The Charm and Grandeur of Australian Castles Transforming into Romantic and Magnificent Fairy Tale Worlds!
Must-Visit Castles in Australia
Sunshine Castle
This is a mini-sized castle in the Scottish style, built in 1972, making it 50 years old this year. While it may not have the historical significance of a traditional castle, it features a dungeon, a chapel, and a moat, all in miniaturised form, and can be considered the most complete and largest castle in Australia.
The castle was initially used to house a toy collection, but now half of the space is dedicated to educating children about the medieval period, while the other half serves as a toy display room. The toys showcased in the windows are all based on fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Gulliver’s Travels, Pinocchio, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Aladdin, among others.
The admission fee is $8 per person, and there is a small cafe where you can join their guided tour. There is also a small gift shop at the entrance offering children-friendly merchandise.
The Manor Basket Range
The predecessor of this small castle was Camelot Castle, built in 1935. After spending millions of dollars on renovations, the historically significant stone-walled castle now features scattered gardens and water features, as well as rustic wooden interiors. It offers guest rooms, a restaurant, a wine cellar, and a small chapel. The once quaint country estate now carries the label of “refinement.”
The Manor, Basket Range, is located approximately 30 minutes away from Adelaide city (including a 20-minute drive on mountain roads). It is a peaceful town nestled in the mountains, giving off a slight feeling of a hidden gem. Driving along the winding mountain roads, you can experience the scenic beauty of the Basket Ranges, especially when stopping at lookout points to admire the outstanding natural landscapes.
Montsalvat
Within half an hour, you can reach Montsalvat, a 1934 English-style castle. The entire estate has a retro and picturesque feel, with all photos taken directly with an unedited CCD camera, resulting in a high success rate of stunning shots. Many people choose to have their weddings held here, as the wedding venue can be rented out to the public, and there is a dedicated chapel for wedding ceremonies. Additionally, the estate features a large lawn area.
Kryal Castle
Kryal Castle is located in the eastern outskirts of Ballarat, the third-largest city in Victoria, Australia. It is approximately 11 kilometers from the city center of Ballarat and about 105 kilometers from the capital of Victoria, Melbourne.
Situated at the foot of Mount Warrenheip, Kryal Castle was established in 1972 and opened its doors to visitors from all over in 1974. It is the only medieval adventure park and resort in Australia. Kryal Castle stands out in terms of its location, architectural design, and structure, embodying all the features of a medieval castle, including a moat, drawbridge, maze, towers, torture devices, and an armory. Overall, Kryal Castle is a highly dramatic, interactive, and educational theme park.
Fort Queenscliff
It used to be a military fortress, but now it has been transformed into a military-themed museum. The museum houses a large collection of historical artifacts related to the military. It is definitely worth a visit, and you can also take photos at the nearby lighthouse. The castle is situated on Shortland Bluff, with a lighthouse and a coastline nearby. It’s a great place for photography!
Fort Denison
Located on a tiny island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, it is a part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Facing Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Fort Denison is a miniature-like fortress, offering beautiful scenery and year-round tourism opportunities. Many people choose this place for weddings!
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