Perth Mint

This lovely historic building -- built in the 1890s to refine gold and mint currency from the Kalgoorlie gold rush -- is one of the world's oldest mints operating from its original premises. It now produces legal-tender precious metal coins and commemorative medallions for investors and collectors around the world, and bullion is still traded here. Hourly guided tours allow visitors to see Australia's biggest collection of nuggets, watch gold coins being minted, handle a 400-ounce gold bar, and engrave their own medallion. Tours start with a guided heritage walk on the half-hour, and lead on to the molten-gold pouring demonstration (on the hour 10am-4pm weekdays, and 10am-noon on weekends and public holidays). The shop sells gold coins and nugget jewelry, and the Tea Garden provides a quiet spot to relax.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.