Kryal Castle
Kryal Castle
3.5
About
Kryal Castle Adventure Park in Ballarat, Victoria. An adventure park unlike any other in Australia, it brings to life a legendary and mythical land of medieval knights, battles, dragons. 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 twenty one, luxury on-site castle suites, with hand-woven French and Belgium tapestries. Open every weekend and everyday of the Victorian School Holidays there are plenty of wonders and medieval marvels for EVERYONE - little kids and big kids - parents and grandparents - alike!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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from AU$35.00
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3.5
712 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
222
Average
127
Poor
55
Terrible
67
Jetadventureguru
Ballarat, Australia470 contributions
Dec. 2023 • Friends
During my recent visit to Kryal Castle, I encountered several significant accessibility issues that negatively impacted my experience. As a person requiring disability access, I found the castle's current setup not only inconvenient but also reminiscent of outdated societal hierarchies. If you cannot do stairs you can't even get to the office to buy a ticket or ask about disabled access, and the phone went unanswered. I was not able to work out how to even get inside.
The first issue was the location of the designated disabled parking space, inconveniently situated at the far end of the car park. This posed a considerable challenge for those with mobility issues. The main entrance was not accessible without using stairs, and the only alternative was the 'trader’s entrance', which felt like a secondary, less important route and which meant you missed out on walking through the castle entrance. Once inside the concrete surface is very perilous with many large cracks, joins and uneven surfaces.
This so-called disabled access, labelled by staff as 'the trader's entrance', was rough and unpleasant, with large humps, a big drainage channel and proximity to areas with horse manure. It seemed more like an afterthought than a planned route. This path, combined with the inaccessibility of key attractions like the axe throwing which is down steps in the arena area and the dining facilities that also has loose carpet plus a step, created a sense of exclusion and inequality.
Moreover, the grandstand, though equipped with a ramp on one side, lacked exit accessibility, trapping wheelchair users in a space that should have been inclusive. Additionally, the Abbey dining area was inaccessible by wheelchair, highlighting the lack of consideration for disabled guests. Likewise, many of the shops have a step to go inside and are very dark inside due to lack of lighting.
The castle's website fails to provide detailed accessibility information, reflecting a lack of prioritisation for inclusivity. That is zero prioritisation. This oversight adds to the overall feeling of exclusion for disabled visitors.
I urge Kryal Castle to rethink and redesign its accessibility features to truly welcome and include all guests, reflecting society's progress in moving beyond outdated classist structures. The current state of accessibility at the castle not only hinders physical access but also perpetuates a message of lesser importance for those with disabilities.
I look forward to seeing changes demonstrating a genuine commitment to accessibility and equality.
I simply cannot recommend this venue or activity to anyone because of their treatment of disabled guests and their lack of response to an email highlighting these issues. It is an absolute shame because the traders inside rent those shows and will be affected by the lack of inclusivity offered at the venue.
The first issue was the location of the designated disabled parking space, inconveniently situated at the far end of the car park. This posed a considerable challenge for those with mobility issues. The main entrance was not accessible without using stairs, and the only alternative was the 'trader’s entrance', which felt like a secondary, less important route and which meant you missed out on walking through the castle entrance. Once inside the concrete surface is very perilous with many large cracks, joins and uneven surfaces.
This so-called disabled access, labelled by staff as 'the trader's entrance', was rough and unpleasant, with large humps, a big drainage channel and proximity to areas with horse manure. It seemed more like an afterthought than a planned route. This path, combined with the inaccessibility of key attractions like the axe throwing which is down steps in the arena area and the dining facilities that also has loose carpet plus a step, created a sense of exclusion and inequality.
Moreover, the grandstand, though equipped with a ramp on one side, lacked exit accessibility, trapping wheelchair users in a space that should have been inclusive. Additionally, the Abbey dining area was inaccessible by wheelchair, highlighting the lack of consideration for disabled guests. Likewise, many of the shops have a step to go inside and are very dark inside due to lack of lighting.
The castle's website fails to provide detailed accessibility information, reflecting a lack of prioritisation for inclusivity. That is zero prioritisation. This oversight adds to the overall feeling of exclusion for disabled visitors.
