He said the bluestone castle, which has been advertised for sale in recent years, would make an ideal "school of wizardry", based on the books by JK Rowling which have been made into a series of successful

films.

Mr Sarah said the 35-year-old attraction was in a location easily accessed by visitors from Melbourne and a wizard theme park would complement existing attractions such as Sovereign Hill and the Ballarat

Wildlife Park.

He said it was perfectly situated at the entrance to Ballarat.

Mr Sarah said the Ballarat Railway Station could also be used to link in with the theme park.

In the Harry Potter stories the characters depart for Hogwarts School of Wizardry from an historic railway station with a secret platform "nine and three quarters".

Mr Sarah said the theme park would fit in with the City of Ballarat's Come to Life theme and the motto of "live, work, play, invest".

"I think this is an idea that could work," he said.

Mr Sarah said he first discussed the idea with theme park operators about two years ago but, while the response had been positive, the global economic downturn had meant the idea had gone no further.

A Harry Potter theme park is due to open early next year in Orlando, Florida.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, still under development, is described online at www.universalorlandoresort.com/ha rrypotter as a "completely immersive experience" that will "transcend generations

and bring the wonder and life of the amazingly detailed books and films of Harry Potter to life".

Castle co-owner Joyce Ryall said she was open to the idea.

"We'd need to have a look at the proposed concept."

"But it's not going to happen without an input of money (and) someone who's serious about doing it."

The opportunity for such a person might come soon.

The castle was put up for sale in 2007, but had since been taken off the market.

Mrs Ryall said her family would make a decision about whether to put the attraction back up for sale in the next six months.