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William Ricketts Sanctuary

Mount Dandenong Tourist Road | Mount Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
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Ranked #83 of 638 attractions in Victoria
Type: Historic Sites
28 visitor photos
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28 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

Perhaps the only real attraction in Melbourne. No fake, no show off... just brilliant. These sculptures were made of clay and oven dried with genius method.

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Australia
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013 via mobile

This was my second visit to Ricketts Sanctuary in last 4 weeks.. And second round allowed me to take in more detail the amazing sculptures of this talented man and come to understand more about the talented genuine William Rickett was.. He was definitely an enviromental pioneer whose thoughts and understanding of the land and it's protection were way ahead... More

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Northumberland
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

The sanctuary was free to enter which was a nice surprise. The setting was beautiful but the sculptures, whilst well crafted, were the work of a quirky recluse with a social agenda. It only takes half an hour to walk round and that is about all we wanted.

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Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
94 reviews 94 reviews
50 attraction reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2013

This unique wooded reserve presents the life's work of William Ricketts, who used clay to mold the faces of aboriginal people as well as lively, vibrant renderings of the spiritual world he found celebrated by tribes and connected to his own religious creed. He believed in the unity of nature and spirit, man and animal, and so was a fervent... More

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See 2 more reviews by AdventurePhiles for Victoria
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 March 2013

We live only about a 20 minute drive from the William Ricketts Sanctuary but it took us having overseas visitors to actually discover this place. The paths wind through the bush revealing one sculpture after another. However, it would be rather difficult to get around if unable to walk unaided or if pushing a pram. Parking is free and across... More

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Tel Aviv, Israel
Top Contributor
114 reviews 114 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2013 via mobile

A short two day visit to the Dandenong Mountains outside of Melbourne revealed The William Ricketts Sanctuary. Ricketts dedicated his life to understanding the native Aboriginal society, earning their trust, understanding them, and dedicating countless sculptures to the individuals and families he befriended. A walk through the sanctuary is peaceful as you gaze at the lush rainforest and sculptures along... More

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Melbourne, Aust
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2013

We recently took 4 young children to the sanctuary and loved it. It's hidden away from the main road ,so it's a lovely surprise to head in and wind up the hillside to discover many beautiful sculptures. Probably better for older children, as the staff ask that children don't touch any of the sculptures. NB you cannot eat in the... More

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San Diego, California
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 March 2013

What an honest experience of patriotism expressed in conservation effort by William Ricketts and supporters of this sanctuary! The walk was not ordinary, t'was a solemn visit with a lot to absorb; the sculptures were carefully made and so the messages command commitment and " ..co-operation with nature.' A very relevant place for any age group to visit.

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melbourne
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 February 2013

This place is an inspiration. I am in awe of William Ricketts, his love for the land and the aboriginal people. When visiting the Dandenongs this sanctuary is a must. Closed on Code red fire days. Lots of steps and hills to see all the sculptures, toilets on site but again need to walk up hill or stairs. Free entry... More

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2013

I recently took an overseas friend to the santuary after not going myself for a number of years. We were both impressed with the way the Parks people has enhansed the enterance and provided information and background to what we were about to see. The sculptues are wonderful, set into beautiful rocks amidst tall forest and tree ferns. The paths... More

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