Heading to Lightning Ridge and wondering how to keep busy?
Even as a West Australian who had never planned to visit, I had somehow come to know of Lightning Ridge as an interesting place. So, when I realised that the town was on my road trip route from Far North Queensland to Melbourne, I just couldn’t resist stopping there.
After spending a few days exploring the town and a few nights camped out under the stars, I can definitely say that there are countless things to do, and to discover, in Lightning Ridge. You won’t find a perfect grid of neat streets or tidy manicured parklands…but you will discover fascinating stories, colourful people, and a totally unusual way of life.
Weave your way through the ant’s nest of white-dirt roads as you explore Lightning Ridge’s history, people, and its prized gems. Expect the unexpected and you might be half-prepared!
About Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge is most famous for its spectacular black opal – an opal so rare that it’s found nowhere else on earth. Because of this, it’s also the most valuable of all the world’s opals…and because of that, Lightning Ridge has seen countless men and women come and go in search of riches over the years.
The town and surrounding land have long been home to the Yuwaalaraay people, who practiced, among other things, traditional agriculture for thousands of years before white settlement on the land. The Yuwaalaraay were displaced and forced off the land when colonial pastoralists took over in the mid-1800s, and again when opals were first discovered there in the early 1900s.
Then follows over 100 years of frantic digging for the famed black opal, and now the town stands as an eerie reminder of the flawed human condition – the endless hunt for ‘wealth’. Whether it’s for the money, or for the prize, or for the excitement of the search itself, a visit to Lightning Ridge will make you pause and ask yourself ‘why?’.
Getting to Lightning Ridge
No matter where you’re coming from, the drive to Lightning Ridge will be quite a long one. It’s located near the border of Queensland and New South Wales, a long way from the coast. You’ll find sealed roads along almost every route you take from a major town, but once you get to Lightning Ridge it’s a different story. Although all the roads in town are sealed, as soon as you start exploring the complex network of tracks, you’ll find that most of them are dirt.
Distances to Lightning Ridge
The closest town to Lightning Ridge is Walgett, which is located 75km south along Castlereagh Highway. If you’re heading there from a bigger town, the drive is a little longer:
- Lightning Ridge to Brisbane is 720km, about 8 hours’ drive.
- Lightning Ridge to Sydney is 760km, about 8hrs 45min drive.
- Lightning Ridge to Dubbo is 350km, about 3hrs 50min drive.
Do you need a 4WD to get to Lightning Ridge?
Lightning Ridge is easily accessible by 2WD. Most major roads and highways are sealed, and most of the roads in town are sealed too. However, if you want to venture outside the town centre there are some places you might need to think twice about if you’re in a 2WD.
Most of the winding tracks and roads outside of the Lightning Ridge town centre are clay-dirt roads. They’re bumpy and dusty, and you never can be too sure where they lead! While you don’t need a 4WD to tackle many of these roads, there are some you definitely do. For example, the Beer Can House and the Green Car Door Tour are not recommended unless you’re in a 4WD.
If you’re unsure or don’t want to bounce your head off in your hire car, there are plenty of tours where you can get the full off-road Lightning Ridge experience.
Free things to do in Lightning Ridge
There are countless free things to see and do in Lightning Ridge, including one of the best attractions, the Artesian Bore Bath. In fact, most of the items on this list are free. Everywhere you turn in Lightning Ridge there’s something intriguing to look at!
The Car Door Tours, although you’ve got to put in a bit of effort, are one of the best free ways to really get a feel for Lightning Ridge, its people, and its history.
What can you do in Lightning Ridge that’s dog friendly?
While you’ll find that most places in town are dog friendly, there are some places you cannot take your dog. Dogs are not permitted on any underground mine tours or at the Artesian Bore Baths.
How long should you stay at Lightning Ridge?