I urge Kryal Castle to rethink and redesign its accessibility features to truly welcome and include all guests, reflecting society's progress in moving beyond outdated classist structures. The current state of accessibility at the castle not only hinders physical access but also perpetuates a message of lesser importance for those with disabilities.
I look forward to seeing changes demonstrating a genuine commitment to accessibility and equality.
I simply cannot recommend this venue or activity to anyone because of their treatment of disabled guests and their lack of response to an email highlighting these issues. It is an absolute shame because the traders inside rent those shows and will be affected by the lack of inclusivity offered at the venue.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt c
3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Absolutely disgusting accommodation. Was that bad we left for another motel, shower had hair in it and mould on silicon. Fridge was left open and general cleanliness was terrible. Dont waste your money
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krocchi
Singapore, Singapore1,430 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
You probably will have lots of fun here if you had kids. Not so much for adults. Would recommend bringing your family here.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vk2fsuz
Winmalee, Australia59 contributions
A Fun Scottish Experience as we just happened to go on their annual Scottish Festival. If it had not been for the festival, I don't think I could have given it even 3 stars. Lots of shops, lots and lots of shops all selling slightly different overpriced items. Small children seemed to enjoy themselves. My daughters wheelchair had great difficulty getting into many of the shops, displays, and manoeuvring over the cobblestones and many ditches.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hetty S
Geelong, Australia19 contributions
Jul. 2023
We had the best day with our grandchildren (3,6 & 8 yrs) at Kryal Castle. There was a lot to try, a lot to see, and all in a great atmosphere. ForAussie kids, who never have an opportunity to visit a genuine castle, this is a great experience.
My only complaints were that the bloke playing at sword fighting with the kids could have acted the part with more gusto. And there weren’t enough Princess activity to satisfy my granddaughters.
Please visit Kryal Castle. You’ll love it and the people who put on the shows etc need more big cheers!
My only complaints were that the bloke playing at sword fighting with the kids could have acted the part with more gusto. And there weren’t enough Princess activity to satisfy my granddaughters.
Please visit Kryal Castle. You’ll love it and the people who put on the shows etc need more big cheers!
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine R
Blackburn, Australia18 contributions
Apr. 2023
The outside of Kryal Castle looks impressive and we were all (mum, kids & grandparents) really excited for a fantastic day.
Little did we know that the only things to do INSIDE the castle come at additional cost - the admission price is just that - admission only.
Extra to try archery, extra to make a potion, every 'display' was just a shop with another grumpy shopkeeper trying to take your money.
One of my biggest gripes is that there were no signs warning parents/grandparents that the displays were shops so they could at least TRY to keep the kids out.
The only free things were a 'maze' - I use the word lightly - it is a one way walk - impossible to get lost, a small jumping castle for littlies only and a pony with a horn stuck on it's head who we lined up for close to 20 minutes to pat.
There is supposed to be shows in the arena but we were there for approx 3 hours and saw none.
This place is a HUGE rip off - you'd be better off taking the kids to a shopping centre and just giving them your purse to go buy what they want - it would cost you less and everyone would have a better time.
When I went years ago (I think it was the 80's) there were costumed people walking around interacting with the crowd but there's no more of that.
Overall was one of the most boring, expensive and disappointing days out we have had.
I recommend you give this place a miss and head to Sovereign Hill - entry price is much the same but you will have a much more enjoyable time
Little did we know that the only things to do INSIDE the castle come at additional cost - the admission price is just that - admission only.
Extra to try archery, extra to make a potion, every 'display' was just a shop with another grumpy shopkeeper trying to take your money.
One of my biggest gripes is that there were no signs warning parents/grandparents that the displays were shops so they could at least TRY to keep the kids out.
The only free things were a 'maze' - I use the word lightly - it is a one way walk - impossible to get lost, a small jumping castle for littlies only and a pony with a horn stuck on it's head who we lined up for close to 20 minutes to pat.
There is supposed to be shows in the arena but we were there for approx 3 hours and saw none.
This place is a HUGE rip off - you'd be better off taking the kids to a shopping centre and just giving them your purse to go buy what they want - it would cost you less and everyone would have a better time.
When I went years ago (I think it was the 80's) there were costumed people walking around interacting with the crowd but there's no more of that.
Overall was one of the most boring, expensive and disappointing days out we have had.
