Title: William Ricketts Sanctuary in Mount Dandenong | Expedia.co.uk [William Ricketts Sanctuary Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/William-Ricketts-Sanctuary-Hotels.0-l553248621526966479-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[William Ricketts Sanctuary Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-William-Ricketts-Sanctuary.d553248621526966479.Car-Hire-Guide)[Mount Dandenong Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-Dandenong.d6134510.Holidays-City-Breaks) # William Ricketts Sanctuary ![William Ricketts Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526966479/a000ad70-24a2-487e-8cd6-fbedef3d5462.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![William Ricketts Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526966479/862c4755-d0b6-4d04-ae92-0db56e56c6f5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![William Ricketts Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526966479/4698c0cb-2eab-48e8-9fa4-663c24bf7fb7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![William Ricketts Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526966479/a97f5477-c1fa-4bb9-ae34-b3d55e122d05.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![William Ricketts Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526966479/11542383-539b-427f-a6a1-9748ba2c9c52.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit William Ricketts Sanctuary Activities --- --- #### Delve into the mystical realm of William Ricketts Sanctuary, one of Australia’s most artistic and spiritual forest walks where you will see art and nature in creative harmony. Visit the Dandenong Ranges to see the mystical creations of the William Ricketts Sanctuary, a natural art gallery in a ferny glade. Stroll along the unique art trail created by a self-made artist who became an advocate for Aboriginal philosophies about nature. William Ricketts Sanctuary depicts the special bond between Mother Nature and Australia’s Aborigines, whose ancestors were already roaming this vast country some 50,000 years ago. Ricketts, who was born in 1898, spent years in remote Aboriginal communities. Indigenous Australians base their Dream Time stories and beliefs on natural landmarks and animals, which they consider to be sacred. Ricketts gained a deep respect for his hosts, who acted as custodians of the land instead of its proprietors. Ricketts returned home and found his own spot for spiritual reflection among the tall tree ferns and mountain ash trees of the Dandenong Ranges. He named his land “Potter’s Sanctuary”and lived and sculpted there until his death in 1993\. Before he died, he sold the land to the Victorian government, which turned his life’s work into a public art trail. Reconnect with nature by following the trail with nearly 100 artworks. Most sculptures portray Aborigines, but there are also winged angels and statues of native wildlife. The *Gun Brute* sculpture depicts how the European settlers have forever upset the age-old harmony between humans and Mother Nature on this continent. Ricketts worked mainly with clay, so that his creations seem to organically sprout up from the tree trunks and rocks. Note how the statues and carvings are slowly gathering a thin layer of moss, destined to become one with nature over time. Entry to the William Ricketts Sanctuary is free of charge. The visitor centre is across the road from the car park. The main track is only about a third of a mile (500 metres) long and mostly suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. There are toilet facilities and some covered galleries that provide basic shelter. To get to the William Ricketts Sanctuary, follow the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road from Montrose on the outskirts of Melbourne to Olinda. The winding road is an attraction in itself. For a full day out, also explore the nearby National Rhododendron Gardens and the maze, barbecue area and panoramic restaurant of SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. ## Plan a trip to see William Ricketts Sanctuary Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Avoca Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17150000/17145800/17145775/5ffd398f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Avoca Motel £1,198 per person 7 Jun - 13 Jun found 22 hours ago Return direct flight included Manchester (MAN) to Melbourne (MEL) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (381 reviews) I was surprise that the room was not serviced we stayed for 2 Night Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026 ![Creswick Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/100000000/99340000/99336200/99336124/b15af303_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Creswick Holiday Park £1,324 per person 7 Jun - 13 Jun found 22 hours ago Return direct flight included Manchester (MAN) to Melbourne (MEL) 8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews) Common kitchen area inside needs more attention. Outside bbq very clean. Park quiet. Suggest to install rubbish bins. Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025 ![Golden Country Motel & Caravan Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626100/9626077/6b3d0b90_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Golden Country Motel & Caravan Park £1,305 per person 7 Jun - 13 Jun found 22 hours ago Return direct flight included Manchester (MAN) to Melbourne (MEL) 8.8/10 Excellent! (105 reviews) Everything was great here-one of the nicest caravan park/motel complexes we've stayed in! One minor thing though---PLEASE upgrade your internet ?wifi connection--the speed was so bad we gave up altogether during our stay and waited until we left --i'm sure its in the pipeline though given our impression we formed of the manager and staff--lovely people. Great place to stay in Maryborough! Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025 ### Popular places to visit ![SkyHigh Mount Dandenong](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6150114/e95ea5fe-382a-438b-9baa-38f0abb95bef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### SkyHigh Mount Dandenong 4/5(1 review) Watch the sun set over Melbourne’s skyline and Port Phillip Bay from this mountain-top location in one of Victoria’s most-visited native forests. [](https://expedia.co.uk/SkyHigh-Mount-Dandenong-Mount-Dandenong.d6150114.Attraction) ![Shutterstock](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975860867/b1598c20-f981-4f68-a0bb-75d7beaf1971.