Redeveloped Gumbuya Park to open in December

IT has been around for decades but you won’t recognise it now. Melbourne family favourite Gumbuya Park has had a major facelift and has got a new name. See what it looks like inside.

Gumbuya Park and the giant golden pheasant statue at the entrance.

IT has been around for decades but you won’t recognise it now.

Melbourne icon Gumbuya Park has had a major facelift — one its owners say will transform the Tynong North centre into the “Disneyland of Victoria”.

After months of upgrades the new Gumbuya, now called Gumbuya World, will open on December 18.

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Visitors can make their splash with Australia’s tallest water slide, visit new wildlife areas, take a dip in the water park or ride the roller-coasters.

A family zone is also being added at the 166ha property to include a ropes course, disco ride, cafes and a 4D adventure theatre too.

Artist impression of the redevelopment of Gumbuya Park.

A graphic of the redeveloped Gumbuya Park.

When finished it will have seven zones and more than 50 attractions.

It’s a far cry from the toboggan rides of yesteryear.

Gumbuya Park and the giant golden pheasant statue.

A kangaroo watched Michael Rado slide down a hill on a toboggan in 1982.

The park, famous for its giant Golden Pheasant statue, was converted from a pheasant farm to a wildlife park in 1978 by late Italian migrant businessman, Ron Rado.

The pheasant’s rear was blown up by vandals in 2011.

The park changed hands last year for $4.65m when Jayco Caravans owner Gerry Ryan and carsales.com.au founder Wal Pisciotta formed a syndicate with other investors to buy the park.

“We are excited to develop Gumbuya into a world-class destination for all ages — the Disneyland of Victoria,” business director Ron Weinzierl said in June.

Staff will jump from 56 to more than 500, the owners said.

Sevanna check out a young kangaroo. Picture: Jason Sammon

Wildlife manager Emily Paterson with Oliver the Tammar Wallaby. Picture Andrew Tauber

The park has been shut since July 16.

Timeline

*Pheasant farm

*1978: Businessman Ron Rado buys the property to convert it into a wildlife park

*2011: Vandals blow up part of the golden pheasant statue

*2016: A syndicates buys the 166ha property for $4.65m

*2017: Stage one, Gumbuya Oz-Venture Park, opens to the public

Details

*Opens on December 18

*Tickets go on-sale online tomorrow at midday

*2705 Princes Hwy, Tynong North (about an hour from Melbourne)