I recommend you give this place a miss and head to Sovereign Hill - entry price is much the same but you will have a much more enjoyable time
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
padba05
Whyalla, Australia213 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Couples
Never visited before so travelling through we stayed overnight on a Friday night. Booked in and told we were free to wander around the most of the grounds and explore. The room was ok. The bed really comfortable and the spa big enough for two. Only issue was we switched the fridge off because it was so noisy. Next morning free entry to the castle. We wandered around checking out the quirky little shops. Had a lot of fun with the axe throwing and watched the very funny ‘magician’ well worth a look.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber W
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE GOING. It’s not what is advertised or as fun as it’s marketed. Nothing here is for free, pay your ticket and then pay for every other attraction. The place is clean I will give it that. It has plenty of toliets and they were clean too. My problems laid after seeing a “petting zoo” that consisted of 1 sheep, 2 mini ponies and 2 peacocks. All these animals were not even close enough to pat. Food lines were terrible, there was only 1 real place to get food near the arena. It was over all lame. I did think the horse shows were amazing and interesting but not what you would expect. I thought it would be more historical but there was only 1 tourture museum which was a dark room with a few sound effects and lame chains along with some skeletons. I did have high hopes for this place. But I definitely will not be back.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KylieKikeSantiago
Melbourne, Australia55 contributions
I honestly can't understand many of the negative reviews and am glad there were plenty of very positive ones to prevent me from being totally put off from coming.
What a terrific day out for the family! I only wish we could have managed to get here earlier and fit more in!
My husband and I visited today with our 3yo and 5yo boys. As it's a Sunday, accommodation was cheap so we've decided to make a full experience out of it and stay in one of the suites overnight.
I've been so impressed! There are so many clever details in the castle and its grounds. There are so many engaging activities for kids, and the imaginativeness is absolutely gratifying to adults too. Case in point being the potion making session. 'Alabaster', the 'apprentice wizard' running the 30-min session, had such a great, coherent, and very imaginative story for all parts of the class. Terrific! And a great manner with my shy children.
There was so much we could not fit in: spell casting, archery practice, a few shows. One relatively minor disappointment was that one show we did make, the 'Trial by Combat', was nothing like described — instead of a demonstration of medieval weaponry in combat, it was just a trebuchet demonstration. Not bad at all but not what was expected.
The jousting is great.
As many other reviewers commented, the staff/actors all dressed in mediaeval costumes, are really committed to their characters and very friendly.
I could not get to many of the shops but especially liked 'Wytch'.
We brought our own food after all the bad reviews of food, which I can absolutely believe as this is an Australian theme park, so overpriced junk food is sadly oh so typical.
I highly recommend Kryal Castle and our King family suite is plenty clean and comfortable enough, and very reasonably priced.
I look forward to coming back another time when my kids are a bit older to experience more.
What a terrific day out for the family! I only wish we could have managed to get here earlier and fit more in!
My husband and I visited today with our 3yo and 5yo boys. As it's a Sunday, accommodation was cheap so we've decided to make a full experience out of it and stay in one of the suites overnight.
I've been so impressed! There are so many clever details in the castle and its grounds. There are so many engaging activities for kids, and the imaginativeness is absolutely gratifying to adults too. Case in point being the potion making session. 'Alabaster', the 'apprentice wizard' running the 30-min session, had such a great, coherent, and very imaginative story for all parts of the class. Terrific! And a great manner with my shy children.
There was so much we could not fit in: spell casting, archery practice, a few shows. One relatively minor disappointment was that one show we did make, the 'Trial by Combat', was nothing like described — instead of a demonstration of medieval weaponry in combat, it was just a trebuchet demonstration. Not bad at all but not what was expected.
The jousting is great.
As many other reviewers commented, the staff/actors all dressed in mediaeval costumes, are really committed to their characters and very friendly.
I could not get to many of the shops but especially liked 'Wytch'.
We brought our own food after all the bad reviews of food, which I can absolutely believe as this is an Australian theme park, so overpriced junk food is sadly oh so typical.
I highly recommend Kryal Castle and our King family suite is plenty clean and comfortable enough, and very reasonably priced.
I look forward to coming back another time when my kids are a bit older to experience more.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelling Pixie
Adelaide, Australia384 contributions
Jan. 2023
We visited the park as part of a stay with the onsite accommodation, so not sure in regards to ticket prices however staying on site gives you free access to the park.
