Redeveloped Gumbuya World opens in time for summer peak season

In time for the peak summer season, transformed Victorian attraction Gumbuya World has reopened this week after a $50 million redevelopment program.

Located at Tynong North in Melbourne’s fast growing south-east, the first stage of the attraction’s redevelopment has seen the unveiling of its Oasis Springs waterpark, Wildlife Trail and the Oz Adventure and Outback Explorer worlds.

Acquired in September 2016, Gumbuya World is the vision of a group of Victorian entrepreneurs consisting of Gerry Ryan, Wal Pisciotta, Adam Campbell, Brett Murray, Ray and Ron Weinzierl to reimagine a place that they enjoyed with their families when they were younger and to leave a legacy for future generations.

Gumbuya World Chief Executive David Thompson explained “(Gumbuya World) is 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.”

Of the park’s attractions Oasis Springs features rides supplied by WhiteWater West including the Taipan and Boomerango raft slides, as well as a relaxing Lazy River and heated Rock Pools.

The Wildlife Trail combines close encounters with koalas, dingoes and other creatures with over 50 species of Australian fauna. Oz Adventure provides the Mining Race Coaster and Rush Hour thrill rides while children can enjoy the Outback Explorers themed area with its Berry Twirl and Outback Pirate Ship rides.

With a wave of investment in attractions in Victoria in advance of the summer peak season – with new rides at Funfields and Adventure Park – the owners of Gumbuya World are committed to driving the growth in the region with the support of the Cardinia Shire Council and Victoiran Government.

Gumbuya World will also be a significant employer in an area impacted by the decline in the automotive industry with 150 staff already employed and a target of over 500 employees within five years.

Phase two of the park is planned to open in mid-2018 and will include an Indigenous cultural centre, Walking with Dinosaurs exhibit, a 400-seat auditorium and a host of new rides and attractions and will also offer special events, corporate conference facilities and educational programs. Gumbuya World is investing in state-of-the-art equipment, training and safety to provide an exceptional guest experience.

Future stages of the development will include attractions such as a retail village, Eco Bush Resort, chocolate factory and a microbrewery.

Welcoming the opening of the new attraction, Victoria Tourism Industry Council acting Chief Executive Chris Porter commented "the new and refreshed Gumbuya World has the potential to become one of Victoria’s biggest tourism attractions.

"The significant investment made into this revitalisation project will reap many important benefits for Victoria’s tourism industry. 

"This is (also) great news for local jobs and the many surrounding tourism and hospitality businesses especially over the summer months.”

For more information go to www.gumbuya.com.au 

Images: Waterpark feature in Gumbuya World's Oasis Springs (top), members of the staff team (middle) and one of the attraction's new children's rides (below).

28th November 2017 - 2017 RACV VICTORIAN TOURISM AWARDS CELEBRATE LEADING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS 

22nd November 2017 - DAVID THOMPSON APPOINTED TO LEAD GUMBUYA WORLD REDEVELOPMENT 

23rd October 2017 - VTIC WELCOMES STRONG EVENTS FORECAST BUT STRESSES THAT ATTRACTIONS MUST PLAN FOR WINTER VISITORS 

20th July 2017 - GROWING VICTORIAN TOURISM SECTOR IMPACTED BY ONGOING SKILLS SHORTAGES

22nd June 2017 - GUMBUYA PARK TO UNDERGO $50 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT 

7th June 2017 - VTIC HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGES FOR TOURISM IN REGIONAL VICTORIA 

13th December 2015 - FUNFIELDS OPENS NEW KRAKEN RACER SPEED SLIDE AND CHILDRENS RIDES

5th July 2014 - AUSSIE WORLD OPENS NEW BALLROOM BLITZ ATTRACTION 

3rd June 2014 - AALARA NATIONAL CONFERENCE SHOWCASES INDUSTRY GROWTH

13th October 2011 - VANDALS BLOW UP GUMBUYA PARK’S GIANT LYREBIRD