A guide to the best and most budget-friendly activities to do over the summer school holidays in Melbourne and Victoria.
Victoria
Gumbuya Wildlife Trail: what to do
Can I buy food and drink at Gumbuya World?
The ultimate guide to Gumbuya World
Ready to visit Victoria's biggest theme park? Here's everything you need to know about Gumbuya World.
A little over an hour from RACV Inverloch, Gumbuya World is a great Aussie theme park to take the family to these school holidays. With a water park, theme park and wildlife trail, there's something for everyone at Gumbuya World. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your day out.
Your guide to visiting Gumbuya World
What is Gumbuya World?
Gumbuya World is Victoria's only water, wildlife and theme park. It has four distinct parks: the Oasis Springs water park, the Oz Adventure theme park, the Outback Explorers kids' park, and the Wildlife Trail animal park.
Gumbuya Oasis Springs: what to do
Oasis Springs is Gumbuya World's water park, filled with epic waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool and more:
- Boomerango - shoot up a nearly vertical wall before gravity takes hold and plunges you back down
- Taipan - dive into a darkness full of spine-tingling spirals and high-banking turns
- Red Belly Racer - race your friends to the finish line on these four side-by-side slides
- Tiger Snake Tango - brave two twisty waterslides
- Surf's Up - learn how to turn, drop and climb the waves (bookings required)
- The Break - heated wave pool that holds two million litres of water to splash around in
- Lazy River - relaxing lazy river with inflatable tubes and a fun rapids section for some heart-racing fun
- Rock Pools - gloriously warm hot tubs where you can unwind and watch the kids play
- Typhoon Island - a five-platform aquatic jungle gym with water guns, spray nozzles, mini slides and a giant tipping bucket.
Race your friends and the clock on Gumbuya World's Red Belly Racer waterslide.
Gumbuya Oz Adventure: what to do
Oz Adventure is Gumbuya World's exciting thrill ride park. Along with the two biggest rollercoasters in Victoria, check out:
- Project Zero - space test-themed ride that launches riders 50 metres into the air, reaching 5Gs of force and speeds of 105km/h
- Rebel - reserved for 14-year-olds and up, it swings daredevils around at speed two ways at once
- TNT - suspended family rollercoaster that weaves and glides through an explosive demolition yard
- Mining Race Coaster - rattle around on this family coaster themed to the gold rush
- Rush Hour - the world's craziest traffic jam, spinning in all directions with tilts up to 45 degrees
- Tree Swing - spin sky-high at 60km/h around this giant tree.
Kids young and old will love the Desert Derby ride in the Outback Explorers park.
Gumbuya Outback Explorers: what to do
Outback Explorers is Gumbuya World's theme park catered to young children.
There are six exciting kids' rides at Outback Explorers:
- Berry Twirl - jump in a berry-themed teacups ride and take a spin
- Gerry's Roadhouse - climb aboard a tiny big-rig truck and drive around a circuit sounding the horn
- Outback Pirates - set sail aboard this swinging pirate ship
- Outback Pursuit - a gentle thrill ride themed as a desert roadster drag race
- Desert Derby - bumper cars in a desert-themed arena
- Ray's Express - hop aboard this mini train for a roving tour around Gumbuya World.
There's also a kids' playground located outside the Outback Café, so the kids can work off some energy on the jungle gym while you're recharging with some caffeine.
Kids young and old will love the Desert Derby ride in the Outback Explorers park.
Gumbuya Wildlife Trail: what to do
Over 70 animal species call Gumbuya Wildlife Trail home, including native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, little penguins and quokkas; endangered animals like the tiger quoll; and birds like cockatoos, galahs, parrots and owls.
There are three main animal areas:
- Walkthrough Enclosures - stroll amongst animals like right inside their habitats
- Critter Cave - a dark, climate-controlled environment where you can see insects and reptiles
- Animal Farm - meet, pat and help feed baby goats, lambs, ducks, chickens and more.
There are also two live shows running daily:
- Aussie Outback Experience - from 12-1pm, watch a farm show that includes working dogs, sheep shearing, cow milking and whip cracking
- Free-Flight Bird Show - from 1.30pm, watch talented birds singing, dancing and flying together.
Make sure to check the board at the top of the Wildlife Trail for wildlife feeding and enchrichment sessions with the park rangers, who will share fun facts about the animals and answer all your wildlife questions.
For an extra fee, you can also book close-up encounters with a koala, quokka, dingo, python, pygmy possum, penguin or macaw.
A snake encounter is just one of the fun things to do at Gumbuya World.
How much do Gumbuya World tickets cost?
Gumbuya World ticket prices change depending on the season, visit date and the type of ticket you choose. RACV Members save on Gumbuya World tickets.
Where is Gumbuya World located? How do you get there?
Gumbuya World is located at 2705 Princes Highway (M1) in Tynong North, Victoria. It's an easy 50-minute drive south-east of Melbourne's CBD, and a little over an hour from RACV Inverloch. There's complimentary parking onsite.
What are Gumbuya World's opening hours?
You should check Gumbuya World's calendar to see current schedules and opening hours. Some days are Wildlife Only at Gumbuya World, some feature both wildlife and rides, and others are open for the full gamut of wildlife, rides and water attractions. On Saturday nights, Gumbuya World also offers a Wildlife by Night opening.
Can I buy food and drink at Gumbuya World?
Gumbuya World has three onsite cafes offering a large range of hot and cold food and drinks for purchase, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Guests are permitted to bring water (no glass bottles), baby food and fresh fruit. All other food and drink items are prohibited.
