Description

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's name derives from the first initial and surname of its builder, Keith Ryall, who had made his fortune selling body armour. Construction began in 1972, and the attraction was opened to the public in 1974.

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

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. 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. However, in August 2011 ownership of the property was returned to Keith Ryall after the Finch family was unable to complete payment for it.

In January 2012, Kryal Castle was acquired by Castle Tourism & Entertainment Pty Ltd. 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. 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.

Kryal Castle Adventure Park & Resort in Ballarat, Victoria officially reopened their doors to its new land of medieval adventure on March 2, 2013. Kryal Castle has been transformed for the first time since opening in the 1970s - to bring back to life this Victorian tourism icon which in November 2013 won Best New Tourism Development at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. An adventure park unlike any other in Australia, it brings to life a legendary and mythical land of medieval knights, battles, dragons, wizards, kings, enchanting queens, princesses and fairies. The multi-million dollar redevelopment restored all areas of the original castle including the moat, drawbridge, maze and castle towers, as well as refurbishment of seventeen four-star, luxury on-site castle suites, with hand-woven French and Belgium tapestries. Open weekends, school holidays and public holidays from 10 am - 4pm (latest entry 3pm)- prepare for excitement at the new Kryal Castle - there are plenty of wonders and medieval marvels for everyone - little kids and big kids - parents and grandparents.