On the way back to Mount Gambier, I took the kids to Kryal Castle near Ballarat. It’s a replica medieval castle complete with moat, drawbridge, torture chamber, jousting field, wenches and jesters.
I first went there when I was about 11 years old (see black and white photo below, me in the stocks with my sister).
Thirty years on, the place hasn’t changed much, except it cost me $44 to get in with four children (and they let the twins in for free).
We started with the maze, which Michael escaped in five minutes. The other three kids took half an hour and Jim emerged with a grazed knee, complaining that he had crashed into Maggie and fallen over.
Michael and Maggie then went into the stocks. Maggie slipped through the holes without any problem, but Michael was stuck. Kathleen (older sister) wanted to leave him locked in.
We explored a bit, watched some juggling (entertaining but ordinary skills), fire eating and then some jousting.
It wasn’t real jousting with two knights charging at each other carrying swords and maces. Apparently jousting has emerged as a type of sport, where people aim at targets in a particular timeframe using a wooden pole.
The “knight” was “Lady Cynthia” and she was pretty good.
I’m allergic to horses and I’ve been sneezing ever since!
The kids liked the fire eating the best.
It looks like a fun place.
My best friend lives in Ballarat. I’m sure you were dying to know that ; )
Twitter: delmerw
says:
We have a place like this not too far from where I grew up. I haven’t been in 8 years or so.
Can you buy roasted turkey legs at Kryal Castle? Does the staff refer to visitors as Milady and Milord?
I wouldn’t let anybody lock me in those things! Too easy to be betrayed.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Dina, I like Ballarat, it’s got character. You probably know it’s the site of Australia’s only civil military conflict, the Eureka Stockade.
Delmer, I didn’t see any roasted turkey legs. They had a tavern which looked most alluring, but I was driving the kids home by myself and didn’t sample anything. The staff called me Sir.
Retarius, I agree.
Should check out the old approx 1976 visit by the leyland brothers to kryal castle. Big W are selling 4 episode dvds of leyland bros episodes for $4.kryal castle is on the 1st dvd with the orange combi on the cover. Remember … if there is anything that you wanted to see ask the leyland brotherrrrrs. Eric
Hey guys, I work at Kryal Castle. It is an awesome place and if you are ever down near Ballarat it’s worth a visit.