Gumbaya World, the New Kid on the block!

[Flynn_Smith]

5 hours ago, yaark said:

Hi all, looooong time lurker, first time poster!!

This sounds exciting.. is this a new park, or expansion of an existing park in Victoria?

Will be following the progress of this closely. As a Melbournite, we need more of these parks and attractions in this part of the world!!

This is a new park. 

[Gazza]

6 minutes ago, Flynn_Smith said:

This is a new park. 

Where did you find this info?

[Flynn_Smith]

12 minutes ago, Gazza said:

Where did you find this info?

Rough assumption, since it says "New kid on the block" and since it seems like in the photos shared that there is certainly not a themepark around it.

[Gazza]

What about if an existing park was behind the photographer?....If it were an expansion that would be likely, since expansion often takes place on the fringes.

[yaark]

I wasn't sure if 'new kid on the block' was referring to the park itself, or if it is referring to Mark Shaw as being the new kid on the block at an existing park.

It is hard for me to imagine a new park opening from scratch in November, with a decent line up of attractions, considering Melbourne's inclement weather during these winter months, which will play havoc with building and construction. Especially if the photos posted are fairly recent and no construction had actually started at that time.

[yaark]

After a little digging, and without any other proof than some google searches, I have a suspicion it might be to do with the expansion of Gumbaya Park:

http://www.gumbuya.com.au/

The main page on the website states that Gumbaya Park is changing with new attractions coming soon.

It is approx. 1hr 15mins from Melb. Airport as stated in a previous post.

The tags on the thread say Theme Park, Water Park, Animals.. which Gumbaya park has their zoo, some rides and other attractions.

The most compelling evidence is google states on Mark Shaw's linkedin that he is currently consulting for Gumbaya Park.

This is purely speculation on my behalf, based on some brief browsing. 

Edited May 30, 2017 by yaark
spelling

[Jobe]

17 minutes ago, yaark said:

After a little digging, and without any other proof than some google searches, I have a suspicion it might be to do with the expansion of Gumbaya Park:

http://www.gumbuya.com.au/

The main page on the website states that Gumbaya Park is changing with new attractions coming soon.

It is approx. 1hr 15mins from Melb. Airport as stated in a previous post.

The tags on the thread say Theme Park, Water Park, Animals.. which Gumbaya park has their zoo, some rides and other attractions.

The most compelling evidence is google states on Mark Shaw's linkedin that he is currently consulting for Gumbaya Park.

This is purely speculation on my behalf, based on some brief browsing. 

Did not @Gazza's post of Adventure Park's location being 1 hr and 15 min also from the airport clue you in?? Also to the fact that Adventure Park is well established and has already announced planned for expansion attractions. Gumbaya Park seems to me a little too small for this, despite Mark Shaw's involvement with the park. Adventure Park seems like a better fit for this announcement. Also the time frames do not add up for mine for a completely new park- mid November would be extremely tight to open a brand new park from scratch if they have just started clearing the land. My bet is Adventure Park. Either way , looking forward to seeing more info about this one!

[djmcbell]

Can only speak from my experience but I drove past Adventure Park the other day and didn't notice any machinery. That being said, you can't really see that far in from the roadside, especially if the building work is going on that far back. However, I do also think (judging from Google Maps) that there's some land going spare in Adventure Park anyway.

Also, a colleague of mine has suggested a water park is being considered for the Torquay area (though that would be a bit more than 1hr 15 from Melbourne).

[Gazza]

10 hours ago, Jobe said:

Did not @Gazza's post of Adventure Park's location being 1 hr and 15 min also from the airport clue you in?? 

That was just a random guess on my part BTW. Not gospel by any means.

Gumbaya I never considered till it was posted. Anything is possible....who would have thought the maze in Perth would start a water park for example.

[BNErider]

Quote

Gumbuya Park to Make a $4 Million Comeback

15 Sep 16

Victoria didn’t have a Dreamworld or a Wet n’ Wild. When you saw that giant pheasant’s eyes staring at you as you approached Gumbuya Park, you knew you were in for a day of slow paddleboats, mini golf and watching your dad squeeze into a toboggan.

