Jayco founder Gerry Ryan is among the new owners of well-known attraction Gumbuya Park.
A consortium bought the Tynong North amusement and wildlife park for $4.65 million, and has plans for a major revamp and expansion.
Standard Roads founder and Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame member Ron Rado established the park in 1978 on a former pheasant farm.
The giant pheasant statue visible on the Princes Highway frontage is listed alongside other Australian ‘biggest things’ landmarks alongside the likes of Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana.
Car Megamart’s Ray Weinzierl, Adam Campbell, Brett Murray, Jamie Johnson and Wal Pisciotta are the other new owners.
They’ll add accommodation to the 430-acre site to build on its appeal as a tourist attraction and conference and wedding venue, plus new features and rides.
Mr Weinzierl said he took his children Max and Ruby to the park and bought it the following day.
“There hasn’t been a lot of work done to the place for a while,” he said.
“It’s just tired and needs a bit of work.”
The function centre and grounds are in the process of being renovated.
A train is on the way and new merry-go-rounds for the younger children will soon arrive, too.
The toboggan, paddle boats, mini cars and more will then be improved one by one.
Looking over the amphitheatre area, Mr Weinzierl said it could host a more boutique version of the Day on the Green concerts.
