Gold Reef City
6.8Friend Score / 10#8 of 8 Attractions in Johannesburg
Known fortheme parkroller coastersgold minemine tour
A theme park built on a real 1880s gold mine in Ormonde, with proper rollercoasters, a mine-shaft tour and a casino complex next door. Great for a family day out, and it shares a parking lot with the Apartheid Museum. Caveat: it's closed Monday to Wednesday outside school holidays, and tickets are online-only.
Key facts
| Hours | Thu–Sun 09:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | No convenient rail; Uber/Bolt from the city (about 15 minutes from the CBD). City Sightseeing bus stops here in season. Free on-site parking. |
| Time needed | Half day to full day (4-7 hours) |
| Best time to go | Thursday or Friday in term time for the shortest ride queues; arrive at 09:00 opening |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
6.8/10- Value7.0
- iconic6.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity5.5
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is there food inside Gold Reef City?
- Plenty — fast food chains and sit-down spots scattered through the park, plus more restaurants at the casino complex outside. It's theme-park pricing, so budget accordingly or eat a big breakfast.
- What days is Gold Reef City open?
- Thursday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00, in normal weeks. During Gauteng school holidays it opens daily. Don't rock up on a random Tuesday in term time — you'll find it shut.
- Can I do Gold Reef City and the Apartheid Museum in one day?
- Yes — they're next door to each other and share the same precinct. Locals often pair them, but give the museum at least 2-3 hours and don't rush it. Do the museum first while you're fresh.
- Is Gold Reef City safe to get to?
- Yes — it's a self-contained, fenced precinct with secure free parking off Northern Parkway. Take an Uber or drive directly; there's no reason to walk in the surrounding industrial area.
- Is Gold Reef City good for adults or just kids?
- Both, honestly. The Tower of Terror and Anaconda are legitimately scary coasters, and the old mine-shaft tour is interesting if you want the gold-rush history. There's a gentler kids' section too.
- How long are the queues at Gold Reef City?
- Weekends and school holidays get busy, with 30-45 minute waits on the big coasters. Thursdays and Fridays in term time are noticeably quieter. There's no fast-pass system worth relying on, so timing is your best tool.
- Does Gold Reef City still do the underground mine tour?
- The heritage mine-shaft experience runs on select days — it takes you down into the old Crown Mines shaft the park is built on. Check the park's website when booking, as it's not guaranteed daily and has run intermittently over the years.
- How much are Gold Reef City tickets?
- General access starts around R295 per person, with cheaper promo tickets (around R175) on days when fewer rides run. Kids under 3 are free, and you get in free on your birthday. Buy online before you go — they don't sell tickets at the gate.
Nearby in Ask Johannesburg
- Truth Coffee RoastingCafé0.45 km · 6 min walk
- Apartheid MuseumMuseum0.49 km · 6 min walk
- Apartheid Museum Annex — Gold Reef CityMuseum0.55 km · 7 min walk
- FordsburgNeighborhood3.68 km · 46 min walk
- SoiRestaurant3.87 km · 48 min walk
Where to stay near Gold Reef City
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