My kids (8 + 10) had the best time! They already love knights and dragons and we always attend medieval fairs so this was something I already knew they would like and it does feel like a medieval fair more then a theme park.
The park is old and dated with uneven paths however the kids don't see this how we do and to them it was magical and wonderful!
We watched all 3 shows (11.30, 12,30 +2pm) each show is only 20mins so worth seeing all to get your monies worth!
The shops around the site are all rented out to various vendors (like pop up etsy stores) so they really range from great to just a couple of shelves with a few bits on. There is then a main Krysal store at the exit (the young girl in the mushroom cape was so lovely to my son, thank you).
Didn't eat on site, brought out own food so can't comment there.
My kids (8 + 10) had the best time! They already love knights and dragons and we always attend medieval fairs so this was something I already knew they would like and it does feel like a medieval fair more then a theme park.
The park is old and dated with uneven paths however the kids don't see this how we do and to them it was magical and wonderful!
We watched all 3 shows (11.30, 12,30 +2pm) each show is only 20mins so worth seeing all to get your monies worth!
The shops around the site are all rented out to various vendors (like pop up etsy stores) so they really range from great to just a couple of shelves with a few bits on. There is then a main Krysal store at the exit (the young girl in the mushroom cape was so lovely to my son, thank you).
Didn't eat on site, brought out own food so can't comment there.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole R
3 contributions
Is there a parents room where you can breastfeed?
We don't have one as such, however we do have a comfortable first aid room you could use, or our admin offices. Just talk to any staff member and they will be more than happy to help you out and make sure you're comfortable.
jancrisp19
Melbourne, Australia
do we need a day pass for all the attractions if we are staying over night thanks jan.
Mandy B
Warracknabeal, Australia9 contributions
No
It’s all included
ninjagirl2015
Sihanoukville, Cambodia94 contributions
How long did you spend here?
If you did activities, which would you recommend for adults?
4k A
3 contributions
4 hours was spent at the castle over that time I walked around the castle stopped to watch entertainers and shoot arrows into bails of straw,had lunch then watched the knights in the main area
lilmeh
Melbourne, Australia136 contributions
How long is the jousting and the other shows? There are no durations on the website.
KryalCastle1
Melbourne, Australia
Hi Lilmeh
The jousting and most of our activities last approximately 1/2 hour.
Katherine T
Brisbane, Australia578 contributions
Has anyone stayed here during the time the theme park has not been open? Is it worth it (photo ops, the grounds) if the rest of it is closed?
theports
Port Macquarie, Australia73 contributions
We stayed for 5 nights when the attractions were open and closed. You can go over all the grounds at anytime, but the attractions are closed. The kids can still play on the playground, but would recommend you stay at least one night to see the park in full swing. With the theme park closed there is not a lot too see or do at the castle but heaps to see in Ballarat. Go to Sovereign Hills. Great day out, pan for gold. Great for kids. Definitely worth staying at Kryal Castle. But dress warmly as it can be very cold. Watch out for there theme nights, murder mystery, was great fun.
icareaboutmyfamily
Ballarat, Australia
My friends went there and said it was cold. Is it cold and better to visit in summer?
KryalCastle1
Melbourne, Australia
Ballarat can get cold in winter as it is in the southern part of Australia in the state of Victoria, although for many this is part of the charm as it is much more realistic of the great castles of Europe such as in England where it's cold and rainy all the time.
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Claim your listingKryal Castle: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kryal Castle
- Hotels near Kryal Castle:
- (0.08 km) Kryal Castle Suites and BIG4 Holiday Park
- (7.54 km) Sovereign Park Motor Inn
- (7.42 km) BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park
- (7.72 km) Best Western Plus Ballarat Suites
- (9.26 km) Ballarat Premier Apartments
- Restaurants near Kryal Castle:
- (7.24 km) Carboni's Italian Kitchen
- (8.96 km) Cafe Merkama
- (8.83 km) Meigas
- (8.96 km) Cafe Lekker
- (8.96 km) Harry Limes
- Attractions near Kryal Castle:
- (8.28 km) Escapade Puzzle Games
- (8.31 km) Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
- (5.56 km) Ballarat Wildlife Park
- (8.66 km) Art Gallery of Ballarat
- (12.17 km) Ballarat Botanical Gardens