william ricketts sanctuary

GillianK480

Had been wanting to visit here for many years, and finally had the opportunity in February. The Information Centre is excellent. The sculptures are magnificent, but many are damaged and in need of repair. There are limited repairs underway, but the whole place could do with a general clean up. Needs to have some money thrown at it. Having said that, the site in the forest is beautiful, quiet, and the video presentations are interesting and informative. Not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Greatholidays4all

It's a bit of a hike, well for me anyway (cause i'm lazy) but the hike is worth it. You have an up hill hike from the car park accross the Rd. Then you enter the Santuary throught the infomation centre, the staff a very nice and you can make a small donation if you like (donation tins available around santuary) , which we did. Then you stroll along the pathways, which have detours up the hill to see more and more sulptures, after a short while you reach Williams cottage, where you can sit and watch a TV presentaion. Then off again. After a while you realise that William Ricketts loved to Sulpture Aboriginal Men Women and Children and to me his sulputres all started to look alike. Don't get me wrong, they are lovley sulputres. And you could not ask for a more lovley site. It was a nice hour out of our Sunday.

johnsD278PN

Very strange that the Tourist Information in Melbourne looked entirely blank when asked about the William Ricketts Sanctuary - but nothing daunted we set off by train and bus up into the mountains. Billy Connolly had visited - as a result I suspect the Sanctuary is better known in Scotland!The word "awesome" is used to extinction. But this is indeed awesome. Ricketts spirituality speaks from the sculptures in a way that slows down your whole pace to take in what he wanted to show to us. They are wonderful.We asked the Parks service staff about the marketing - they said that numbers had doubled after the Connolly film - but that they were happy not to attract big crowds that would compromise the very special ambience. So please visit."Brunch" cafe 200 metres along the road is welcoming, inexpensive and great food.

Jeannie2207

We visited this sculpture garden on a Sunday and it was quite busy. William Ricketts had made many sculptures over his lifetime. My partner and I disagreed on whether we liked this place or not. He quite enjoyed the whole ethos of the sanctuary which was William Rickett's oneness with the supreme being and the aboriginal people and he liked the sculptures, but I didn't find the sculptures at all appealing and in fact I thought them quite sinister and felt it was all rather spooky but I do appreciate this is a personal opinion and we both differed

shlomoy690

This place is very unique, walking around the forest with sculptures of Aboriginals everywhere with a deep message lies underneath them. A place that make you think, feel and appreciate nature. All by one special artist ahead of his time. Very organized and entrance is free, just 45 minutes from Melbourne.

Veelind

A must see, place quite something, around the grounds are clay sculptures portraying an artists view on life well before his time. On how he went and lived with aboriginals. If only man had listened to him!

axayuchil

Sanctuary is amust look For art lovers gorgiousss forest with art instalations plesentn talllll ukliptus trees n treeferns

TheWench

Visited here on our way out for lunch and it was a very interesting walk. The sanctuary is full of stone carvings half hidden in the trees and plants. If you have mobility problems you may find it difficult as there are uneven steps. I would also recommend wearing insect repellent as it is very damp and the Mosquitos love it!

Karry86

I was recommended to visit this sanctuary, its very unique, crafty. the sculptures are beautiful, the atmosphere thats created by the forest, the sculptures is sooo beautiful.

305kareny

Medium sized sanctuary. It is well worth going for the beautiful forest walks and ferny surroundings. Entry is free and by donations. Lots of sculptures along all the walks.

jennifer873

Such a peaceful place to go its my 2nd time there. The sculptures show so much respect for the Aboriginal people. I cant stop thinking about some of the piecesA must see for sure

550thereseg

Took the family here. Enough to keep the kids happy and the adults alike. Beautiful setting, gorgeous sculptures. Highly recommended.

M447PMmarkm

Set in beautiful garden surrounds, William Ricketts Sanctuary showcases the work of the eponymous sculptor. Inside, you'll find wood carved sculptures blended into a typical Dandenongs fern garden. Ricketts work seeks to capture his love of nature, and his respect for the traditional Aboriginal owners of the area and their connection with their land.The sanctuary is a very peaceful place to visit for an hour or so and enjoy the artwork. A video presentation is also available onsite for those wanting more information about the man and his work.Ricketts bequeathed the sanctuary to the State of Victoria and today it's managed by Parks Victoria. Entry is free, however a donation is requested towards maintenance of the site.

SeanB299

A family friend recommended William Ricketts Sanctuary on our visit to Melbourne. What a beautiful place and well worth the visit. The drive to the sanctuary is beautiful in itself. Although small the sanctuary is amazing and the sculptures were incredible.

lyndragon

Saw this place on TV in Wales 4 years ago and it was well worth waiting to see. It has free entry but everyone should give at least $20 donation as this place needs to keep open as it has to be one of the best attractions in Victoria. Every step you take in the gardens gives you a different perspective of the sculptures. They are so beautiful everyone should visit.