Gumbuya World to undergo $50m renovation

A BUSH resort, water park and helipad for cashed-up tourists are part of a $50 million plan to makeover an ageing wildlife park near Pakenham.

AGEING Gumbuya Park will become a $50 million “world-class” destination with a bush resort, water park and even a helipad for cashed-up tourists.

The owners of the park say the reinvention will turn it into the “Disneyland of Victoria” and see its workforce jump from just 56 employees to more than 500, with a focus on hiring ex-auto workers.

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The Tynong attraction will be renamed Gumbuya Oz-Venture Park, and will be aimed at local, interstate and international guests. It will also host conferences and functions.

The nearly 40-year-old park, about 65km from Melbourne, will include a drop tower, lazy river rides, a dinosaur attraction and a walk-through aviary.

Gumbuya Park and the giant Golden Pheasant statue is in for an upgrade.

Set on 166ha, the park is currently home to more than 300 native animals including dingoes, wombats, koalas, emus and various bird species.

But as its reinvention moves forward, new native species will arrive.

Along with additional animals, more rides and experiences will be available.

A family zone will include a 4D adventure theatre, a ropes course, drop tower and disco ride while the water zone will feature a lazy spring river ride and a Walking with Dinosaurs attraction.

The park is home to hundred of native animals, including dingoes. Picture: Ian Currie

Business director Ron Weinzierl said new owners were also confident of securing overnight guests, with a bush resort with cabins, camp sites, hotel, motel and function centre.

The first stage will be ready this summer.

Mr Weinzierl said the park — which will close from July 16 and re-open on December 1 — would be a great place to work and visit.

“We are excited to develop Gumbuya into a world-class destination for all ages — the Disneyland of Victoria,” Mr Weinzierl told Leader.

Gumbuya Park has been a family favourite for years.

The founder of Jayco Caravans, Gerry Ryan, carsales.com.au director Wal Pisciotta, and industrial developer Adam Campbell belong to the syndicate that last year paid $4.65 million for the site.

Mr Ryan said at the time that the wildlife park was a bit “old and tired” but he was keen “to give something back”.

“I used to take my kids to Gumbuya when they were little and now I want my grandkids to also experience the fun of a great outdoor park,” Mr Ryan said last year.

Gerry Ryan is part of the syndicate that bought Gumbuya Park.

A Cardinia Shire Tourism Strategy earlier this year said the development would strengthen its growing reputation as “Melbourne’s playground”.

“Such an exciting and significant attraction will raise Casey-Cardinia’s profile and change consumer perceptions towards a region that, to date, has not been viewed as a ‘must see and do’ visitor destination,” the report said.

Originally a pheasant farm, Gumbuya Park, was converted into a wildlife park by the late Ron Rado.