William Ricketts Sanctuary (William Ricketts Sanctuary)

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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William Ricketts Sanctuary (William Ricketts Sanctuary)

How to get there

William Ricketts Sanctuary (William Ricketts Sanctuary)

William Ricketts Sanctuary (William Ricketts Sanctuary)

Facilities

Toilets
Carpark
Visitor Centre

Need to know

William Ricketts Sanctuary (William Ricketts Sanctuary)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No bicycles
  • Restricted opening hours
  • No fires permitted
  • No dogs allowed
  • No vehicles
  • Management vehicle only

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • Limbs may fall take care

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

William Ricketts Sanctuary - Temporary Closure

Parks Victoria has fully re-opened 14 of the 17 parks impacted by a severe cyclogenesis storm event in the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges on June 9, 2021.  The storm resulted in fallen trees and branches, blocked access to roads and tracks and damage to numerous assets.
 
William Ricketts Sanctuary was extensively damaged, with many sculptures, buildings, pathways and handrails destroyed by numerous large fallen trees. Our highest priority is public and staff safety, and this site remains too dangerous to enter.
 
We are continuing to work on a plan to reopen William Ricketts Sanctuary, but it is going to take longer than other sites due to the sheer scale of the damage and the artistic and cultural importance of the sculptures.
 
Storm recovery works have commenced at William Ricketts Sanctuary. Initial perimeter fuel break clearing, fallen timber and hazardous tree removal works have occurred within the Sanctuary’s 13-hectare bushland block, the 2-hectare sculpture gallery and public car park. Further fallen timber, debris and boundary fencing repairs will commence shortly.
 
At this stage, there is no specific date when the Sanctuary will re-open, but it is not expected to be before 2024.
 
We are grateful to the local community, our stakeholders and visitors for their patience and continued priority to keep safe by staying outside of this closed area.
 
Please continue to refer to the Parks Victoria website for up-to-date information relating to closures and change of conditions.

Attachments: WRS June 2021 Storm Damage Images (4,291KB)

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