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dandenongs Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Dandenongs during your travels in Melbourne. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dandenongs-Melbourne.d553248635975860867.Attraction) ![Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6124063/16461086-1eaf-4502-8f4e-fe28b01f90a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens Explore the great outdoors at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, a lovely green space in Melbourne. Amble within the gardens or visit the spas in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dandenong-Ranges-Botanic-Gardens-Melbourne.d553248635975913448.Attraction) ![National Rhododendron Gardens](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6150116/262dc5b3-2e87-4285-97fc-31605fed1e86.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### National Rhododendron Gardens Enter the fragrant world of this much-praised parkland in Victoria’s Mount Dandenong Ranges to see the tallest flowering trees on Earth and other blooms. [](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Rhododendron-Gardens-Olinda.d6150116.Attraction) ![Dandenong Ranges National Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6126451/91316a84-ce8c-4de4-b29f-ea51054f40f0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dandenong Ranges National Park 5/5(11 reviews) Be dwarfed by the tall forests of the Dandenongs as you explore the walking trails, heritage railway and scenic roads that weave through this wilderness reserve. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dandenong-Ranges-National-Park-Melbourne.d6126451.Attraction) #### Singleton Reserve Explore the great outdoors at Singleton Reserve, a lovely green space in Melbourne. Wander the gardens and waterfront in this romantic area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Singleton-Reserve-Melbourne.d624513457968066560.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to William Ricketts Sanctuary [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966479&startDate=2026-03-28&endDate=2026-03-29)[28 Mar - 29 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966479&startDate=2026-03-28&endDate=2026-03-29) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966479&startDate=2026-03-29&endDate=2026-03-30)[29 Mar - 30 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966479&startDate=2026-03-29&endDate=2026-03-30) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966479&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621526966479&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) ![Observatory Cottages](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/29000000/28810000/28808800/28808710/b3b528fc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Observatory Cottages 8 Observatory Road Mount Dandenong VIC [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-Observatory-Cottages.h28808710.Hotel-Information) ![Arnica Views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3440000/3431500/3431498/42f49b26_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Arnica Views 10 Observatory Road Mount Dandenong VIC [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-Arnica-Views.h3431498.Hotel-Information) ![Tudor Cottages Mt Dandenong](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9625200/9625153/d8b12602_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tudor Cottages Mt Dandenong Mt Dandenong Tourist Road Mount Dandenong VIC [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-Tudor-Cottages-Mt-Dandenong.h9625153.Hotel-Information) ![Luxury Home with a spectacular view](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96560000/96554600/96554524/18c790c1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Luxury Home with a spectacular view Mount Dandenong VIC [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-Luxury-Home-With-A-Spectacular-View.h96554524.Hotel-Information) ![StayAU Owls Croft Picturesque Cottage Valley View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115600000/115596300/115596262/3c0618bb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### StayAU Owls Croft Picturesque Cottage Valley View Mount Dandenong Victoria [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-StayAU-Owls-Croft-Picturesque-Cottage-Valley-View.h115596262.Hotel-Information) ![StayAU Windsong Cottage Idyllic Getaway Dandenong](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115600000/115596300/115596251/f76564ab_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### StayAU Windsong Cottage Idyllic Getaway Dandenong Mount Dandenong Victoria [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-StayAU-Windsong-Cottage-Idyllic-Getaway-Dandenong.h115596251.Hotel-Information) ![StayAU Luxury Candlewick Cottage in Dandenong](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115600000/115596300/115596227/4fa24a9f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### StayAU Luxury Candlewick Cottage in Dandenong Mount Dandenong Victoria [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-StayAU-Luxury-Candlewick-Cottage-In-Dandenong.h115596227.Hotel-Information) ![StayAU Ironbark Cottage Romantic Retreat Dandenong](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115600000/115596300/115596240/cf34ace8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### StayAU Ironbark Cottage Romantic Retreat Dandenong Mount Dandenong Victoria [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-StayAU-Ironbark-Cottage-Romantic-Retreat-Dandenong.h115596240.Hotel-Information) ![Elan Cottage with large corner spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/26000000/25090000/25087900/25087852/8d9a104f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Elan Cottage with large corner spa Mount Dandenong VIC [](https://expedia.co.uk/Melbourne-Hotels-Elan-Cottage-With-Large-Corner-Spa.h25087852.Hotel-Information) [See all 507 properties in William Ricketts Sanctuary](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=553248621526966479) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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