William Ricketts Sanctuary (Mount Dandenong)

The William Ricketts Sanctuary covers four acres of beautiful fern gully land with 92 ceramic sculptures, near the top of Mt Dandenong.

Situated in the Dandenongs in a ferny glade, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.

Things to Do

Kiln-fired clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures are discreetly set among rocks, fern trees and Mountain Ash. These sculptures are an expression of Rickett's philosophy - that all people need to act as custodians of the natural environment in the same way as Aborigines, the inspiration for much of his work.

Stroll through the gardens and explore the 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings.

Enjoy the audio-visual display featuring William Ricketts where visitors can see for themselves the vision and passion that live in his art.

Heritage

In the 1930s, William Rickets bought a four-acre bush block on Mount Dandenong and called it Potter's Sanctuary. Word spread about the extraordinary sculptures that began to adorn the property. In time, the Victorian Government heard about his work and, in the early 1960s, the land and adjoining blocks were bought for the people. William Ricketts lived on at the Sanctuary into his nineties and continued to create his sculptures until his death in 1993.

Opening Hours:

Open daily 10am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day, Total Fire Ban days, or when under maintenance).
NOTE: Closed due to storm damage (probably will re-open in 2024)

Cost:

Free Admission

Review:

The kids had fun finding all the sculptures in the Sanctuary. There are well-defined paths to follow with cross-connections and branches. There are huge Mountain Ash trees and growth over the paths which makes it very shady and cool on a hot day. There are also some shaded seats scattered about and toilets. No food or drink is allowed but there is a cafe near the entrance. Be careful when going from the car park to the entrance because the path crosses a busy road.

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