Kryal Castle in 2009.

Kryal Castle is a replica medieval castle located eight kilometres east of Ballarat, Australia, at Leigh Creek, just north of Dunnstown, in the foothills of Mount Warrenheip.

The castle features a moat and drawbridge, a maze, castle towers, stocks,[1] and an armoury.[2] There are also shows involving jousting, live theatre, a jester, juggler and fire eating, as well as a "Wax Of Torture" museum.[3] The castle also provides accommodation and hosts weddings and conferences.

History

The castle's name derives from the first initial and surname of its builder, Keith Ryall,[4][5] who had made his fortune selling body armour. Ryall, born in 1942, had left school at 16 and had also been a refrigerator salesman in Creswick. He received a loan of $75 000 from the Victorian Development Corporation to realise the project.[6] Construction began in 1972,[7] and the attraction was opened to the public in 1974.[8]

In 2007 the property was listed for sale with an asking price of $10 million, but failed to find a buyer. There was interest from some parties in turning it into a medieval-style brothel.[9] After having been on the market for several years, it was sold in January 2011 to Jay Finch and Wendy Alexander, who intended to continue it as a hotel and theme park.[10] However, in August 2011 ownership of the property was returned to Keith Ryall after the Finch family was unable to complete payment for it.[11]

In January 2012, Kryal Castle was acquired by Castle Tourism & Entertainment Pty Ltd.[12] It closed for a major renovation and upgrade, reopening in 2013, having been developed into a multi-use venue, offering daytime and night-time tourism, and entertainment experiences.[13] There are Castle Suites with four-star accommodation, as well as function, wedding and conferencing facilities. Medieval adventure, fantasy and theme park concepts have been developed. The medieval sport of jousting has been reintroduced along with sound and light attractions.[14]

In 2015, Keith Ryall, the original owner of the castle died. His funeral was held at Kryal.[15] Castle Tourism & Entertainment placed Kryal Castle on the market in 2016[16] and it was ultimately purchased by the then-current leaseholders. In 2022, it was nominated for Best Victorian Tourism Attraction.[17]

References

  1. ↑ "Kryal Castle Ballarat — Michael Gorey". Gorey.com.au. 21 December 2008. Archived from the original on 1 December 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Kryal Castle". Ballarat.com. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  3. ↑ "Crazy Domains" (PDF). Kryalcastle.com.au. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  4. ↑ "HOMEMADE ARMOR "MAKES YOU CHEEKY"". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 40, no. 18. Australia. 4 October 1972. p. 2. Retrieved 28 February 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ↑ "Steps towards better grip on dancing". The Canberra Times. Vol. 50, no. 14, 193. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 10 October 1975. p. 7. Retrieved 28 February 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ↑ John Larkin, 'The Cruel Castle', Melbourne Age 14 May 1972 p. 12
  7. ↑ "Kryal Castle". Sbdunnstown.catholic.edu.au. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  8. ↑ "Kryal Castle goes up for sale - Local News - News - General". The Courier. 14 April 2007. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  9. ↑ Quinlan, Kim (21 July 2010). "Brothel owner's $10m plan for Kryal Castle". The Age. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  10. ↑ Burin, Margaret (24 February 2011). "New king and queen move into Kryal Castle - ABC Ballarat - Australian Broadcasting Corporation". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  11. ↑ "Victorian Tourism Icon Kryal Castle For Sale Again". Theage.domain.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  12. ↑ Hamer, Alex (2 April 2016). "Kryal Castle in Ballarat for sale again". Domain. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  13. ↑ Holland, Rebecca (16 April 2019). "Potential buyers eye medieval castle". Commercial Real Estate. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  14. ↑ "Revamped Kryal Castle to Open". 3BA News. 1 March 2013.
  15. ↑ Holland, Rebecca. "Kryal Castle for sale: Medieval amusement park comes with a colourful history". Commercial Realestate. Domain Group. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  16. ↑ "Kryal Castle in Ballarat for sale again". Domain. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  17. ↑ "Castle back in business". Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly. 21 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.

37°34′19″S 143°57′23″E / 37.57194°S 143.95639°E / -37.57194; 143.95639

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