3
NEWS
Caravan king opens fun park
Gumbaya Park gets new lease on life thanks to Jayco chairman and friendsThey call him the caravan king, but in recent years Jayco owner Gerry Ryan is getting a reputation as the entertainment guru, with a new theme-park co-owned by Ryan about to open its gates in Victoria.
The 166 hectare property at 2705 Princes Hwy, Tynong North (about an hour from Melbourne) was converted to a wildlife park in the late-1970s and Ryan, along with Carsales.com.au founder Wal Pischotta and other investors bought the family-oriented but rundown Gumbaya Park for $4.65m last year.
It’s been shut for refurbishment since July but will re-open under the new name of Gumbaya World on December 18, with numerous upgrades including new water and theme park rides, kids' area and a wildlife trail. Even the giant golden pheasant statue that had its tail blown off a few years ago, has been restored to its former glory.
“It’s a sentimental purchase more so than an investment,” Ryan said last year. “We didn’t want to see the land be sub-divided up and the park closed for development. We see it as a viable and a great asset to this side of Melbourne for tourism.”
Spruiked as the “Disneyland of Victoria”, Gumbaya World will open every day except Christmas, and in line with Ryan’s recent forays into new technology (he’s a major investor in theatre animatronic group Global Creatures and E-commerce software start-up Marketplacer), tickets will only be available online.
They’re not cheap, with a day ticket for an adult costing $49, and $43 for children and seniors. An original promise to provide BBQ facilities has been canned, with the only food allowed inside the park being that available from two on-site cafes.
Gumbaya World is another potential ‘rags to riches’ re-development for Ryan, after purchasing and sprucing up the Michelton Winery and Nagambie Lakes Caravan park.
It also adds to an ever-growing portfolio of interests for the Jayco founder, including being a board member of both the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Visit Victoria.
Share this article
Written byCaravancampingsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a caravancampingsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the caravancampingsales app
