Gumbuya Park turns 35

GUMBUYA Park, where the city meets the country.
Everyone knows the famous tune, and Tynong’s very own tourist destination is 35 years old in 2010.
The park with the big pheasant at its entrance has seen many changes over the past 35 years, some things have been tried and worked, others failed – but all in the name of providing family fun.
Gumbuya Park was originally a pheasant farm which was converted into a wildlife park in 1978 by Ron Rado.
Park manager Beat Rupp said Gumbuya Park had recently gone through a rejuvenation period and while work wasn’t finished yet there would be some exciting changes.
“We have some great ideas in the planning stage at the moment,” Mr Rupp said.
“I can’t go into it, but what I can say is that we are all very excited.”
He said the famous waterslide had even been upgraded last year and was a hit with kids during summer.
The park has always been a place where people came from far and wide to meet with friends, relax and enjoy the Australian environment.
“It’s always been a place where the kids can run wild,” he said.
“And not only that, this place gives the opportunity for kids to see Australian animals and interact with them.”
Family favourites Roo the eastern grey kangaroo and Eddy the emu give kids the ability to get up close and personal without harming them.
“We try to get our animals used to people,” Mr Rupp said.
“At the moment, like Roo we are hand rearing a baby red kangaroo.”
The park has a name for taking on animals with nowhere else to go.
Whether it be mini golf or a quiet picnic, Gumbuya Park has always been a popular place for tourists.
Visitors can experience one of Australia’s longest toboggan slides, have fun driving around the mini car circuit, ride a paddle boat on the lake, play a round of mini golf, drive a twister kart, enjoy a leisurely tractor tour or splash down the waterslide.
The park has over 50 barbecue areas, all with ample seating. Barbecue areas range from spacious, shady outdoor areas to indoor areas with open fires – perfect for a winter get-together.
The native animal sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to view, interact with and learn about Australian wildlife.
Gumbuya Park is open seven days a week (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day).
The park is open from 10am to 5pm and rides operate between the hours off 11am and 4pm.
A family fun day will be held on 18 April, when kids 15 and under will enter the park for free.