History
How did A Maze’N Things come about?
In 1985 after visiting Puzzling World in Wanaka, New Zealand whilst on a holiday, Geoff and Sandy first decided on building a maze. They originally intended for it to be built on the current site, but that was sold to someone else the weekend prior to them making an offer. Other sites around the state were examined and their first A Maze’N Things was built in Wallington, on the Bellarine Peninsula, and opened on Boxing Day 1986.
After 5 years the current Phillip Island site was up for auction. After a lightning quick feasibility study, it was decided that two A Maze’N Things were possible. This property was purchased in mid 1991. The site came complete with bankrupt caravan park, termite infested house, dilapidated buildings, a defunct amusement parlour, one working pinball machine and a pristine poster of Boy George.
A Maze’N Things on Phillip Island opened on Boxing Day 1991, and shared the property with Koala World Caravan Park. It was intended as a 5 year plan! Over the next two years, the mini golf course at Phillip Island was upgraded and a playground was added. The caravan park was also extended and renovated. Business continued to grow faster on the Island than at Wallington, and the end of the first 5 year plan saw planning for the next one begin.
After extensive Australian and international research, it was decided that extensions were needed and an optical illusion theme was added. Consulting with Lyn Raven of Raven Designs, drawings and working plans were produced that carried on the existing goals of fun and relaxation for all ages, but in a more professional manner. Construction started in March 1997 and finished by February 1998. We extended the original building by over 100% and included the huge flying tap illusion on the Flooded House, a series of Optical Illusion rooms, a café, retail area and a new commercial kitchen. From day one it was obvious that the public were going to enjoy the changes. Koala World Caravan Park was replaced with A Maze’N Things Holiday Park, and Geoff and Sandy continued to run the whole operation.
By 1999 the mini golf was completely replaced with the new 19-hole Maxi Mini golf specifically designed to fit in with existing buildings, trees and themes. It features landscaped gardens, split levels, water features and intricate hole designs.
In 2000 the Caravan Park was leased out to give the owners more time to concentrate on upgrading the attraction part of the business, and research started for the third 5-year plan. It was decided that the Wallington business, which needed upgrading and development would be sold, in order that the Phillip Island business be developed to its full potential.
Purchase Cheap Acrobat 9 proBuy Acrobat 9 pro for cheapDiscounted Acrobat 9 proBuy Acrobat pro to edit pdfAfter two years of product development, idea refinements, research and endless cups of coffee, consultations, commissions and applications, new buildings were commenced with Keith Tucker and Megafun being a major contributor. A $75,000.00 Federal Government development grant assisted in enabling all the plans to be put into action.
Puzzle Island opened in 2004. It has a number of world unique activities as well as some used elsewhere in some Science Centres, theme parks and museums. Attendances increased by over 25% within the first year of Puzzle Island opening.
In 2005 A Maze’N Things entered the Victorian Tourism Awards and to the surprise of the Victorian tourism industry, it wins the Significant Attraction category and was a finalist in the Australian National Tourism Awards. In their wisdom, the state and local governments rezoned the A Maze’N Things site farmland which threw a serious spanner into the works by prohibiting some activities, devaluing the property and introducing a serious element of uncertainty.
Entry into the Tourism Awards in 2006 saw a disappointing but credible second place to Scienceworks.
In 2008, construction began on two new speciality shops onsite, one to specialise in gelato and lollies and the other on chocolate indulgence. Additional interactive activities were added to Puzzle Island!
Stay tuned!