A living museum town where gold was discovered in 1873. The birthplace of the South African gold industry.
How it began
Alec "Wheelbarrow" Patterson found gold in what is now Patterson's Creek. This triggered a massive rush before the Rand was even discovered.
The ground
Dolomite-hosted quartz veins. Alluvial gold is shed from these into the Blyde River and its tributaries.
Find your bearings
General location only. The marker does not show a permitted boundary or a safe route.
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Check the current land status, landowner permission, boundaries, permitted methods and local conditions before travelling. Historical notes and map pins do not establish permission. Source record last checked: January 2026.
Prepare for the day.
Start with the basic panning method, then choose gear for the place you plan to visit.