Just about an hour and a half away from Melbourne CBD, tucked away in a leafy glade in the Dandenong Ranges, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, where extraordinary sculptures seem to emerge from the natural surroundings.
I first posted about this hidden gem in 2021, Hidden Away in Mt Dandenong, when we were encouraged to explore our own backyard during the pandemic.
Just a few months later, a severe storm in June 2021 caused extensive damage to the sanctuary, forcing it to close for more than five years. It just recently officially reopened its first stage on August 3, 2026, and Jack and I decided to revisit it this morning on a beautiful day. It was wonderful to see this special place open again and slowly coming back to life.
The whole place shows William Ricketts’ strong connection to Aboriginal culture. His sculptures were inspired by Aboriginal people, their relationship with nature, and their beliefs.
I am linking this to:
Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge
Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
A wonderful place Teresa. The art is amazing
I was wondering why it closed for so long, but glad it reopened.
Wow! What an incredible experience.
Yes Donna, it is such an amazing place.
I have been there. It is definitely a lovely hidden gem which I think most locals don’t know exists.
Well it is literally hidden in the trees of the Dandenongs. But now it is I think half open so that is great.
I was told about it by one Melbourne friend and taken there by another Melbourne friend who didn’t know about it prior to that. This was in 2019.
Oh before the Pandemic. Maybe I just know it because I live quite near here.
Extraordinary sculptures, Teresa. What a very beautiful place xx
Gkad you think so…it is such a beautiful place indeed.
Wow! That is an absolutely stunning place. Thank you for sharing.
Stopping in from Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share: https://brewingcoffeetwistingwordsbreakingpencils.ca/2026/09/04/caffeine-captures/
Thanks. Glad to share it.
Incredible sculptures, Teresa. What a special place. Thank you for your PPAC contribution.
Such work of art really. Thanks Natalie.
I haven’t been there for years.
Well it was closed for five years. You can visit it again. better when it completely opens.
I did a post myself, Teresa, on this lovely place quite a while ago. I hadn’t realised it had been badly damaged. Thanks for the photos.
Yes it was. and for five years it was closed. Glad it reopened. Thanks Coral.
Looks like a wonderful place to visit. I am so glad they were able to reopen the sanctuary. Your pics of the sculptures are wonderful. 😊
Thanks so much Pepper. I had been monitoring it every now and then and was seeing that it was still closed. So I was surprised to see it on the website that it did reopen.
The carvings are phenominal!
I think so too. Thanks Mama.