William Ricketts Sanctuary

William Ricketts Sanctuary is one of the most unusual attractions in the Dandenong Ranges, combining sculpture, forest and personal artistic expression in a setting unlike any conventional gallery.

Hidden among the Mountain Ash and fern-filled forests of Mount Dandenong, the sanctuary contains ceramic sculptures positioned throughout the landscape rather than displayed in traditional exhibition spaces.

Faces emerge from rock walls, figures appear among tree roots, and sculptures blend into the surrounding vegetation. The forest is not simply the backdrop for the artwork — it is an essential part of the experience.

Created over several decades by Victorian sculptor William Ricketts, the sanctuary remains one of the region’s most distinctive cultural attractions.

For visitors exploring the northern Dandenong Ranges, it provides a slower, more reflective experience that contrasts with the gardens, lookouts and family attractions nearby.

The Story of William Ricketts Sanctuary

William Ricketts began developing the sanctuary in the 1930s after purchasing land on Mount Dandenong.

Over much of his life, he created sculptures inspired by his connection with nature, humanity and his interpretation of Aboriginal spirituality.

Rather than placing artworks inside a building, Ricketts integrated them into the landscape, creating a place where visitors move through the forest and discover sculptures along winding paths.

The sanctuary contains more than 90 major sculptures, including figures representing humans, animals and natural forms.

The result is a place that feels part garden, part sculpture trail and part forest walk.

The Sculptures & Forest Setting

The relationship between the artwork and landscape is what makes William Ricketts Sanctuary unique.

Visitors do not walk through a sequence of gallery rooms. Instead, sculptures appear gradually as paths wind through the forest.

The setting changes throughout the year:

• winter brings mist, rain and a cooler forest atmosphere;
• spring highlights ferns and new growth;
• summer provides shaded walking conditions;
• autumn brings changing vegetation.

The damp mountain environment has become part of the sanctuary’s character, with moss, plants, and weathering contributing to the appearance of the sculptures.

Photography is popular here, although visitors should remember that the artworks are fragile and should not be touched.

Cultural Context & Interpretation

William Ricketts was strongly influenced by his visits to Central Australia and his encounters with Aboriginal communities.

His sculptures reflect his own artistic interpretation of connections between people, nature and spirituality.

Visitors should understand that the sanctuary represents William Ricketts’ personal interpretation, rather than an authoritative representation of Aboriginal culture.

Modern interpretation acknowledges that some historical language and representations associated with the sanctuary reflect the attitudes of their time and may not align with contemporary understandings.

This context does not remove the sanctuary’s significance as an artist’s lifelong work, but it helps visitors approach the experience thoughtfully.

Reopening After the 2021 Storm

The sanctuary experienced major disruption following the June 2021 storms that affected large parts of the Dandenong Ranges.

The storm caused:

• fallen trees;
• damage to paths;
• safety concerns;
• impacts to parts of the property.

The sanctuary remained closed for several years while recovery and safety works were completed.

The reopening restored public access to the main outdoor sculpture areas, although visitors should be aware that recovery and maintenance works may continue.

Visitors returning after the closure may notice changes to paths, vegetation and accessible areas.

Exploring the Sanctuary

A visit is best approached slowly.

The attraction is not about covering a large distance or completing a challenging walk. The appeal comes from taking time to notice the details:

• sculptures hidden among vegetation;
• changing forest views;
• small artistic details;
• the relationship between artwork and landscape.

Allow around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for most visits.

Visitors who enjoy photography, reading interpretation or exploring at a slower pace may spend longer.

Accessibility & Facilities

William Ricketts Sanctuary is located on a steep forested hillside, so accessibility requires some planning.

Facilities and paths have been improved, but visitors should expect:

• slopes;
• uneven surfaces;
• natural terrain;
• a road crossing between parking and the entrance.

The sanctuary is not a flat gallery environment.

Visitors with limited mobility should consider the terrain before visiting and allow additional time.

Facilities include:

• toilets;
• walking paths;
• interpretation signs.

There are no cafés or picnic facilities within the sanctuary.

Nearby villages such as Olinda and Sassafras provide better options for meals and refreshments.

Getting There & Parking

William Ricketts Sanctuary is located at:
1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road
Mount Dandenong VIC

Driving is the easiest way to visit.

From Melbourne, the journey generally takes around one hour, depending on traffic.

The sanctuary is close to several major Dandenong Ranges attractions, making it easy to combine with:

• SkyHigh Mount Dandenong;
• Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden;
• Olinda;
• Sassafras.

Parking is available in the designated public car park.

Important:
The car park is not directly beside the sanctuary entrance.

Visitors need to walk from the parking area and cross Mount Dandenong Tourist Road to reach the entrance.

Weekend parking can become busy, particularly since the sanctuary’s reopening.

Public Transport

Public transport is a realistic option.

Route 688 buses connect the sanctuary with:

• Upper Ferntree Gully Station;
• Croydon Station.

The bus stops near the sanctuary entrance.

Visitors relying on public transport should check current timetables because services through the ranges are less frequent than metropolitan routes.

Nearby Attractions

William Ricketts Sanctuary works particularly well as part of a northern Dandenong Ranges itinerary.

Nearby attractions include:

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

A popular viewpoint with restaurant facilities and panoramic views.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

A large cool-climate garden featuring seasonal displays and walking areas.

Olinda Village

A mountain village with cafés, shops and local attractions.

Sassafras Village

Known for independent shops, cafés and historic village atmosphere.

A common itinerary is:
Morning walk or garden visit, lunch in Olinda or Sassafras, then William Ricketts Sanctuary or a nearby lookout.

William Ricketts Sanctuary FAQs

How long should I spend at William Ricketts Sanctuary?
Allow around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for most visits. Visitors who enjoy photography and taking time with the sculptures may stay longer.

Is William Ricketts Sanctuary suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be closely supervised because the sanctuary contains fragile artworks, slopes, and natural terrain.

Is William Ricketts Sanctuary wheelchair accessible?
Parts of the sanctuary have accessible features, but the hillside setting includes slopes, uneven surfaces and a road crossing that may make access challenging for some visitors.

Can I bring my dog to William Ricketts Sanctuary?
No. Dogs are not permitted, except for approved assistance dogs.

Is William Ricketts Sanctuary free to visit?
Yes. Entry is free.

Do I need to book before visiting?
General entry does not currently require booking.

What is the best time to visit William Ricketts Sanctuary?
The sanctuary can be visited year-round. Cooler months often create a particularly atmospheric forest setting, while spring and autumn offer changing vegetation.