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The Best Heart-Pounding Activities in Gold Reef City
I’m not a regular casino goer, as I don’t believe much in luck (especially when it comes to gambling). Gold Reef City, though, is an exception. Aside from its casino, there are other reasons that I keep visiting this spot!
From its cinema and theatre to its numerous dining options, these are the attractions that I love in this entertainment complex!
Things to Know
Address: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Johannesburg
Website: https://www.goldreefcity.co.za/
Contact number: +27112485000
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
1. Hit the jackpot at the casino
Gold Reef City is one of the most popular spots to enjoy gambling in the country. I think that one of its biggest draws (even to non-casino goers such as myself) is its grandeur and elegance.
The jaw-dropping facade of the gaming area looked like a sprawling mansion with its European-inspired structures like the huge clock tower, intricate windows, outdoor halls, and elaborate lighting.
Inside, it has several card game tables laid out. I turned my attention toward the slot machines and while I didn’t win anything, it was worth the experience!
| Pro Tip: Check out their website to learn more about their current gaming promotions. |
2. Enjoy blockbusters at the cinema
I love going to the movies with my family, especially with my young kids. One of the best cinema experiences we had in the country is at the Gold Reef Cinema with its jaw-dropping steampunk-inspired atrium and top-notch facilities.
We marvelled at the huge and intricate clock in the middle of the ticketing area, and inside, we were greeted with a large crisp screen from which we enjoyed a Marvel movie!
| Pro Tip: Visit their website to find out which movies are being shown. |
3. Experience Broadway-class entertainment at the Lyric Theatre
From sunelmusician
My kids never liked the theatre, and they much prefer watching superhero movies. We adults, though, love it, so we simply had to check out the Lyric Theatre at the Gold Reef City!
My partner and I appreciated the detailed Victorian-style walls, ceilings, and chandelier. We went to the balcony to get one of the best views in the house. I was impressed with how clear the actors’ voices were!
| Pro Tip: Choose your preferred seat by visiting their website. |
4. Take on the rides of the theme park
Now, this is what our kids (and us adults) usually go for when we visit Gold Reef City—the amazing theme park! What we like most about their rides is that you can choose to go slow and easy or go full-on adrenaline junkie.
Some of the more cutesy rides here that our young kids usually go on include the colourful elephant ride and dragon ride.
On the other hand, we adults want something more exciting and extreme! We usually ride the Anaconda and Golden Loop. The former is a roller coaster ride with scary twists and turns while the latter is a classic roller coaster that I personally recommend for its speed and height!
| Pro Tip: Check out their website before your date of visit to learn about the height restrictions on some rides. |
5. Visit the Apartheid Museum
It has a ton of exhibitions about our country’s history specifically on the subject of apartheid. They showed the timeline of South Africa’s apartheid policies to its eventual abolition.
My favourite exhibit is the Mandela Exhibition which features him as a comrade, leader, prisoner, and statesman. Each area has news clips, dioramas, and paintings that offer an interesting look into the different roles of this legendary South African public figure!
| Pro Tip: Don’t bring children under the age of 11, as the museum features exhibits with graphic nature. |
6. Relax in the theme park hotel
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2:00 PM
- Check-out time: 11:00 AM
A hotel is conveniently a stone’s throw away from the theme park, which makes retreating to your room easier after a day full of activities.
On one visit, we got a large room with comfortable beds and the necessities we’ve come to expect from a premium hotel—WiFi, toiletries, and a minibar, among others. There was also an outdoor swimming pool, which we enjoyed.
If you want some quiet time to pray, visit the hotel’s chapel. Established during the gold rush, it’s an old-fashioned structure with beautiful stained glass.
| Pro Tip: Ask hotel staff regarding their shuttle service to and from the hotel and casino. |
7. Enjoy a meal at these restaurants
1. Calistos Portuguese Restaurant Gold Reef City
From dorahtothanation
Website: http://www.calistos.co.za/
Contact number: +27112485333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 12:00 NN to 10:00 PM
After an entire day of enjoying the rides at the theme park, our family decided to try out Calistos Portuguese Restaurant. It’s known for serving delicious seafood, but we came for their meat dishes!
We chowed down on the peri-peri chicken and mashed potato sides. The chicken was perfectly grilled and smothered in peri-peri sauce giving it that just right sweet, salty, and savoury flavour.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a Muslim, you can also ask the wait staff for their Halaal Platters or Halaal Business Special. |
2. Mochachos
Website: https://www.mochachos.com/
Contact number: +27 11 248 6907
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Mochachos is a casual family restaurant that I highly recommend especially if you’re into Mexican food like I am!
My family and I ordered their fish and chips with a side of fries. We loved the perfectly battered and golden-brown fish tenders with salty breading and the creamy garlic mayo dip served with it.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a Muslim, you’re in luck, as this Mexican restaurant serves halal food. |
3. Ocean Basket
Website: https://oceanbasket.co.za/
Contact number: +27112485083
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
When I’m craving seafood, Ocean Basket is the restaurant I head to when I’m in Gold Reef City. Staying true to its ocean theme, the restaurant has a resort-like vibe with its white walls, marble top tables, and nautical blue accents.
My family insisted on getting the tried-and-tested lemon fish fillet with a side of fries. The crispy and lemony breading was phenomenal, and the fish tenders were juicy.
| Pro Tip: If you can’t decide which seafood to order, you can go for their platters to share which include fish tenders, baked prawns, cheesy mussels, nachos, and a side of fries. |
4. Milky Lane
Website: https://location.milkylane.co.za
Contact number: 011 248 5169
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
After enjoying salty and greasy goodness from the other restaurants in the theme park, our family grabbed dessert before heading back to our hotel room.
We checked out the dessert shop Milky Lane and got the classic chocolate sundae for the kids while yours truly had the caramel one.
The sundae was sweet and creamy as expected, but what I liked most was the toppings. I went with the standard cherry on top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup!
| Pro Tip: Visit their website to pre-order a cake for special occasions. |
