William Ricketts Sanctuary
Artistic Natural Haven in The Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, Victoria
A trip to the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ideally includes a visit to the beautiful William Ricketts Sanctuary.to see sculptures and natural beauty.
What is the William Ricketts Sanctuary?
William Ricketts Sanctuary in the Dandenong Ranges, only a short drive from the centre of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is a serene and engrossing tribute to William Rickets and his wonderful sculptures, his love of the bush and aboriginal culture and his sense of childhood delight and poetry.
William Ricketts Sanctuary a place of peace and mystery that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Allow plenty of time and really enjoy the experience. A visit for an hour will seem very brief or half a day can be eaten up in quite reflection.
William Ricketts’ naturally beautiful and entrancing artworks are displayed in amongst ferns and soaring gum trees. The pathways meander through the sanctuary and often the sculptures are a joyful surprise as you turn a corner or explore a bushland grotto.
Who was William Ricketts?
William Ricketts was an artist who had a deep and abiding love of the natural environment. He believed that people are custodians of the earth and was inspired by the connection that Australian Aborigines have with the land. Many of William Ricketts’ sculptures reflect his high opinion of these people and their relationship to the earth. Aboriginal figures and animals seemingly grow from the rocks, lie hidden amongst the ferns and appear as one with the bush. In all there are over 90 sculptures to discover.
Who Should Visit The William Ricketts Sanctuary?
Everyone. Once you have visited William Rickets Sanctuary it is likely you will want to repeat the experience. Many international visitors come back to this special place when they next travel in Australia.
Visitors who want a little breath of fresh air and a taste of serenity on a busy tourist schedule will love the William Rickets Sanctuary.
The Best Time To Visit The William Ricketts sanctuary?
For the best possible and most relaxing visit without too many other people, then try and make your visit in the early morning. The Sanctuary opens at 10.00am. At this time it is possible the visitor may also see birds and animals that would not be around later in the day.
Things To Do At William Ricketts Sanctuary
In addition to seeing the sculptures and enjoying the walk there is also an audio-visual display in which William Ricketts shares his vision and his philosophy, a small shop, gallery, and the original kiln used to make the sculptures.
To Make A Visit To William Rickettts Sanctuary Safe and Enjoyable
It is important to note that the plants and animals in the Sanctuary are protected and must not be scared, picked or damaged and there is no eating, drinking, smoking or picnicking allowed in the William Ricketts Sanctuary and dogs are not permitted. Given the narrow paths in many places there is limited access for disabled visitors.
Getting There
William Rickets Sanctuary is on the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. The car park is on the opposite side of the road. The Sanctuary can also be accessed by bus from Croydon Station. It is open from 10.00am – 4.30pm everyday except Christmas Day and may be closed if there is a Total Fire Ban in force during the summer months. Call 13 1963 for any information regarding opening hours.
Cost:
Adult $6.00, Concession $5.00, Child (age 10-14): $3.00, Family (2 adults, 2 children) $15.00, Children under 10 years are admitted free of charge. These prices are subject to change.
