Apparently the local people didn’t really know what William Rickett was doing on his patch of paradise amongst the fern and towering gums 40 kilometres east of Melbourne.  He had kept this amazing spectacle to himself for sometime.

Well after having a good look around this land you can see William Rickett had been carefully crafting his passion of nature into a lasting tribute to remind us all of the bigger picture in this increasingly churn and burn lifestyle.

It is so ‘relaxing’ and peaceful here it wasn’t hard for us to sympathise with him for keeping it private. 

As the guide explains, William Ricketts had a vision: “Man is nature’s masterpiece, therefore claim your inheritance by giving her the co-operation you owe.”

Ricketts purchased a four-acre bush block on Mount Dandenong in 1934 and lived there until he died in 1993 aged 94.

Using a huge kiln he created these beautiful clay sculptures, many of Aboriginal figures, which are mystically placed among towering Mountain Ash trees, mossy covered waterfalls and lush ferny glades.

There are 92 ceramic sculptures in the Sanctuary.  They are not all easily apparent.  As you walk through the cool shaded trees, you find yourself face to face with them. Some look you straight in the eye conjuring up many feelings.

As you’ll appreciate when you are here, an ongoing inspiration for his work was spending time with the Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte people of Central Australia, and their attitude towards the land.

It doesn’t matter that you are days away from Central Australia, the philosophy of care and respect to the land and environment is just as important here.