The Perth Mint is a unique destination in the Perth tourism landscape, and one that may have slipped your mind when planning a fun day out for the family over the school holidays.
Connecting visitors to Western Australia’s fascinating golden history, it’s a step back in time and a dazzling affair of gold nuggets, coins, and even a live gold pour. The authentic experiences gained from a tour here are as memorable as they are nostalgic, all contained in the stunning heritage building which opened in 1899.
It operates daily tours for all ages seven days a week, and some of the highlights of the world-class Gold Exhibition include:
A live gold pour in the original 1899 melting house
Witness gold heated to white-hot molten temperatures and transformed into a solid gold bar right in front of your eyes.
This attraction takes you back to a time when the old melting house was in full swing from 1899 until 1990, before operations moved to a large, modern refinery near Perth Airport.
The Guinness World Record-holding one-tonne coin
Worth over AUD 90 million, this is the most awe-inspiring coin in the world.
It’s the largest gold coin in the world as confirmed by the Guinness World Records and a major drawcard for tourists and locals alike, weighing in at one tonne of 99.99% pure gold. It was created in 2012 as a showpiece to promote the Australian Kangaroo Gold Bullion Coin Series worldwide and features the late Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy on one side and the Mint’s iconic kangaroo design on the other.
A shiny display of gold and silver specimens
King Henry and The Karratha Queen are two of the most famous and valuable gold and silver specimens in the world, both were found in WA and have found a permanent home at The Perth Mint.
They join an impressive collection of large specimens, including the famous Normandy nugget, found near Kalgoorlie, that weighs in as one of the largest nuggets still in existence in Australia, and indeed, the world.
Kid-friendly tours for the little ones
The Perth Mint is for the whole family and can be enjoyed by all ages. The tours are kid-friendly, and kids can take part in The Perth Mint Challenge while on the tour and receive a prize on completion.
Touch a gold bullion bar
It may look easy, but when lifting a gold bar you’ll soon discover just how heavy these guys can be.
Because where else can you get the chance to touch such a large and valuable gold bullion bar?
Engrave your own medallion
A very popular way to remember your visit is your opportunity to design a special, personalised message or design to engrave onto an aluminium bronze, gold plated, pure silver or gold medallion.
Made and ready to take away in mere minutes, the medallions start from AUD17 and are a special keepsake treasure to take home.
Browse The Perth Mint Shop
The Perth Mint’s luxury jewellery gift shop is located in the Mint’s original gold receiving room. With curated cabinets showcasing Western Australia’s golden history, you’ll sort through a treasure trove of natural gold nuggets and gold, silver, and platinum coins.
Experience some of the world’s most dazzling pieces in The Perth Mint’s newly renovated luxury jewellery show rooms, including the crown jewel, the Pink Diamond Room.
Maybe you’ll find a special gift to cherish for yourself or come across that perfect meaningful jewel for a special someone.
Book your tour with The Perth Mint today
It’s free to visit The Perth Mint Shop and grounds, but to fully experience all these unique attractions and learn about the history of gold in Western Australia you have to jump on The Perth Mint Gold Tour, which runs for an hour.
Tours run every day, with additional tours available over the school holidays. Check the website for details.
This article is sponsored by The Perth Mint.
Find more things to do in Perth at SoPerth.com.au
