Goss on Tourism - Current News
Opal & Gem Festival A Success Again
It was a fabulous festival yet again with much to offer both industry
types and fun seeking tourists. With many interesting stalls packed
with everything from precious gems to homemade cakes it was hard to
choose where to begin.
The Opal Festival is held every year and each year sees it go from strength
to strength. The International Opal Jewellery Design Awards are a major
attraction of the Festival and are held every second year, the next
competition will take place in 2009.
For more information, check out the official festival website www.iojdaa.com.au
Accolades for Local Tourism Operators
Congratulations to two local businesses who represented themselves
and Lightning Ridge this year at the 2008 Countrylink Inland NSW Tourism
Awards. Lorne Holiday Station (www.lornestation.com.au)
and The Black Queen (www.blackqueen.com.au)
who were both finalists and winners last year were again recognized
as finalists this year. Lorne Holiday Station were honored with an Award
of Distinction in the Tourist and Caravan Parks category and The Black
Queen narrowly missed out on winning the Tourist Attractions category
for the second year running.
These dedicated and talented operators are a testament to the high caliber
of tourism businesses in Lightning Ridge. Congratulations again and
best of luck to Lorne Holiday Station for the state awards to be held
later this year.
Click on the link below to find out more about the 2008 Countrylink
Inland NSW Tourism Awards,
www.inlandtourismawards.com.au
Black Opal Named NSW State Gemstone
Also in the news recently, Premier Morris Iemma announced that Black
Opal is now the official State Gemstone of NSW. This is fantastic news
for both the Lightning Ridge Opal and Tourism industries as Lightning
Ridge produces practically the entire world's supply of true Black Opal.
It's considered by most gem experts to be the rarest gemstone in the
world, it's a great time for Australians to get to know it a little
better and there is no better place to do so then at the source.
You will be able to see where the stones are found and even meet some
of the interesting characters who have made it their life mission to
beat the odds and find the big one. It truly is a unique lifestyle in
a place that resembles no other.
Lightning Ridge in the Media
Keep your eyes peeled everyone. There have been a number of media crews
visiting Lightning Ridge over the last few months. From newspapers to
TV documentaries, they've all been scrambling to get in and visit this
most unique of locations. Even the most seasoned of journalists who
have literally, seen it all, come here with a mild interest and leave
with a sense of sincere surprise at the unique places, people and atmosphere
they have discovered whilst visiting this sometimes mysterious, always
astounding place.
So keep an eye out for these articles, photos, TV shows and documentaries
and you might get a feel for what's on offer when you finally decide
to take the plunge and visit us so that you can discover and experience
your own Lightning Ridge adventure.
Click on the link below to find some articles you may be interested
in reading.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/new-south-wales/strike-paydirt-at-the-ridge/2008/07/02/1214950794976.html
http://adventures.worldnomads.com/tags/?t=lightning
ridge
School Holiday Season a Great Time for Families
It was wonderful to see so many families make the journey to Lightning
Ridge for the recent school holidays. Fossicking in the local mounds
proved to be the most popular activity for most. Many visitors commented
that it was the best family holiday they had ever had. Great weather
and a friendly bush setting that allows you to actually spend time with
your kids, to talk to them and listen with no lines or
mass crowds to distract you from the interesting little quirks of the
area you're in. It's the perfect family holiday for those who like being
part of a family.
Another plus is the ever so lighter tug on the purse strings. With heaps
of free activities, better than reasonable rates for accommodation and
low entry fees to amazing attractions it really pays to spend your time
in "The Ridge".
So if you and your family haven't visited us before, then get in and
book. Make the choice, because that will be the hardest thing you will
have to do on a Lightning Ridge family holiday.
What a Ride, Easter 2008
Another fantastic Easter has come and gone with an estimated 2500 visitors
attending some or all of the events on offer. The Black Opal Rodeo held
it's first one day, Good Friday, Rodeo, it was a great success
and we're all looking forward to the event growing and really claiming
the new day.
