Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy a fun day out, Victoria has a wealth of old-timey historical experiences that expertly blend education and adventure.
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The ultimate guide to Kryal Castle
Experience a day in a medieval fantasy land at Kryal Castle in the Ballarat region. Here’s what you need to know about Kyral Castle for the best day out.
Have you ever wanted to be a knight, a queen, a wizard or a lord? Spend a day at Kryal Castle in the beautiful Ballarat region and you can experience enchanting medieval adventures for yourself, from jousting shows to dungeon depths. RACV Members save on tickets to Kryal Castle.
Kryal Castle is also close to great attractions like Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park. There’s plenty of free things to do around Ballarat too, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Everything you need to know about Kryal Castle
What is Kryal Castle?
Kryal Castle is a fantasy medieval theme park set in castle grounds.
It was founded in the 1970s by Keith Ryall (hence the name Kryal), whose family had a business manufacturing medieval weapons and armour.
Where is Kryal Castle? How do I get there?
Kryal Castle is located at 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek in Ballarat. From Melbourne, you travel on the Western Freeway, which bypasses Bacchus Marsh and Ballan, and take the Leigh Creek turnoff, which is 12km before you reach Ballarat. There’s plenty of free parking onsite.
What are Kryal Castle’s opening hours?
Kryal Castle is open from 10am until 4pm on weekends, Victorian school holidays, and select public holidays. During special events, days and times may differ.
Watching mounted knights battle is sure to give you a thrill. Image: Visit Victoria
What is there to do at Kryal Castle?
Enter the Dragon’s Labyrinth
To get into Kryal Castle, you must explore the Dragon’s Labyrinth: a sound, light and special effects walk-through attraction that introduces the Kingdom of Kryal and its beautiful She-Dragon, Ushnagh. You’ll uncover the story of King Arlen, Queen Cordelia, Ushnagh and her magical eggs before emerging into the daylight safely within Kryal Castle’s walls.
Watch jousting displays
Kryal Castle’s headline attraction is Castle Arena’s royal jousting and skill-at-arms displays. Watch Kryal’s brave armoured knights and their regal mounts face off in the arena with lance, sword and shield. Make sure to check the schedule before you visit so you don’t miss this main event!
Become a knight
Ready to try your hand at the knightly arms yourself? Kryal Castle visitors can choose to partake in archery or axe throwing. Kids can also enrol in that day’s Knight School, where they will learn the chivalrous code of honour and protection during a mini ‘boot camp’.
Brave the Torture Museum & Dungeon
If you have a knight’s courage, brave the Torture Dungeon & Museum – recommended for ages 12 and over only. On the first floor, learn about medieval torture devices and see their gristly examples. Head downstairs to the dungeon, where even the bravest of souls will be spooked by the chained prisoners.
Explore the castle
There’s plenty more to explore in Kryal Castle. Ascend to the Throne Room and sit at the Knights’ Round Table, watch live spellcasting in the Wizards Tower, or browse the comedic gravestones in the Ancient Cemetery. Try to pull out the Sword in the Stone, put your kids in the stocks, and meet medieval animals at the horse stables and animal pens. There’s also a giant stone maze in Kryal Castle’s grounds. Dare you enter?
Learn from the blacksmith
Visit the Forge to step back in time and witness the ancient art of metalwork performed by a traditional blacksmith. You can also buy handmade items made by the blacksmith.
Pick up some magical merchandise
Keen to bring some of Kyral Castle home with you? There are five stores filled with medieval and fantasy wonders in the castle grounds. Find handcrafted woodwork at the Woodworkers Guild, mythical crafts at the Moonlight Market, mystical potions and herbs at the Witches Hut, play swords and armour for kids and LARP (live-action roleplay) enthusiasts at the Village Shop, and everything from trinkets to costumes at the Treasury & Armoury.
Attend a special event
Kryal Castle regularly hosts special events, for example the Unicorn Festival, the Australian Jousting Tournament, the Harry Potter-inspired Festival of Magic, the Victorian Medieval Festival, and the wintery Frozen Kingdom event.
Kids will love the magical surprises within Kryal Castle. Image: Visit Victoria
Is there food and drink at Kryal Castle?
Kryal Castle is home to two restaurant-cafes: The Abbey and The Alehouse. Both are full of medieval charm and offer vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free food options, plus a range of alcoholic beverages for adults.
You can also pick up some delicious treats at Chocolata Magnifica and The Lolly Shop.
How much do Kryal Castle tickets cost?
General Admission to Kryal Castle costs $36 for adults and $24 for children aged three to 15. There are concession and family tickets available, as well as annual passes. Entry may cost more during special events.
Try your hand at archery during your Kryal Castle visit. Image: Visit Victoria
Where should I stay near Kryal Castle?
RACV Goldfields Resort is just a 20-minute drive from Kryal Castle. It’s nestled in a beautiful bushland setting at the centre of the Goldfields region, surrounded by Ballarat, Daylesford and Creswick.
With a modern, family-friendly restaurant onsite as well as a terrace bar, 18-hole golf course, heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and children’s playground and games room, there’s something for the whole family.
