To celebrate the launch of Perth’s Heart of Gold Discovery Trail at Elizabeth Quay this Saturday, The Perth Mint is giving trail blazers the opportunity to pan for real gold!
Scattered with real gold nuggets from Ramelius Resources’ Wattle Dam gold mine, the Mint’s interactive dry panning activity will have Perth families and tourists of all ages experience what it was like to search for gold during the gold rushes of the late 1800s.
“It was with only basic equipment and sheer determination that prospectors set out to find that elusive gold nugget in those early years,” said Richard Hayes, Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer.
“We look forward to budding prospectors catching ‘gold fever’ as they learn about the legends of WA’s gold mining history and discover the importance of gold to our future,” Mr Hayes continued.
From 10am to 3pm, Elizabeth Quay will become a hub of gold inspired activities for the whole family.
Watch a traditional Welcome to Country and pay tribute to the original land owners;
Take a selfie with a replica of the largest gold nugget ever found in WA – the Golden Eagle;
Embark on a virtual gold scavenger hunt and pan for gold and other finds to win an array of prizes;
Use virtual reality technology to see inside a gold mine;
Enjoy face painting and social media competitions.
Download the free Heart of Gold Australia app which features audio visuals, games and more, before taking a journey across the city to discover 12 locations of historical significance from Elizabeth Quay to The Perth Mint.
Participants who complete the Heart of Gold Discovery Trail will claim additional golden rewards upon their arrival at The Perth Mint, including:
A commemorative #heartofgold medallion; and
For the month of October, a 25% discount on admission fees to The Perth Mint’s world class exhibition, where patrons will see a one tonne gold coin valued at close to $60 million and watch molten gold being poured in its 1899 melting house.