In theory, there’s enough stories, history, mines, buildings, and opals in Lightning Ridge to keep you busy for a lifetime. But I would personally say that a weekend, say just two or three nights, is more than enough if you’re a first-time visitor. It can be quite a full-on experience, so I found it was best to soak it up in a small dose. I had enough existential questions to mull over for a very long time after my visit.
Now to the good bit – let’s find some fun things to do in Lightning Ridge.
1. Go opal fossicking
Fossicking through the dirt in search of your own treasure is a great way to fritter away an entire day in Lightning Ridge! Not only is it addictive, it’s also very beginner-friendly… and rather therapeutic.
Head to the Visitor Information Centre and ask for a ‘Noodling Kit’. They will kindly tell you where you can (and cannot) go fossicking around town and give you a few tips to find the best spots.
But be warned, you can’t just go out to a random spot and start digging – most of the area in Lightning Ridge is covered by mining or exploration leases that are held, and paid for, by individuals. Mining for opal carries a hefty government fee, so if you just start digging on someone’s land it’s bound to bring you nothing but trouble.
If you’re lucky enough to meet a kind local who is a landowner or leaseholder, they might give you permission to spend a few hours digging around on their claim by hand. If not, there are still plenty of places where you can try your hand at fossicking:
- Lorne Station is a great place to get your hands dirty. If you’re staying there, have a chat to the manager and ask where you can fossick.
- The Club in the Scrub Fossicking Pit
- The Glengarry Hilton Fossicking Pit
- Outback Opal Mine Adventure
Tips for Opal Fossicking
It helps to know what you’re looking for if you do decide to get out there in the dirt. Here’s some tips to get you started:
- Bring a water bottle with a sipper lid.
- Sit with the sun behind you/over your shoulder.
- Wet the ground a little bit while digging (you can use your hands or a small hand-trowel).
- Look for blue, grey, or shiny surfaces (this is the ‘potch’ and it’s where the opal is found).
- If you find something promising, pick it up and wash it off some more. You’ll immediately be able to tell if it’s an opal – they are unmistakeable.
- Think small, and I mean tiny. Most of the fossicking dirt in Lightning Ridge has been well and truly picked over.
- Take your time. Think of it as a meditation and learning exercise rather than expecting to walk away as a millionaire!
The truth is that Lightning Ridge has been turned inside out over the years, and your chance of walking in one day and striking it rich are low to none. Just go and enjoy the process.
2. Hot Artesian Bore Bath
Are your muscles tired and sore from the long drive to Lightning Ridge? The Bore Bath is the perfect solution. It’s an awesome community gathering place and a great relaxed environment to meet other travelers from near and far. The locals seemed to spend hours in the bath unfazed, but being the blow-in that I was, I couldn’t hack more than 10 minutes at a time before I started overheating.
Where does the water come from?
The astonishingly hot water that fills the Bore Bath in Lightning Ridge comes from deep within the ground – natural water pressure causes hot water from the Great Artesian Basin to naturally flow to the surface through a bore hole.
The water of the Great Artesian Basin is said to be over 2 million years old, and it is one of the largest freshwater basins on the planet. It covers an astonishing 22% of Australia’s area. The water in the basin is naturally heated by the rocks, and the water that flows into the Bore Bath is a beautiful constant 41.5°C.
One thing to keep in mind is just how special the experience of the Bore Bath is – there was a time recently when the waters of the Great Artesian Basin were at risk. Over-pumping of water from the basin over the years has caused many bores and wells to dry out – we’ve taken a huge amount of water out and haven’t replaced it, so the water level and pressure dropped hugely. But thankfully our governments are working to help landowners make changes to the way they extract the water so that it can be preserved for decades to come.
Finding the Bore Bath in Lightning Ridge
Called ‘Artesian Bore Baths’ on Google maps, it’s located on Pandora Street at the end of town. The bath is open daily but usually shuts just before lunch for cleaning and re-filling. It’s open 24 hours on the weekend.
