Explore
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Gates are open daily between 10 am to 4 pm, last entry 3:30 pm. This site is free entry.
Parks Victoria is pleased to reopen William Ricketts Sanctuary on Monday 3 August 2026. This is the first stage of reopening the sanctuary after a severe storm closed the site in June 2021, after a mammoth clean up and make safe effort.
The sanctuary may look a little different due to the storm, but the site continues to be a beautiful and fascinating place to explore. Some areas, including the original residence and the gallery building area, are still fenced off to allow further works to be undertaken. Parks Victoria is pleased to welcome back visitors while we continue the works.
We thank the community for their understanding and patience while these works continue. For more information, please subscribe for updates here. Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquility, featuring extraordinary sculptural forms half-hidden in the natural environment, just waiting to be discovered.
This unique sanctuary allows you to meander through the winding, looping paths of this cool temperate, mountain forest, consisting of lush fern gullies and tall Mountain Ash gum trees. Enjoy a stroll through this beautiful environment, perfect for quiet reflection and contemplation of William Ricketts’ ceramic sculptures.
Download the William Ricketts Sanctuary visitor guide (PDF) for more information about the sanctuary.
Cultural advice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this site may contain records and depictions of deceased persons. Some artwork may contain terms that reflects authors views, or those of the period in which the item was written or created, but may not be considered appropriate today and cause offence. These views are not necessarily the views of Parks Victoria or any other representative body. The information provided reflects a historical context.
Things to do
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
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 all the 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
1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong
Driving: The public car park is located opposite the sanctuary entrance, off Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. To access the site you will have to walk across this road. Please take care while crossing. There is also a steep path from the car park to Mount Dandenong Tourist Road that may not be accessible for all.
Public transport: From Melbourne, take the Belgrave Line train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station, or the Lilydale Line train to Croydon Station. From either station, transfer to Bus Route 688 (Mount Dandenong). The bus stops directly outside the sanctuary at the William Ricketts Sanctuary bus stop.
William Ricketts Sanctuary is not suitable for picnics. Nearby picnic areas are available at the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and parts of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
When you're there
Help us care for the sanctuary:
- The sculptures are delicate and not to be touched. Children must be closely supervised.
- There are no rubbish bins provided in this sanctuary; carry in carry out.
- No dogs, cats or other pets are permitted.
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted.
- Drones are not permitted without a pre-approved Parks Victoria permit.
- Plants are protected for the benefit of the community. Leave the plants for others to enjoy.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
Need to know
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Accessibility
Unfortunately, the accessible toilet facilities at the Sanctuary remain closed with the only toilets accessible via a steep path or steps. If you require an accessible toilet, consider visiting one of the suitable public facilities nearby prior to your visit. Nearby accessible toilet facilities can found at National Public Toilet Map.
Safety in nature
Please be aware that this sanctuary is home to wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Wasps may also be in the area.
Paths may become slippery if wet and large trees, which can drop limbs unexpectedly, feature in this area.
This sanctuary is closed on days during severe weather events.
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)
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Temporary Closure
William Ricketts Sanctuary was extensively damaged by a cyclogenesis storm event in June 2021. Many sculptures, buildings, pathways, and handrails were destroyed by numerous large fallen Mountain Ash trees.Our highest priority is public and staff safety, and this site remains too dangerous for the public to enter. Works are continuing to make the Sanctuary safe for Parks Victoria and its contractors to continue the recovery process.Recovery works are continuing at William Ricketts Sanctuary (following the storm), and they include the removal of large fallen and hazardous trees, perimeter fencing repairs, underground utility service reconnections and other important building, asset and facility works (including repairs to or removal of damaged buildings, retaining walls and associated infrastructure). Recovery works for William Ricketts Sanctuary are funded through insurance.
Parks Victoria is pleased to reopen William Ricketts Sanctuary on Monday 3 August 2026. This is the first stage of opening the sanctuary.
What you see now is the first stage of reopening, and Parks Victoria is pleased to welcome back visitors while we continue the works. The sanctuary may look a little different due to the storm, but the site continues to be a beautiful and fascinating place to explore.
How we keep it special
The Crown Land (Reserves) (Metropolitan and Regional Park) Regulations 2023 have been made under Section 13 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Regulations provides that Parks Victoria may make a determination to set aside an area as an area in which an activity or conduct is permitted, required, restricted or prohibited. Additional temporary determinations are put in place from time to time for purposes such as planned burning, seasonal road closures or pest animal control programs. These temporary determinations operate in conjunction with ongoing determinations for general park management and where there is a conflict or perceived conflict these temporary determinations take precedence.