Cullinan Diamond Mine
Cullinan
The town where the Cullinan, the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, was mined. Visitors can take surface or underground tours and wander its Victorian-style streets.
The Cullinan Mine, originally called the Premier Mine, produced the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond in 1905, the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered. After being cut, it was set into the British Crown and Sceptre. The mine is still in operation. Visitors can join a surface tour of about 1.5–2 hours to see the huge open pit known as “the Big Hole,” and underground tours are also available (advance booking required). The town preserves its miners’ stone cottages, which now house restaurants and craft shops. The surface tour costs about R200, and Cullinan is about 1.5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
Opening hours
Tours about 10:30 and 14:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Liliesleaf Farm
- Montecasino
- Nelson Mandela Square
- Lion & Safari Park
- Satyagraha House
- Hartbeespoort Dam & Aerial Cableway
- Johannesburg Zoo
- Ponte City Apartments