Artesian Bore Baths
A trip to the Ridge would not be complete without a visit to the FREE Artesian Bore Baths. At the end of a hard day fossicking and exploring, there is nothing quite as therapeutic as a long soak in the naturally heated thermal baths. Allow the water to soothe your aches while you gaze at the starry night sky and enjoy the serenity. Bliss!
Opening Hours: 24 hours/all year round
Cost: FREE
Features: One large bathing pool and one small pool, Toilets/Showers
Location: Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge

Astronomer's Monument
Take the time to browse this incredible feat of engineering and truly experience the eccentric mind of one of the Ridge's late characters. The walls of this 'concrete folly' have been carefully and lovingly inscribed and you can journey through the mind of its creator and wonder....
Not open to the public - but stop and have a look and read about the builder on the front gate. (On the red car door tour).
Contact: orel@lea.com.au

Black Queen

The Black Queen is proud to present to you our latest innovation and a completely new direction for tourism The Black Queen Experience A Unique 3 Act Play Outstanding Outback Theatre with a twist.

Understanding that people travelling to the Outback want to hear the original stories of people, their struggles, their successes, their highs and their lows, the Black Queen has boldly made the transition from a tourist attraction to a Tourism Experience. We will present you with the challenges and the rewards of living in the environment of yesteryear then we will take you on an amazing journey of discovery that intertwines museum and theatre together to create live, memorable and interactive performances that will leave you spellbound.

Performances daily at 9am, 1pm and 3pm
Adults $15, Family $30

Bottle House A unique structure and an intriguing example of innovative architecture. Originally a miner's camp, the Bottle House now houses an astonishing collection of artefacts and other items of interest.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm 7 days
Cost: $5 adults, Children free
Features: Friendly Service and souvenirs
Location: 60 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 0618

Coopers Cottage is an authentic abode of the early miner, built in 1916. Its historical setting embraces the living conditions of the mining pioneer. Free entry to one of the oldest houses in The Ridge, Open from 11am to 5pm 7 days a week.
Enquiries: 02 6829 0221 or blackopal4u@bigpond.com

Chambers of The Black Hand You'll be amazed... The Egyptian chamber has humorous hieroglyphics and is a replica of an Egyptian tomb. Atlas holds the world while Adam supports the roof of the entrance to the working mine - another feature of the tour. The Last Supper which took six months to complete and the pondering Nostradamus, which took five hours to carve, are depicted in magnificent detail and is testimony to the razor sharp skill and patience of Ron. Carved on the wall of an opal cave, these captivating images have been created by local opal miner Ron Canlin. Ron has transformed a number of drives (tunnels) of an old opal mine into an interactive work of art. Countless carvings are set in sandstone on the walls. [Source www.outbacknow.com.au] Tour times: 9am, 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm 7 days a week
Contact: chambersoftheblackhand@bigpond.com 02 6829 4730 or 02 6829 0221

Everything Opal
Located conveniently in the main street, this shop has something for everyone.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (Mon- Fri) 9am - 1pm (Saturday)
Features: Fine Jewellery, Opal Inlay, Unset Opals, sterling silver jewellery, body jewellery, souvenirs, diamond and gemstone jewellery, gold and silver chains and gifts
Location: 39 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 0135 or eopal@lightningridge.net.au

Fossicking Heap
Whether you are old hat or it is your first time - there is nothing more exciting than that first bit of colour appearing beneath your fingertips as you scratch through the seemingly endless piles of white opal dirt. Good Luck!
Opening Hours: Daylight to Dusk
Features: The lure of the big find!
Location: Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre
Contact: 02 6829 1670

Garrawal Aboriginal Artifacts Shop
A fine collection of aboriginal art showcasing many works by local artists living in the region. Various other aboriginal artifacts also for sale.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Mon - Fri)
Features: Aboriginal art, paintings, pottery, furniture and carved emu eggs.
Location: 29 Nobby Rd, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 2208 or lrcdep1@bigpond.net.au

Graeme Anderson's Gemopal Pottery
Opening Hours: By appointment only
Features: This mad hatter likes experimenting with local clays and materials and the results are truly fantastic.
Location: Cnr of Potch and Pandora Sts (on the Bore Baths road next to the Goondee.)
Contact: 02 6829 0375 or 65207andon@ceinternet.com.au
http://www.members.ceinternet.com.au/gemopaladsl

GGS Opals
Gerd is the local Master Goldsmith and is an outstanding craftsman. Call in and see his personal collection of work - or have him set your newly fossicked (or purchased) opal.
Opening Hours: 9am - 12.30 and 2pm - 5pm (Mon- Fri) 9am - 12.30pm (Saturday)
Features: Hand made and designed jewellery customised to your taste
Location: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 1255

John Murray's Art Gallery
You will be intrigued at the talent of local John Murray. His unique sense of humor and outback palette combines beautifully into some stunning and colourful masterpieces.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (Mon-Fri) 9am - 1pm (Sat-Sun)
Features: Original Artwork by John Murray
Location: Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 1130 or info@johnmurrayart.com.au
www.johnmurrayart.com.au

Kangaroo Hill
A life of collection has led to this quirky Lightning ridge icon. A fabulous display of rocks, minerals, shells, bottles and antiques will have you captivated for hours as will the FREE fossicking heap outside.
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 5pm except Sundays (Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: $4 adults 50c children (group prices available)
Features: 1 hour FREE fossicking, Rocks and Mineral Display, Shells, Bottles and Antique Display, Souvenirs for Sale
Location: top of Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 0155 or kanghill@bigpond.net.au

Lightning Ridge Historical Society and Heritage Cottage
1932 Miners' cottage and 1915 Cottage Hospital Gallery. Historical displays books and crafts.
Opening Hours: open 3 days a week, or by appointment, phone for details.
Cost: Donations accepted
Features: Local history, books and souvenirs
Location: 9 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: Barbara Moritz 0419 639 120 a.h. 02 6829 0747 barbemiz@lightningridge.net.au

Lightning Ridge Opal and Fossil Centre
Meet face to face with a life like dinosaur or examine the unique opalised fossils on display at this significant centre. Show your support for Lightning Ridge' s journey to develop a world class Opal and Fossil Centre on the Three Mile Opal Field.
Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm (Mon-Fri) or by appointment
Features: Lifelike dinosaur display and opalised fossil collection
Location: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 68291667 or opalfossil@wj.com.au
www.wj.com.au/opalfossil

The 5 Star Olympic Pool and Water Theme Park operates during the summer months. The Olympic Pool is handy for keeping fit and the Water Themepark for keeping the kids entertained.

Come along with us on a tour of dicovery through this original 45 year old opal mine. Hear the tales and stories told of mining and witness for yourself the hardships that the miners endure to find that elusive Black Opal. See the actions "The biggest hoist" in the Southern Hemisphere comes to life as it raises the dirt from the shaft and sends it up to the top of the hoist for dumping. Then try your LUCK on the "Old Timers" Opal Shaker Bed and see if you can find your little piece of colour.
Guided Tours Start at 9.30am and 1.30 pm Daily
Self Guided tours run throughout the day from 9am - 4pm
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm seven days
Cost: starts from $5 adults $3 children (group packages available)
Features: Underground mining, Mining Operations, Fossil Display, Opal and Mining Information Talk video and opal and jewellery showroom
Location: Bald Hill Road, Lightning Ridge
Contact: 02 6829 0473 or walkin@bigpond.net.au
http://www.walkinmine.com.au

The Sports Centre is a versatile multi-purpose venue with a fully equipped gym and facilities for indoor archery, gymnastics, table tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, aerobics, martial arts and indoor soccer.