Plizio Visual Lab
Gold Reef City Amusement Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
kid-landmark
Gold Reef City is a theme park and casino in Johannesburg, South Africa, built on the site of the Crown Mines, a former gold mine. Opened in 1988, the park has rides, historical exhibits, and entertainment. Its central feature is a simulated gold mine ride that takes visitors underground to experience the conditions of the 19th-century gold rush. The park also has a museum detailing the history of gold mining in the region. Rides include roller coasters, a log flume, and a ferris wheel. Theming is based on the Gold Rush era, with a replica mining town. Gold Reef City also houses a hotel, theater, and conference facilities. It is located about 8 km south of Johannesburg city center. The park is a popular tourist destination for families.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: Gold Reef City · Globe theatre · Lyric Theatre
- Nearby: Johannesburg (5 km)
- Population: ~9.418.183 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 82 | 73 | 43 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 57 | 89 | 127 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Gold Reef City Amusement Park is open to the public with both indoor and outdoor attractions. Part of the site includes a historical mining museum with guided tours.
Typical hours
The park typically opens at 9:30 AM and closes between 5:00 and 6:00 PM depending on season. Check the official website for exact hours before visiting.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, but restrictions may apply during shows or on certain rides. Flash is often prohibited at indoor attractions.
Time needed
Allow at least four to six hours to explore the main rides and the mining museum. For a relaxed day including all shows, plan for eight hours.
Combine with
The park is near Johannesburg, so combine with the Apartheid Museum. The nearby township of Soweto is also worth a visit.
Getting there
Gold Reef City is accessible by car via the M1 highway and has on-site parking. Alternatively, buses run from Johannesburg city center.
Insider tip
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the entrance. Visit the mining museum in the morning when it is less crowded.
Geography
Facts
- Opened in 1988
- Area: 30 hectares
- Roller coasters: 3
- Simulated mine depth: 30 m
- Annual visitors: over 1 million
- Casino size: 1,500 m²
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gold Reef City Amusement Park (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Gold Reef City?
A theme park with historical elements from the gold rush era.
Are there roller coasters?
Yes, the park gives a large selection of adrenaline-filled roller coasters.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for a full day to experience both the rides and the museums.
Is the park safe?
The park is guarded and well-secured for tourists.
Can you learn something there?
Yes, underground gold mine tours offer fascinating insights into the history.
Gold Reef City Amusement Park: where is it located?
Gold Reef City Amusement Park is located in South Africa.
Gold Reef City Amusement Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gold Reef City, Globe theatre, Lyric Theatre.
Gold Reef City Amusement Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Gold Reef City Amusement Park: why is it worth visiting?
Gold Reef City is a theme park and casino in Johannesburg, South Africa, built on the site of the Crown Mines, a former gold mine.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in South Africa →
Nearby cities
Magaliesburg
A picturesque village at the foot of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Sasolburg
An industrial town purpose-built to house workers for the first coal-to-liquids facility.
Brits
The modern town is situated in the fertile Bushveld and is strong in automotive part production and mining.
History & landmarks
FNB Stadium
The largest stadium in Africa and venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.
11 Diagonal Street
A distinctive skyscraper in Johannesburg designed to look like a diamond.
Sentech Tower
A 237-meter-tall television and radio broadcasting tower in Johannesburg.
Alice Lane Towers
Modern, curved twin towers that have become an icon of the Sandton business district.
Soweto
A historic township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Soweto is the vibrant heart of South African history and culture.
Nizamiye Mosque
The largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring classical Ottoman architecture in Midrand.
Pretoria City Hall
A monumental historical building in Pretoria featuring a large clock tower and 32 bells.
Nature
More places
Croc City Crocodile Park
A park where you can experience crocodiles and snakes up close.
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
A beautiful botanical garden in Johannesburg, popular with families.
Biltong Farm Visit
Learn how the traditional South African dried meat is made.
Cheetah Outreach
A center for the conservation and breeding of cheetahs.
🗺️
Highveld Plateau
A high-altitude, flat grassland plateau.
Pioneer Museum Pretoria
Open-air museum showcasing the life of the early settlers.
Apartheid Museum Complex
The complex illustrates 20th century South African history, showing the rise and fall of the state-sponsored racial apartheid system.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg is a former prison complex that is now the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.