Here are a few extra things you need to know about the Bore Baths:
- It’s free to enter
- You must shower before you get in (there are showers onsite)
- You can’t put your head under the water
- No alcohol is permitted
- No soaps are permitted in the bath
- No pets are permitted on the premises
- Be careful if you have a heart condition or other health conditions. The extreme hot water can cause elevated heart rate and potentially seizures even in healthy people. So, if you feel a bit strange or lightheaded get out for a 10-minute break. Regardless, it’s a good idea to have a little break every 10 minutes or so and drink lots of fresh water while you’re there.
3. Lightning Ridge Sunday Market
There’s nothing that brings a community together quite like the local market. I met and got chatting to a lovely family at the station I was staying at, and we bonded over how random it was that the West Australians should find each other in a place like this! I saw them again at the Sunday markets where their young daughter had set up her very own stall.
There were lots of locals who were selling opals, other gemstones, jewellery, crafts, hand-made clothes, art, food, cakes and so much more. I ended up buying some home-made fruit cake from a kind lady who had all the time in the day to make me feel welcomed to Lightning Ridge.
That evening while I was getting my campfire ready, I left the wrapped cake unattended in the back of my adventure-steed, Beryl. Returning after no more than 5 minutes, I found a cheeky pack of Apostle Birds huddled around my fruit cake, pecking the absolute life out of it! I hadn’t planned to share that night, but found the humour in it, nonetheless. I’m happy to report that the cake was still delicious.
If you want to meet some interesting folk and find some local treats, the Markets are on every Sunday in Lightning Ridge from around 8am to 1pm.
4. Visit Chambers of the Black Hand
If you want to experience something truly mind-blowing during your time in Lightning Ridge, don’t go past the Chambers of the Black Hand. The Chambers are an astounding underground rock-carving gallery located underneath the ground in a real-life, failed opal mine. Every single artwork was carved completely by hand by just one man, Ron Canlin. His story is remarkable, and the labyrinth of tunnels and carvings even more so.
The best thing about the Chambers is that you can explore at your own pace on a ‘self-guided tour’. This means that you can take all the time in the world to marvel at the thousands of carvings. If you want to delve a little deeper into the history and background, you can take a tour of the carvings or of the opal mine on the level below.
To find out more about Ron’s story and the incredible artwork, as well as how to book and where to go, check out this article.
5. The infamous Car Door Tours
By far one of the best ways to discover Lightning Ridge is by going on a self-guided ‘Car Door Tour’. I was quite confused by this when I got to town – how is the door of a car going to take me on a tour, should I be worried about my own car’s doors? Turns out it was way more literal than I thought.
The Car Door Tours are a series of self-drive tours where you follow actual painted car doors that are scattered around town. There are 4 sets – yellow, red, green, and blue.
Grab a map from the Visitor Information Centre and follow along to see all the Lightning Ridge attractions, learn about its history, and find hidden places to explore. Make sure you pick wisely though. Have a chat with the staff at the Information Centre about the best tour for you – the roads on the Green Tour are a bit hectic, so a 4WD is a must.
6. Astronomer’s Castle
Astronomer’s Castle is just one of many bizarre and quirky buildings that help paint the masterpiece that is Lightning Ridge. The Castle itself took 15 years to build, between 1983 and 1998. A Polish Miner, Alex Szperlak, created it in tribute to the astronomer Copernicus, using discarded oil drums.
To find it, type ‘Astronomer’s Castle’ into Google Maps. Sadly, Szperlak died when his camp burnt down in 1998, but his legacy lives on in his very own castle.
7. Don’t miss the John Murray Art Gallery
If you’ve ever been into an ‘Australiana’ gift shop or walked the streets of a country town, there’s a good chance you will have seen John Murray’s iconic dystopian and larger-than-life artworks before.
