Gumbuya World opens in Tynong North

IT was a daggy favourite in the ’80s, thanks to its quaint toboggan slide and native wildlife, but Gumbuya World is now promising to be Victoria’s answer to Disneyland as it reveals the first stages of its $50 million redevelopment.

Gumbuya World is ready to open its doors, ahead of the summer school holidays. Picture: Tim Carrafa

IT was a daggy favourite in the ’80s, thanks to its quaint toboggan slide and native wildlife.

But Gumbuya World is now promising to be Victoria’s answer to Disneyland as it reveals the first stages of its $50 million redevelopment.

VICTORIA’S ‘DISNEYLAND’ OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

INSIDE THE GUMBUYA WORLD REVAMP

Matt, Ellis and Holly soak it up at Gumbuya World. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Visitors jump in the water and enjoy the newest offerings at Gumbuya World. Picture: Tim Carrafa

These girls enjoy the water play at the park. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The Tynong North theme park, which opens its doors Monday, has been expanded to include a new water park with a 180m slide.

Wildlife trails and roller-coasters are also being unveiled.

Gumbuya chief executive David Thompson said: “It’s totally unrecognisable from what it used to be … it’s a whole new world.

“From touching the animals, to being able to go on rides and also get wet, kids are going to love everything.”

Gumbuya World opened just in time for the summer school holidays. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Guests try out the rollercoaster. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Even the birds needed a rest after all the excitement. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Ageing paddle boats and dune buggies have been shelved to make way for the exciting upgrades.

The number of staff employed will also increase from 56 to more than 500 once the upgrade is complete.

The park will continue to add more attractions next year, including a dinosaur-themed site, an indigenous centre and entertainment venues.

Max, 10 and Eden, 7 meet Kiata the six-month-old dingo. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Visitors have a blast at the theme park. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Girls just want to have fun at Gumbuya World. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Ella, 9 and Lola, 8, enjoy the new park. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Long gone are the days of the toboggan at the Gumbuya Park in 1982.

Visitors test out Australia’s newest theme park, Gumbuya World. Picture: Tim Carrafa