Fast facts
- Eccentric mining town in a landscape of mullock humps
- Famous for its rare black opal
- Ten hours’ drive north-west of Sydney
Why go there
Lightning Ridge is the only place in the world where the exquisite black opal is mined in quantity and sold in the rough. People come from around the world to find their fortunes here, and many succeed – some say the cash flow at the local bank is the largest in Australia.
The town’s other natural treasure, the Artesian Bore Baths, is a constant supply of hot, therapeutic mineral water, bubbling up from deep underground.
For those with a taste for the unusual, there are some interesting structures hand-built by eccentric locals, which are signposted for self-drive tours by numbered car doors.
On the way to the Ridge, Walgett has some of the best inland fishing in the State. Don't forget a cooling ale at one of the town's corrugated iron miners’ pubs.
Things to do
- Go fishing at Walgett, where the Namoi and Barwon rivers meet.
- Have a chat with local miners over a beer at Walgett’s "pubs in the scrub", such as the Glengarry Hilton or the Sheepyard Inn.
- Cool down at the water theme park and Olympic pool.
Don’t miss
- The Artesian Bore Baths, where you can soothe your body for free in the natural hot springs.
- A tour of the Walk-In Mine on Bald Hill, where you can try your hand at fossicking.
- The Black Queen Experience, a three-act play about Outback life.
Events
- Lightning Ridge Great Goat Races at Easter.
- Walgett Show, Walgett, in May.
- Lightning Ridge Opal Festival, July/August. Includes the Opal and Gem Expo.
- Walgett Bulldust to Bitumen Festival, Walgett, in September/October.
