Experience The Magic Of Gold At Perth Mint
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold a gold bar worth millions of dollars in your hands? Or how about seeing the world's largest coin, weighing a whopping one tonne and made of pure gold? If you are fascinated by gold and its history, then you should definitely visit Perth Mint, Australia's oldest operating mint and one of the world's leading precious metals refineries.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the amazing attractions and activities that Perth Mint offers to visitors, as well as some interesting facts and stories about this iconic place. Whether you are a fan of gold or not, you will surely find something that will spark your curiosity and delight your senses at Perth Mint.
Perth Mint was established in 1899, two years before Australia's federation, as a branch of the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom. Its main purpose was to refine the gold from the Western Australian gold rushes and to mint gold sovereigns and half-sovereigns for the British Empire. Today, Perth Mint is owned by the Government of Western Australia and produces gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins and bars for investors and collectors worldwide. It also operates a digital gold platform that allows users to buy and sell gold online. Perth Mint is renowned for its quality and innovation, as well as its contribution to Australia's heritage and identity.
One of the highlights of visiting Perth Mint is taking a guided tour of the heritage building and the modern refinery. The tour starts with a short film that tells the story of Perth Mint and its role in shaping Australia's history. Then, you get to see some of the original equipment and machinery that were used to mint coins in the past, such as the coining press, the melting house, and the rolling mill. You also get to learn about the different processes and techniques involved in refining and minting precious metals. The tour ends with a spectacular demonstration of how gold is poured into a mould to form a gleaming gold bar. You can even volunteer to hold the bar yourself and feel its weight and warmth.
Another attraction that you don't want to miss is the Gold Exhibition, where you can see some of the most impressive and valuable collections of gold in the world. You can marvel at the world's largest coin, which is 80 centimetres in diameter, 12 centimetres thick, and made of 99.99% pure gold. You can also admire the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, which is valued at more than $60 million. Also view some of the rarest and most historic coins ever minted in Australia, such as the 1930 Penny, the 1920 Sydney Sovereign, and the 1852 Adelaide Pound. You can also learn about some of the legends and myths surrounding gold, such as the Curse of the Dutchman's Gold and the Lost Lemon Mine.
If you want to get more hands-on with gold, try some of the interactive activities that Perth Mint offers. Engrave your own medallion with your name or a message, or design your own coin using a computer program, Weigh yourself on a scale that tells you how much you are worth in gold, or test your skills on a touch-screen game that challenges you to balance a gold bar on your finger. Also browse through the shop, where you can buy souvenirs, jewellery, books, and more.
If you need a break from all the excitement, you can relax at the cafe, where you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks. You can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and charging stations for your devices.
Perth Mint is more than just a place where gold is refined and minted. It is also a place where you can discover the history and culture of Australia, as well as the beauty and value of precious metals. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you will find something interesting and enjoyable at Perth Mint. It is a unique attraction that combines education, entertainment, and inspiration.
So if you are ever in Perth, don't miss this opportunity to visit one of Australia's most iconic attractions.
Perth Mint is located at 310 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004. It is open from 9am to 5pm every day except for New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
How to reach ?
By car : You can drive to Perth Mint and park your car at the City of Perth Parking (CPP) car park located directly opposite the Mint on Hay Street. ( Paid parking )
By bus : Take a bus to Perth Mint and get off at the bus stop on Hill Street near Hay Street. You can also take the free Red CAT bus .
By train : Take a train to Perth Mint and get off at McIver Station or Claisebrook Station. Both stations are about a 10-minute walk from Perth Mint. You can also take the free Yellow CAT bus from Claisebrook Station.
By taxi : You can take a taxi to Perth Mint and ask the driver to drop you off at the main entrance on Hay Street. The taxi fare will depend on the distance and time of your journey. You can also use ride-sharing services .