Don’t miss out on perusing his impressive gallery in Lightning Ridge. Located at 8 Opal Street, you can’t miss the giant mural and colourful artworks outside the building. There’s a gallery foyer inside the building where you can look at some of his original paintings and purchase some prints or trinkets. Entry was free when I visited, but there was also an optional paid gallery you could enter.
The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
8. The Bottle House Museum
This building, in my opinion, is a feat of engineering! Local miners used to live there, but now you can visit and look inside at the extensive gem and rock collection. It was made using nearly 6000 bottles and was built in the 1960s.
Located at 60 Opal Street, The Bottle House Museum is open from 9am to 3.30pm daily. If you miss the opening hours like I did, you can still marvel at this bizarre building from the outside.
9. Visit Bevan’s Cactus Garden
Another quirky Lightning Ridge must-see, this cactus garden has more than 2500 plants. The nursery was opened in 1966, with cactuses planted from seeds collected from all over the globe. Some of the plants there are over 150 years old.
Owned and run by the same family since it began in the ‘60s, the cactus garden is open daily from 9am to 5pm, all year round.
10. The Beer Can House
Built in 1977, the Beer Can House was originally a miner’s camp. Yet another marvel of Lightning Ridge, the building will really make you pause and wonder.
The building itself is made from steel beer cans and was built just before beer cans across Australia started being made from more lightweight, and cheaper, aluminium. The unique can-construction was born out of necessity more than anything else, as the children who were helping build the house were not strong enough to lift big heavy rocks. The solution? They used cans instead.
It’s nearly impossible to find directions to The Beer Can House on Google Maps – but it’s located near Nettleton’s First Shaft Lookout, called ‘Labyrinth’ on Google maps. It’s part of the Green Car Door Tour, and it is a bumpy ride to get there – a 4WD is a necessity to access this one. Currently, donations are being accepted at the house to help fund restoration efforts.
11. The ‘Black Opal Bull and Bronc Ride’
This event is about as ‘outback’ as it gets! Held annually on Good Friday, head out for this awesome night-time activity in Lightning Ridge. Watch as countless thrill seekers (most of them professionals at bull-riding) try to stay aboard their bucking bronco.
It’s a huge community fundraising event that’s run by volunteers and the Lightning Ridge Pony Club. It not only brings together the local community, but it’s also a chance to show travellers and guests how they do it in Lightning Ridge. You can expect a variety of live music and a kid friendly atmosphere, complete with a bar and canteen.
12. Lightning Ridge Opal Festival
Another huge annual event that’s held in Lightning Ridge is the Opal Festival. In July each year, more than 100 stall holders get together to show and sell gemstones, tools, lapidary supplies and so much more. Join in on the fun and gain some new knowledge from local miners, jewellers, and rock lovers.
13. Lightning Ridge Easter Festival
Not going to be in town for the Opal Festival? Try for the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival instead.
At this fun annual festival, you’ll find things like ‘The Ridge Factor’ talent quest, parades, horse races, mining challenges for big and little kids alike (with prize money up for grabs), market stalls, easter egg hunts, fireworks and so much more.
This is a time when the town comes alive with activity and excitement, so make sure you get in on the fun if you’re visiting at Easter time.
14. Cool off at the Lightning Ridge Olympic Pool & Water Theme Park
It gets bloody hot in Lightning Ridge during summer, so if you’re visiting in the summer months make your way to this 5-star fun destination! Only in operation during the summer months, it’s got an Olympic sized swimming pool and an epic water fun-park for the kids. There are water slides of all sizes, wading pool, swings, and more. There’s also an onsite kiosk, BBQs, toilets & showers, and parents’ room.
Here’s a list of open hours and pricing:
- Entry to the Olympic Pool is $7 per day per person, or
- $10 for entry to the pool and the Water Theme Park
- Open from 11am to 6pm on weekends and school holidays
- On weekdays during the school term:
- Pool is open from 12pm to 6pm
- Theme Park is open 3pm to 6pm
- They also have some ‘early morning’ pool days during the summer so you can get in your morning fitness.
