Stay a night at Ballarat’s revamped family-friendly Kryal Castle

Live it up at one of Victoria’s most novel escapes, Kryal Castle, in a deluxe modern suite with a medieval twist.

Jousting at Kryal Castle

EVER fancied living like a king or queen for the night?

Now you can, at one of Victoria’s most novel new escapes, Kryal Castle, where you can stay in deluxe modern suites with a medieval twist.

The castle, originally opened 40 years ago, has been refurbished to create four-star standard rooms decorated with handwoven French and Belgian tapestries and cosy faux fur throws.

Kryal Castle suite

Kryal was known for its bawdy buxom wenches and public lashings back in the 1970s, but, as well as upgrading suites, it’s also been transformed to create a family-friendly venue which last year won the coveted title of Victoria’s best new tourism development.

Now billed as Australia’s only medieval theme park, Kryal Castle Adventure Park & Resort’s winter program includes jousting tournaments with mounted knights in the castle arena, wizardry, squire training, archery and sword battles.

The kids were in awe when we pulled up at the castle’s imposing bluestone entrance and ventured inside, where we were led through the darkened dragon’s labyrinth with its special effects creatures lighting up to reveal the legends of Kryal.

We emerged from the spooky darkness into a sprawling medieval village, complete with ancient cemetery, a tricky maze to explore and a torture chamber that’s not for the faint-hearted (and not recommended for children under 12).

A midday show led by a couple of amusing peasants as MCs allows the castle’s knights to show off their battling skills jousting and sword fighting.

Jousting at Kryal Castle

After the show the kids were thrilled to be able to get their hands on bows and arrows to test their archery skills under guidance and then embarked on a friendly sword fight with other youngsters on the main outdoor arena.

There’s also an animal nursery with some friendly goats and woolly cows, adventure playground, knight’s round tower and throne room to explore and watchtower to climb to reach the wizard’s workroom.

Kryal is also hosting fun Medieval Knights Royal Feast dinner shows this winter, promising a night of merriment, comedy, live theatre and feasting. Cost: $79 per person including a three-course meal, three hours of live comedy and a complimentary glass of mead on arrival.

Kryal is just outside Ballarat, about an hour from Melbourne on the Western Fwy. Family passes for day entry (10am-4pm) are $89 for two adults and up to three children.

Winter accommodation prices start at $130 a night twin share with a discoun-ted entry rate to the park. Go to kryalcastlecom.au for full details, package deals and winter opening hours.

The author’s trip was courtesy of Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort.

STAY

Kryal Castle

Phone: [phone]

121 Forbes Rd

Leigh Creek

Open for winter on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from 10am–4pm

EAT

Head into nearby Ballarat for a delicious meal at Jacksons and Co, Mair St, Ballarat. Lovely food, friendly staff and a great kids’ menu. Details: jacksonsandco.com.au/dining

DO

Buy a Ballarat Pass for discount entry to Kryal Castle, Sovereign Hill and the award-winning Ballarat Wildlife Park. Plus a host of great discounts and bonus offers at other tourist attractions.

Details: visitballarat.com.au