Easter Saturday morning saw the 35th running of the Great Goat Races
and they were a hoot. Spectators from all over Australia and beyond
(and that's just the locals), lined the edges of the main street
(the official goat racing track) and couldn't wipe the smiles of
their faces, except for looks of shocked amazement at the wild scene
taking place in front of their eyes and good old belly laughs.
The annual Horse Race meeting was the place to be that afternoon where
punters, sporting their finest attire, mingled with those who had managed
to locate their very best set of singlet and shorts. Hats were the rage
of the day as the perfect, clear, March weather was the unofficial sure
thing of the day. Many dollars were won and lost and a fantastic afternoon
was had by all.
Lightning Ridge in the Media
Keep your eyes peeled everyone. There have been a number of media crews
visiting Lightning Ridge over the last few months. From newspapers to
TV documentaries, they've all been scrambling to get in and visit
this most unique of locations. Even the most seasoned of journalists
who have literally, seen it all, come here with a mild interest and
leave with a sense of sincere surprise at the unique places, people
and atmosphere they have discovered whilst visiting this sometimes mysterious,
always astounding place.
So keep an eye out for these articles, photos, TV shows and documentaries
and you might get a feel for what's on offer when you finally decide
to take the plunge and visit us so that you can discover and experience
your own Lightning Ridge adventure.
Black Opal Named NSW State Gemstone
Also in the news recently, Premier Morris Iemma announced that Black
Opal is now the official State Gemstone of NSW. This is fantastic news
for both the Lightning Ridge Opal and Tourism industries as Lightning
Ridge produces practically the entire world supply of true Black Opal.
It's considered by most gem experts to be the rarest gemstone in
the world, it's a great time for Australians to get to know it
a little better and there is no better place to do so then at the source.
You will be able to see where the stones are found and even meet some
of the interesting characters who have made it their life mission to
beat the odds and find the big one. It truly is a unique lifestyle in
a place that resembles no other.
School Holiday Season a Great Time for Families
It was wonderful to see so many families make the journey to Lightning
Ridge for the recent school holidays. Fossicking in the local mounds
proved to be the most popular activity for most. Many visitors commented
that it was the best family holiday they had ever had. Clear sunny days
with perfect temperatures. A friendly bush setting that allows you to
actually spend time with your kids, to talk to them and listen with
no lines or mass crowds to distract you from the interesting little
quirks of the area you're in. It's the perfect family holiday
for those who like being part of a family.
Another plus is the ever so lighter tug on the purse strings. With heaps
of free activities, better than reasonable rates for accommodation and
low entry fees to amazing attractions it really pays to spend your time
in "The Ridge".
So if you and your family haven't visited us before, then get in
and book. Make the choice, because that will be the hardest thing you
will have to do on a Lightning Ridge family holiday.
Opal & Gem Festival Just Around the Corner
A reminder to all those thinking about attending this years Opal &
Gem Festival, you need to book early or you'll miss out. Each year
sees the Festival and International Opal Jewelry Design Awards becoming
bigger and better known, with more contestants and tourists making it
a must do on their annual calendar.
Check out the Accommodation page of this website to get the contact
details for local accommodation houses.
It's a fabulous festival with much to offer both industry types and
fun seeking tourists. For more information, check out the official festival
website www.iojdaa.com.au .
See you there.
Visitor Comments
Just a few comments from previous visitors
"Fascinating"....Ros Myburgh, South Africa
"Will be back - great place"....Jan Foreman, Young NSW
"Had a great time. Lovely place. Great goat races. Kids loved
the pool" ..... Dunlevie Family, Redlands Qld
"Great value! Thank you"....Anne & Adrian Hernan, Dookie VIC
"Totally different".....Jeff & Joe, WA
"Ambition realized"....Edward Meadow Croft, Lancaster, England
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