 Traveller
safety information
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Situated in the Dandenongs in a ferny glade, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.
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Things to Do
Kiln-fired clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures are discreetly set among rocks, fern trees and Mountain Ash. These sculptures are an expression of Rickett's philosophy - that all people need to act as custodians of the natural environment in the same way as Aborigines, the inspiration for much of his work. 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.
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Facilities
- Toilets, water, Gatehouse/shop, Information Centre, Gallery, kiln display area and audio-visual display are available. Entrance fees apply.
- Car parking is available opposite the Sanctuary.
- Baby changing facilities
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Heritage
In the 1930s, William Rickets bought a four-acre bush block on Mount Dandenong and called it Potter's Sanctuary. Word spread about the extraordinary sculptures that began to adorn the property. In time, the Victorian Government heard about his work and, in the early 1960s, the land and adjoining blocks were bought for the people. William Ricketts lived on at the Sanctuary into his nineties and continued to create his sculptures until his death in 1993. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria
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Vegetation
Fern trees and Mountain Ash are found throughout the sanctuary.
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Looking After the Park
- Take all rubbish with you.
- Dogs are not permitted in the sanctuary.
- No eating, drinking, picnicking or smoking is permitted.
- All native plants and animals are protected.
- Leave the sanctuary as you find it.
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How to Get There
Access is via Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong (Melway ref: 66 G1). A bus runs from Croydon Station. The Sanctuary is open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily (except Christmas Day). The sanctuary can also be closed to the public due to dangerous weather conditions, high fire risk or for major works. If your window of opportunity to visit is limited please call 13 1963 on the day of your planned visit to confirm it is open. Group bookings can be arranged by phoning William Ricketts Sanctuary on 13 1963. Admission (Prices valid 1 Sept 09 - 31 Aug 10) Adult: $7.10
Concession: $5.50
Child (age 15-17): $3.20 under 15 free
Family (2 adults, 3 children): $17.40
Annual Adult Pass $21
Annual Concession Pass $16.50
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Special Needs Access
The main circulation path around William Ricketts Sanctuary offers a good level of access to the remarkable sculptures that emerge from the lush forest setting as if growing there. There are a number of obstacles around the site. General car parking is on the opposite site of the road, and the driveway to the front gate is steep. The Visitor Centre is generally accessible, as is the studio building. The display building is poorly accessible due to a narrow entrance and corridor width, as well as poor lighting.
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Nearby Parks
- Alfred Nicholas Gardens
- Dandenong Ranges National Park
- George Tindale Memorial Gardens
- National Rhododendron Gardens
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Guided Activities
1. Car / Limousine Tours (J5)
2. Coach/Bus Tours (J1)
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Publications
Links to other websites 1.
Metlink - Public Transport Information
Brochures 1.
William Ricketts Sanctuary (331KB)
2.
Great Gardens of the Dandenongs (1.02MB)
3.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Park Notes / Maps 1.
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (English)
2.
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Chinese - simplified)
3.
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Chinese - traditional)
4.
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Dutch)
5.
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (French)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (German)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Hindi)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Indonesian)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Italian)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Japanese)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Spanish)
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William Ricketts Sanctuary - Visitor Guide (Vietnamese)
Books & DVDs 1.
Australiandia Land of the Holy Spirit
2.
Sherbrooke Forest: its Flora and History
3.
The Forest of Love
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