Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, featuring extraordinary sculptures of people and animals half-hidden in the natural environment, just waiting to be discovered.

Aug 24, 2023 · Each of the 92 clay sculptures represent the essence of the Aboriginal culture, lifestyle and spirituality. You will also find some sculptures of Australian wildlife as well. Named after the famous artist William Ricketts, this beautiful sanctuary is a worthy place for a weekend getaway or day trip.

Jul 1, 2019 · Each kiln fired clay sculpture is unique. William Ricketts was born in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond in 1898. By 1934 he had settled permanently in Mt Dandenong after a youth spent developing his skills playing the violin, creating jewelry and learning the art of clay sculpting.

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.

Jan 13, 2010 · Born in 1898, William Ricketts began developing his skill in clay modeling in his teen years. In the 1930s he purchased a four-acre plot of land on Mount Dandenong, naming it 'Potter's Sanctuary'.

Interconnecting paths take you on a magical tour of cool temperate forest, lush fern gullies and the striking sculptures of William Ricketts. A total of 92 Ricketts sculptures are dotted throughout the sanctuary. Walking is suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

Stroll through the gardens and explore the 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings. Enjoy the audio-visual display featuring William Ricketts where visitors can see for themselves the vision and passion that live in his art.

Oct 7, 2015 · Situated in the Dandenongs in a ferny glade, the William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquility, due to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along enchanting pathways.

Jun 26, 2017 · Our photos and all the necessary trip planning information for a visit to the William Ricketts Sanctuary in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia.

The sanctuary is located in the Dandenong Ranges about an hour east of Melbourne. It is nestled in rain forest with tall gums and the call of wild birds all around. There is a very good cafe which is across the road, and adjacent to the large sanctuary car park.