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.”