Gold Reef City, Johannesburg

The Gold Reef City is an exhilarating fusion of amusement park, casino, garden chapel, and South Africa’s only 4D theater. It is not just a leading family destination that offers an insight into the bygone era of Gold Rush and a comprehensive depiction of mining life, but it’s also a superb springboard to explore the effervescent city of Johannesburg.

History

This amusement park is situated around a gold mine that was discovered during the 19th century Gold Rush in South Africa. It was closed in 1971 after operating for 84 years.

Things to Do in Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City Rides

Oh yes, with some of the most scariest rides in the south of the equator, you can touch the sky or drop at a speed of 100 km per hour. More than 30 adrenaline-inducing rides are segmented into three categories according to the fear factor :

1.) Thrill Rides

• Anaconda – As the name suggests, this inverted roller coaster curls like a giant snake in a cork screw motion.
• Tower of Terror – With the fear factor of perfect 10, it is a heart-stopping ride that drops straight into an open mine shaft.
• Jozi Express – This accelerating ride gives you a wide view of Johannesburg CBD.
• Dream Boat – It’s a giant boat that swings like a pendulum through 270 degrees.

2.) Family Rides – Lazy Boats, Log Ride, Mermaid, and Tornado are the rides with height restriction for children.

3.) Kiddie Rides – Dragon Ride, Balloon Wheel, Safari Train, and Carousel are the rides specially designed for children.

Gold Reef City Casino 

Roll up your sleeves, put on your best poker face, and try your luck at any of the slot machines and gaming tables. Roulette, Golden Pyramid, Wheel of Gold, Video Poker, and Double Jackpot are the games that keep the Casino complex alive. In addition to this, there are almost 1700 state-of-the-art video and slot machines available for your pleasure. And if you happen to be a high roller, ultra-exclusive Salon Prive and Club Egoli are definitely going to catch your eye.

Take a Museum Tour

This theme park exhibits a science museum for children. This is where you can opt for an underground tour of Crown Mines area, which was once the deepest gold mine in Africa. Here, you can observe and learn about gold in its purest form.

Nearby Attractions

The Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Lion Park, Montecasino, Cradle of Humankind, and Johannesburg Botanical Garden.

Where is Gold Reef City?

Gold Reef City is located only 8 km from the Johannesburg city center.
Gold Reef City Address – Northern Parkway and Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2159, South Africa.

Gold Reef City Map

How to Reach?

By Air – The O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Kempton Park is the nearest airport to catch domestic and international flights. It takes 20 minutes to reach the Gold Reef City from the airport.

By Train – Johannesburg Park Station is the terminus for long-distance, (Spoornet), suburban rail (Metrorail), and commuter rail service (Gautrain).

By Road – All major bus companies such as Greyhound, Translux, and The Baz Bus run from the Park Station. The amusement park is a 15-minute drive from the station. Follow the freeway M1 south and take exit 5 then turn right from Northern Parkway.

Gold Reef City Accommodation

The Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel and Southern Sun Gold Reef Hotel are only a stone’s throw away from the park. Moreover, you can choose from luxury hotels in Johannesburg such as The Michelangelo Hotel, The Capital 20 West, The Maslow Hotel Sandton, and African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel. For budget travelers, The Backpacker’s Ritz, Emerald Backpackers, 2B Happy Lodge, and SUN1 Southgate are good options.

Gold Reef City Restaurants

The theme park complex has variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and fast food outlets within its premises. Family dining at Back O’ the Moon, Dig Inn, and Golden Falcon Spur; an upmarket buffet at Boston BBQ, and Portuguese cuisine at Calisto’s are more than what you can expect inside an amusement park. Food joints of Debonairs, Steers, Wimpy, and Chip n Dip add to your choice.

Gold Reef City Entrance Fee

You can enter the park with a Non Rider ticket for R 100, which has a limited access to some rides. Should you decide to have access to all the rides then it’s best to buy Thrill Rider ticket for R175.

Best Time to Visit

Johannesburg is an all-weather city as winters are mild and summers are moderate. November through February and June through August are ideal months to enjoy adventure rides in the park.

Facts

• The Hippodrome – a large auditorium with a seating capacity of up to 900 – is the ideal venue for hosting TV shows, wedding ceremonies, business events, and more.
• The Lyric (Gold Reef City Theatre) is an 1100-seat opulent entertainment center for Broadway shows, ballet performances, and film screenings.
• The staff at the Theme Park wear period costumes that are designed to resemble 1880s.
• The park area also has Johannesburg’s first stock exchange, a Chinese laundry, and a chemist’s shop.

Things to Remember

• Some rides have height restrictions for children, and they are allowed only if they are accompanied by an adult.
• This theme park is closed on every Monday and Tuesday.
• It is essential to put on your safety belt before your ride begins.
• Seek medical attention if you feel spike in blood pressure, dizziness or vertigo.

Image Credit: Saaleha Bamjee, Ashleyflashley, WillMcC , Dan Brown

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