Caravan manufacturing tycoon and investor Gerry Ryan and carsales.com.au founder Wal Pisciotta are part of a syndicate that has acquired the 166-hectare amusement and wildlife park in Tynong North, near Pakenham, for $4.65 million.

Ryan tells the Australian Financial Review: “It just needs fresh investment, some new ideas and some new marketing. We are still working through the budget, but will be spending several millions on redevelopment.”

These revitalisation plans include offering accommodation, new rides and expanding the zoo, which currently houses more than 300 native animals.

The former pheasant farm (hence the giant pheasant sculpture guarding the gates) was founded by builder Ron Rado in 1978.

Gumbuya Park was in the news in 2011 when a 23-year-old man from Poowong was arrested for blowing off the rear end of the pheasant statue with explosives, causing $50,000 worth of damage to the bird.

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/entertainment/article/gumbuya-park-make-4-million-comeback

Edited May 31, 2017 by ash.1111

[yaark]

12 hours ago, Jobe said:

Did not @Gazza's post of Adventure Park's location being 1 hr and 15 min also from the airport clue you in?? 

Sorry, not sure what I need to be clued in about?? I was under the assumption the post that @Gazza made was speculation on his behalf, which he has now stated was a random guess. 

I also stated that my post was speculation based off some very brief google searching and from what has already been mentioned in the thread so far. I am happy for my speculation to be way off, just pointing out what I have found with no other knowledge 

I would say Gumbaya Park is pretty established, opening in 1978, albeit relatively small and underdeveloped.

A new consortium has recently purchased the park, as posted by @ash.1111 above, and with this info on linkedin (Mark Shaw), looks like they will have a reasonable capex to run with for expansion ( I have made bold the relevant part):

12 hours ago, Jobe said:

Principal Consultant

Company NameThe Shaw Thing Consultancy

Dates EmployedFeb 2017 – Present

 

Employment Duration4 mos

LocationMelbourne, Australia

Specialising in customer service excellence delivery, the customer/guest journey, theme park/leisure development projects, operational excellence, brand management (internal and external) sales and marketing for increased sales, food and beverage and retail operations. Currently consulting for the new $40m Gumbuya Park Victoria development and QBit Computer Support Management, Perth.

Gumbaya Park, according to articles found online, is also one of only 4 establishments in Victoria that holds a zoo license (Presumably the other 3 being Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary). So this ties in well with the animal tag that is attached to this thread. To my knowledge, Adventure Park to not have any animal enclosures or animals on display?  Again, I am happy to be wrong, but I am leaning towards Gumbaya Park as the basis of this topic.

And with 420 odd acres to play with, loads of space!!

Edited May 31, 2017 by yaark
additional text

[grrofunger]

Gumbuya my lord..........GUMBUYAAAAAAAAAAA

[Jobe]

Hmm interesting. 

A couple of things, however.

Quote

Currently consulting for the new $40m Gumbuya Park Victoria development 

The article that @ash.1111 quoted above stated $4 million investment not $40 million. Massive difference in dollar spend and obviously a typo.

 

The article that @ash.1111 quoted is also somewhat misleading as it states that "Gumbuya park to make a $4 million comeback", obviously inferring that the park is to receive a $4 million dollar upgrade and investment. However, upon further examination of the article, it appears that the $4 million dollar price tag refers to the purchase price only that has been agreed upon by the purchasing consortium.

Quote

Caravan manufacturing tycoon and investor Gerry Ryan and carsales.com.au founder Wal Pisciotta are part of a syndicate that has acquired the 166-hectare amusement and wildlife park in Tynong North, near Pakenham, for $4.65 million.

Ryan tells the Australian Financial Review: “It just needs fresh investment, some new ideas and some new marketing. We are still working through the budget, but will be spending several millions on redevelopment.”

There is certainly a desire to revitalise the park and the article , as above , does mention spending several million on redevelopment but the $4 million number only refers to the price tag and not any direct correlation to any investment dollar spend. 

As @Gazza said, anything is possible and upon reading this article, I certainly would not rule out Gumbaya Park as being the target of Mark Shaw's original post. However, there are still many questions to be answered before we can definitively point to Gumbaya as the park in question. 

