We’re asking Victorians to put their safety first and observe site closures, signage and fenced-off areas as trees, rocks and soil may continue to move – especially during or after rain.Please refer to the Parks Victoria website for up to date information relating to closures and change of conditions.
