Title Image, Lightning Ridge Black Opal Country

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Lightning Ridge, located in outback NSWLightning Ridge Gem Opal on the world's richest deposit of black opal, is a place that abounds with colourful characters, barrels of dreams, opportunity and experiences!

The Three Mile Open CutA visit to this thriving outback community and the opal fields surrounding it will not disappoint.

Perhaps you are curious and are returning for a look to see how it has changed since your childhood visit, or you have heard about the character of the place and want to check it out for yourself.

Whatever your reason, Lightning Ridge has something to inspire, attract and lure everyone!

*Be warned though, many have stopped for a 3 day visit and are still here 30 years later!*
Lightning Ridge Visitor Information CentreYour first point of call should be the accredited Visitor Information Centre (VIC). Open 9am-5pm seven days a week, one of the friendly volunteers will be happy to help plan your stay and show you the attractions on your free town map! Next to the flourishing community gardens, the centre is a unique reflection of the opal fields. With concrete floors and corrugated iron features, inside the centre you will find a vast array of local and regional information, souvenirs and gifts. With free BBQs, children's play equipment, a caravan waste point and toilets, the Lions Park where the centre is located is well worth a visit - don't forget to try your hand at fossicking on the free heap just near the VIC - you never know your luck!
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, 7 days
Cost: FREE
Features: Local Information and maps, Caravan Waste Point, Public Toilets, BBQ areas, Community Gardens, Fossicking, Regional Products for sale, Souvenirs
Location: Lion's Park, Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge

The Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore BathsThere are many attractions which make Lightning Ridge unique and appealing for a relaxing family holiday all year round. With daytime winter temperatures of 12-22°c, Lightning Ridge is ideal for a warm winter getaway. Experience the therapeutic benefits of the natural Artesian Bore Baths, or if summer fun is what you are after, Lightning Ridge has a 5 Star Olympic Swimming Pool and Water Theme Park.

Lightning Ridge Gemstones

 

WallabiesLightning Ridge has a diverse range of native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, possums and a remarkable range of reptiles. Lightning Ridge is also a haven for rare Australian birds, and you can get up close and personal with a surprisingly large number of these fascinating animals.

The region has a number of adventure based tourist attractions including off road vehicle tours. Golfers might also like to try their hand on Lightning Ridge's "country" golf course. Lightning Ridge also boasts a clay target and pistol club.

An example of the work of local artist John MurrayArt lovers will be awestruck by the brilliance of local artists. There are a number of local galleries in Lightning Ridge and opal fields. There are also a number of arts and crafts centres including Kangaroo Hill Tourist Centre, Bird of Paradise and The Goondee Aboriginal Keeping Place.

Lightning Ridge boasts a 12-month program of entertainment with events including the Easter Goat Races, Opal & Gemshow Expo, spring exhibition of the Arts and Crafts Council, Opal Festival, Aristocrat Black Opal Fours Bowls Carnival, annual Golf Tournament, "The Opal Open" pistol shooting competition and during Easter the Black Opal Rodeo.

For any further information, please contact the Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre on 02 6829 1670

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