The Perth Mint

Step into Australia’s oldest operating mint and prepare to be amazed by the glittering wonders within The Perth Mint. This magnificent heritage-listed building in East Perth houses an extraordinary collection of precious treasures, from rare coins and exclusive jewellery to spectacular gold and silver nuggets.

Since opening its grand green doors in 1899 as the third Australian branch of Britain’s Royal Mint, this historic institution has played a crucial role in Australia’s gold story. Originally established to refine gold from WA’s booming goldfields and produce sovereign coins, The Perth Mint has evolved into a global leader in precious metals through its Australian Bullion Coin Program.

While entry to the grounds, shop, and bullion trading room is free, the must-do Perth Mint Gold Tour (running daily at regular intervals) offers an unforgettable 60-minute guided experience. Check their website for current tour times and availability.

Young visitors receive a special Perth Mint Challenge map at ticket collection, adding an exciting treasure hunt element to their tour. Children can earn a special reward by paying attention and completing their quiz throughout the experience.

We started the tour at the entrance, where the tour guide briefed us on the history of the gold rush in Australia and WA. The Strike Statue tells the story of gold discovery in Coolgardie- one of the greatest gold rushes the world has ever seen!

Next, we entered the Gold Gallery, where we saw the largest gold coin in the world. This Guinness World Record-holding coin cast from one tonne of pure gold is valued at more than $110 million AUD!

We got to meet the King and Queen of gold and silver nuggets in this gallery too! The 94-kilogram King Henry is estimated to contain 41kg of gold (one of the largest of its type on display)! Karratha Queen Nugget is the largest existing silver nugget known in Australia!

The galley has interactive panels for kids to enjoy and plenty of gold nuggets to view.

Missy 7 got the chance to lift a huge gold nugget too!

Check out the impressive 15cm thick steel doors into one of The Perth Mint’s vaults to get your hands on a real gold bar!

The kids got a chance to lift the 400oz gold bar, which is worth more than 1 million AUD!

The tour’s highlight was witnessing the live gold pour at the Melting Room.

We watched the guide put on his protective gear and heat the pure gold to 1200 degrees Celsius before casting it into a bar right before our eyes. The usual gold bar was poured into a star mould for the festive season when we were there.

We were then able to explore the rest of the Gallery with the remaining time. Missy 7 and Missy 10 kept going on the Golden Scales, where they got to check their value in today’s live gold price.

One of the tour highlights was watching the children create their own souvenirs using an authentic vintage coin press, transforming the commemorative tokens provided at the start of our tour.

The fascinating Minting Gallery displays an impressive collection of historic coins produced at The Perth Mint throughout its 125-year history, showcasing the evolution of Australian currency.

Through a special viewing window, visitors can peek into the working Coining Room to witness state-of-the-art minting presses in action, offering a glimpse into modern coin production techniques.

Complete your tour experience by creating a personalised commemorative medallion, available for purchase at the tour’s conclusion. Young explorers who successfully complete their quiz are rewarded with their very own special ‘gold medal’ – a proud momento of their achievement!

Take a break in the shaded courtyard, where you’ll find a charming replica miners’ camp perfect for exploration and imagination. While there’s no café on-site, the peaceful outdoor space provides an ideal spot for a rest between activities.

Children will delight in discovering the special dress-up area, where they can don authentic protective gear worn by mint workers – creating perfect photo opportunities and memorable snapshots of their visit.

Before departing, immerse yourself in the spectacular Gift and Souvenir Room, offering everything from playful chocolate gold coins to genuine precious metals. Don’t miss the elegant jewellery boutique, where you can admire stunning pieces featuring rare Argyle Pink Diamonds in the dazzling Pink Diamond Room – a truly magnificent finale to your Perth Mint adventure!

Paid Street parking is available, or alternatively, you can catch the FREE Red CAT Bus Services to get to The Perth Mint. The gallery is pram and wheelchair-friendly, and toilets are located inside the building.

310 Hay St, East Perth, WA 6004

Opening Hours:

Mon – Sun: 9am to 5pm

(Except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day)

For more information visit the Perth Mint website.

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