Explore
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Gardens of the Dandenongs
Interconnecting paths take you on a magical tour of cool temperate forest, lush fern gullies, and the 92 striking sculptures, perfect for quiet reflection and contemplation of the vision of artist William Ricketts.
An audio tour bringing to life the work and passion of William Ricketts is available for hire at the sanctuary for a fee of $5.
A gallery featuring additional works by William Ricketts, as well as information on the artist and his sculptures, can be found in the north-west area of the grounds.
Opening hours
William Ricketts Sanctuary is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm except Christmas Days, days of Total Fire Ban and Severe Weather events.
Entrance to the sanctuary is free.
Tours in the area
Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.
If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.
Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.
How to get there
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Gardens of the Dandenongs
When you're there
Download the William Ricketts Sanctuary visitor guide (PDF) for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Take an audio tour of the sanctuary
An audio tour bringing to life the work and passion of William Ricketts is available for hire at the sanctuary for a fee of $5.00.
With 92 sculptures of people and animals to explore in their magnificent natural surroundings, the full-length audio tour takes you on a journey through the Sanctuary, bringing to life the work and passion of William Ricketts.
The audio tour provides fascinating insight into William Ricketts life, particularly the time spent with communities in Central Australia, and his message to the Australian people regarding the relationship between our natural environment and Indigenous people.
Use the audio tour and map (PDF) to enrich your experience in the sanctuary or learn about the sanctuary as you travel to the park, or back at home.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary audio tour, part 1 (8MB MP3): An introduction to the sanctuary, guiding you from the information centre to the old house where videos are on display.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary audio tour, part 2 (10MB MP3): Takes you from the 'shrine' at the back of the old house, into the grotto and up to the base of the new house on the main track.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary audio tour, part 3 (11MB MP3): Guides you through some of William Ricketts' more expansive and well-known works. It starts at Australia Crucified, passing through the gallery, past the Earthly Mother, Pmara Kutata and returns you to the information centre at the end of the tour.
Need to know
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Gardens of the Dandenongs
Accessibility
William Ricketts Sanctuary is not suitable for picnics. Nearby picnic areas are available in the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and parts of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Built on the side of a hill, the sanctuary is not big and can be explored slowly. However, manual wheelchair users may need assistance due to the steepness of some sections of the paths.
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Dandenong Ranges Gardens closed due to significant storm damage
The Dandenong Ranges was heavily impacted by severe storms on 9 June 2021 and the Gardens are closed until further notice.Assessments are still ongoing, but it is anticipated that some areas will be able to open in the coming weeks. Areas where there is extensive damage may be closed for some time. We recommend you check this page for updates on closures.Please note it is dangerous and illegal to enter closed areas and there is still high risk of further trees and branches falling.