Let the speculation continue!!

Interesting times however!! Time will tell- watch this space!

[yaark]

@Jobe the headline of the article is somewhat misleading. I read the body of the article as referring to the acquisition price of the park at $4.65m. There are other articles available online that make it more clear that this was the case.

The linkedin account seems to imply more to the capex of $40m available for development. This could also be a typo as you mentioned.

You are correct that this could be anywhere. Until we get an official announcement somewhere, it's all speculation.

Either way, Gumbuya Park looks to be heading in an exciting direction.

[Mark Shaw]

On 5/27/2017 at 5:58 PM, Luke said:

Very exciting news! As a melbournian I am elated to see a new player emerge. More competition in Vic will only see the betterment of the other parks here. Along with the new additions at both Funfields and Adventure Park - loads of new stuff to try this summer season in victoria. 

@Mark Shaw Is there a possibility that the Mammoth Plunge water slide from Seaworld will be making it's way to this new home in Victoria??

hmmmm....

 

[joz]

If you do buy the plunge, red hot tip make the pool at the bottom longer

[Mark Shaw]

Gumbuya Park will be re-born this summer as "Gumbuya World"  Phase 1 is around $40m. 

Note: "Oz Venture Park" is not the new name for the Park,as reported in some media today, but was a work in progress name suggested by others before my limited involvement.

 

[Aw hype]

Omg congratulations @Mark Shaw. Best wishes for your new Park. Hopefully I'll be able to visit Gumbuya World some day...

[Mark Shaw]

Just now, Aw hype said:

Omg congratulations @Mark Shaw. Best wishes for your new Park. Hopefully I'll be able to visit Gumbuya World some day...

Thanks. My role as consultant is very limited.  I start a new FT role in July.

[Tim Dasco]

@Mark Shaw what's a FT role? (Having a dumb moment)

[Jdude95]

2 minutes ago, Mark Shaw said:

Thanks. My role as consultant is very limited.  I start a new FT role in July.

FT with Gumbuya World or another exciting new opportunity?

Just now, Tim Dasco said:

@Mark Shaw what's a FT role? (Having a dumb moment)

Full time role as opposed to his current limited consultancy role

[Mark Shaw]

Ft role as GM of Bounce iNC Australia.  Soon to have 10 sites across Australia. Great team of people, great brand and ramping up their global roll out. 

 

[Aw hype]

On the note of bounce anyone know when and where the 'Joondalup' location will open. And Gosh it's exciting to have someone of ur nature heading up Bounce! As a teen me and my mates love Doin everything. I can certainly see a bright future for the brand.

Edited June 21, 2017 by Aw hype

[WalleyWorld]

2 hours ago, Mark Shaw said:

hmmmm....

hmmm....is a very vague answer @Mark Shaw haha! Could we possibly be seeing multiple ex-seaworld rides be transported to Gumbuya World?

Also congrats on the new position at Bounce Inc!

The Herald Sun wrote an article about Gumbaya World today. I've quoted some of the more important parts of the article below:  LINK TO FULL ARTICLE 

Quote

The nearly 40-year-old park, about 65km from Melbourne, will include a drop tower, lazy river rides, a dinosaur attraction and a walk-through aviary.

Set on 166ha, the park is currently home to more than 300 native animals including dingoes, wombats, koalas, emus and various bird species.

But as its reinvention moves forward, new native species will arrive.

Along with additional animals, more rides and experiences will be available.

A family zone will include a 4D adventure theatre, a ropes course, drop tower and disco ride while the water zone will feature a lazy spring river ride and a Walking with Dinosaurs attraction.

The first stage will be ready this summer.

Mr Weinzierl said the park — which will close from July 16 and re-open on December 1 — would be a great place to work and visit.

Edited June 21, 2017 by Luke

[yaark]

Looking forward to a future visit to Gumbuya World.

From what I read in the leader article, the upcoming attractions will make the park a must visit with the kids!!

Congrats on the BounceInc appointment Mark. We have several pairs of bounce socks floating around the house from our visits to the blackburn north facility which is only about 20mins from home!!

Edited June 21, 2017 by yaark
removed link as already posted while typing this post