Gumbuya World is transforming from a modest Victorian attraction into a destination that could reshape regional tourism, with a multi-phase expansion that will double its water park and add dozens of new experiences.
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Gumbuya World, a recent addition to the range of water parks Melbourne has on offer, is set to unveil an expansion of its resort. Its aquatic area, Oasis Springs, is primed to open new areas and rides that will double the park's size. This is part of the park's second phase of expansion, which brings with it a surfing simulator, a 300 metre Lazy River and heated rock pools. The park will also open six new waterslides, including twister style slides and four lane race slides designed to keep adrenaline seekers coming back for more.
Gumbuya World, formerly named Gumbuya Park, was purchased in 2016 for $4.65 million by a group of entrepreneurs from Victoria including Gerry Ryan, Adam Campbell, Wal Pisciotta, Brett Murray, and Ray and Ron Weinzierl. Ryan, the founder of Jayco Corporation and a seasoned hand in large-scale entertainment ventures, brought both ambition and experience to the table. The consortium reopened the park in its current incarnation in September 2017 and the owners stated their ambition to create the "Disneyland of Victoria". It was a bold claim for a property that had been quietly operating as a modest wildlife and picnic spot for decades, but the early results have been promising. Upon opening, the number of staff jumped from 56 to over 500 and the park is now open to the public all year round, with annual passes also available and entry free for kids under the age of three.
In order to create Melbourne's most impressive water park, Gumbuya World will become home to Victoria's most impressive wave pool. Gumbuya World's expansion is set to continue over the next three years and will see the theme park's offerings expand via 50 new attractions, onsite accommodation, new spots to eat and shop, and even a chocolate factory and microbrewery. Alongside these attractions, Gumbuya World will open dinosaur, indigenous and wool shed precincts for educational programs, giving schools and families a reason to visit beyond the rides and slides.
These upgrades are expected to benefit tourism in the Victoria and Gippsland region significantly, as the park is located 50 minutes away by car south east of Melbourne. Regional Victoria has long sought a drawcard capable of pulling visitors beyond the city limits, and Gumbuya World is positioning itself as exactly that. By 2022 Gumbuya World is expected to attract a million yearly visitors from Australia and abroad. This is a far cry from the park's original opening as a pheasant farm in 1978, run by an Italian migrant businessman with a modest vision for a family-friendly bushland retreat.
Alongside their water park, Gumbuya World also features one of a range of wildlife parks Melbourne residents can visit. The park is home to 300 native animals including dingoes, wombats, koalas, emus and 30 species of birds. Visitors can get up close with animals, hear daily Ranger Talks and even eat lunch close to the Koalas. It is this combination of wildlife, water and thrill rides that sets Gumbuya apart from competitors that typically offer only one of the three.
Contact Info:
Name: Jackie Smiles
Email: Send Email
Organization: Gumbuya World
Address: 2705 Princes Highway, Tynong , Victoria 3813, Australia
Phone: +61-3-9092-8449
Website: https://gumbuya.com.au/
Source: NewsNetwork
Release ID: 88911114