Explore
William Ricketts Sanctuary
In June 2021, a significant storm event severely impacted the Dandenong Ranges, resulting in fallen trees and branches, blocked access to roads and tracks, and damage to numerous assets. Recovery from a storm event is a slow, complex process and within the Dandenong Ranges there remains many private and public assets that remain unliveable, unoccupied, or not yet re-opened.
William Ricketts Sanctuary was extensively damaged, with many sculptures, buildings, pathways and handrails destroyed by numerous large fallen Mountain Ash trees. Unfortunately, William Ricketts Sanctuary remains closed.
Parks Victoria is continuing to make the site safe to continue the recovery process, but it is going to take longer than other sites due to the sheer scale of the damage and the artistic and cultural importance of the sculptures. At this stage, there is no specific date when the Sanctuary will re-open, but it is not expected to be during 2025.
We understand it’s disappointing that William Ricketts Sanctuary remains closed, and we are grateful to the local community, our stakeholders and visitors for their patience and continued priority to keep safe by staying outside of these closed areas.
For more information, please refer to the ‘Change of Conditions’ section at the bottom of this webpage.
Things to do
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
William Ricketts Sanctuary
When you're there
Help us care for the park:
- There are no rubbish bins provided in this garden; carry in carry out.
- No dogs, cats or other pets are permitted at this site.
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted.
- Drones are not permitted without a pre-approved permit.
- Plants and flowers are protected for the benefit of the community. Leave the plants for others to enjoy.
- Do not feed the wildlife.
Need to know
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Accessibility
William Ricketts Sanctuary is not suitable for picnics. Nearby picnic areas are available in the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and parts of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Built on the side of a hill, the sanctuary is not big and can be explored slowly. However, manual wheelchair users may need assistance due to the steepness of some sections of the paths.
Safety in nature
Please be aware that this garden is home to wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Wasps may also be in the area.
Waterbodies are for display and not for swimming; children must be closely supervised. Paths may become slippery if wet and large trees feature in this area. The garden will be closed on days of extreme winds as tree limbs can fall without warning.
This garden is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events
Weddings
Thinking of holding a wedding ceremony or taking wedding photography in a garden? Find out more about wedding permit applications and guidelines.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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William Ricketts Sanctuary (William Ricketts Sanctuary)
William Ricketts Sanctuary - Temporary Closure
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. Works are continuing to make the Sanctuary safe for Parks Victoria and its contractors to continue the recovery process.Recovery works continue to take place at William Ricketts Sanctuary following the storm, including the removal of large fallen and hazardous trees, perimeter fencing repairs, underground utility service reconnections and other important building, asset and facility works (including repairs to or removal of damaged buildings and associated infrastructure). Recovery works for William Ricketts Sanctuary are funded through insurance.Parks Victoria is continuing to make the site safe to re-open, but it is going to take longer than other sites due to the sheer scale of the damage and the artistic and cultural importance of the sculptures. At this stage, there is no specific date when the Sanctuary will re-open, but it is not expected to be during 2025.We understand it’s disappointing that William Ricketts Sanctuary remains closed, and we are grateful to the local community, our stakeholders and visitors for their patience and continued priority to keep safe by staying outside of these closed areas.Please continue to refer to the Parks Victoria website for up-to-date information relating to closures and change of conditions.Whilst the Sanctuary remains closed, Parks Victoria recommends visitors explore other Dandenong Ranges Garden properties, including the nearby Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Pirianda Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden or George Tindale Memorial Garden. Further information for each garden can be found on this website.
How we keep it special
The Crown Land (Reserves) (Metropolitan and Regional Park) Regulations 2023 have been made under Section 13 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Regulations provides that Parks Victoria may make a determination to set aside an area as an area in which an activity or conduct is permitted, required, restricted or prohibited. Additional temporary determinations are put in place from time to time for purposes such as planned burning, seasonal road closures or pest animal control programs. These temporary determinations operate in conjunction with ongoing determinations for general park management and where there is a conflict or perceived conflict these temporary determinations take precedence.