After closing due to severe storm damage in June 2021, the intriguing William Ricketts Sanctuary is finally open for visitors. Located in a ferny glade in the Dandenong Ranges, just one hour away from Melbourne, this beloved garden is filled with ceramic sculptures by artist William Ricketts, as well as winding paths through lush fern gullies and beneath mountain ash trees. The sanctuary is opening in stages, so things might look a bit different to what you remember. The first stage of the sanctuary reopened to the public earlier this week, on Monday, August 3. Entry is free, and the garden is open daily between 10am and 4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm.
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Tucked away in the cool and temperate forest, you’ll find this peaceful sanctuary and outdoor gallery. The garden is filled with interconnecting paths for you to amble along, and as you go, you’ll see 92 sculptures created by local artist and environmentalist William Ricketts. The sanctuary itself was his major life’s work, and he lived there from 1934 until his death in 1993, at the ripe old age of 94.
Consisting of people and animals, these sculptural forms are integrated seamlessly into the earth. Wander slowly beneath the towering trees, and look out for these half-hidden pieces.
To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended that you make a clockwise loop. This 900 metre trail will take you by all the major sculptures in the park, and takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
However, as the garden is built into the side of a hill, some sections can be quite steep, uneven and slippery.
Please note that some areas, including the original residence and gallery building area, are still fenced off for works.
Before entering the site, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should know that the site may contain records and depictions of the deceased. There will also be artwork that reflects the author’s views, or the views of the period in which the piece was created, that are not considered appropriate today.
To learn more about the sanctuary, click here.
Getting there:
You’ll find the park on Mount Dandenong, just an hour away from Melbourne by car. There is a public car park opposite the entrance, so just be careful when crossing the road.
Otherwise, take the train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station on the Belgrave line, or Croydon Station on the Lilydale line. Then, take the 688 bus, which stops right outside the sanctuary. Plan your journey via public transport here.
đź“Ť1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
What else can you do?
While you’re in the area, stick around the Dandenong Ranges and check out some other pretty places, such as Burkes Lookout, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, the ngurrak barring art and culture trail and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Pop into the nearby village of Olinda for a bite to eat, and check out the cute boutiques while you’re there.