15. Check out the Bowls Club
The Bowling Club is the hub of community spirit in many a country town, and Lightning Ridge is not much different. Have a beer and chat with a local or join in at Bingo, the Club is open daily from 10am to 10pm. The Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, and they even run a courtesy bus every day. It’s a lively place and there’s always something going on – check out what’s on during your visit by heading to their website.
16. Jump on a Black Opal Tour
Running since 1972, the folks who run Black Opal Tours know the ins and outs of Lightning Ridge. These tours are perfect for anyone wanting a little bit more. Learn more about the town’s history people and places. It’s also a great option if you want to explore but don’t have a suitable 4WD.
Hop on board and see all the sights without doing any of the research, plus get a few local stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Book and learn more here.
17. The Opal Cave
Located in the centre of town, you can have the experience of ‘going underground’ without actually going underground. When you go inside, you’ll feel like your deep under the earth, but with the added bonus of being inside a building! You can polish your own opal, learn about how opals are mined and formed, and find a souvenir to take home. The Opal Cave is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
18. Visit a Real Opal Mine – ‘The Big Opal’
For those looking for a real underground adventure, you can’t miss The Big Opal. It was Lightning Ridge’s first licensed opal mine and is run by a local miner called Steve. You can take a tour and learn all about mining, fossicking, cutting and polishing gems. You can even have a go at fossicking yourself.
And of course, there’s an onsite store where you can peruse or purchase a unique opal all of your own. The road to the Big Opal is sealed all the way.
19. Coopers Cottage – One of Lightning Ridge’s oldest houses
In the centre of town on Morilla Street lies a ramshackle building that used to house miners. Built in 1916, it is one of Lightning Ridge’s oldest houses. If you visit, you will understand why I say it’s impressive that it’s even still standing. It looks like it’s about one strong gust of wind away from completely falling over, and yet it still stands strong.
Although you can’t go inside, you can pause for a moment and imagine what life might have been like for those miners who called the place home.
20. The Best Coffee in Lightning Ridge – Opal Street Café
There are a surprising number of amazing cafes in Lightning Ridge, but my favourite was Opal Street Café. With coffee to die for and delicious sweet and savoury treats, this café was my go-to. Not only this, but they have incredibly friendly baristas and staff and a bustling and busy atmosphere.
21. The NEW Australian Opal Centre
I saved perhaps the most unusual thing to last – a NEW building in Lightning Ridge. For a town that’s full to the brim with quirky constructions and historic places, the New Australian Opal Centre is sure to cause a ripple.
Not yet open, this will be a two-storey, energy efficient, partially underground building. When it opens in 2024, it’ll house the incredible opal collection that already resides in Lightning Ridge. It is a world-class collection of opalised Dinosaur-era fossils as well as precious opals and gems from Lightning Ridge and all over the world.
The centre will be a place to learn everything there is to know about opals. In the meantime, you can visit the existing showroom that’s open from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday. Located at 3/11 Morilla Street, just type ‘Australian Opal Centre’ into Google maps.
My Tip on Where to Stay
For a true outback experience that feels a little bit different, set up camp at Lorne Station for a few nights. You could find the car graveyard, fossick through the opal diggings around the property, or just roam freely taking in all the busy bird and wildlife action. Light a fire, cosy up, stargaze at the dark sky, catch yabbies in the dam, meet some interesting travellers, and enjoy the quiet life. Check out the property, campground facilities and make your booking on their website.
So, Is Lightning Ridge Worth a Visit?
If you’ve made it this far, I’m sure I don’t need to convince you that Lightning Ridge is worth a visit. This list is just the tip of the iceberg for things to see and do in Lightning Ridge. There are countless galleries, gem shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, mines, stories, and places to stay in this incredible town – you will not run out of things to do in Lightning Ridge, and you certainly will not be disappointed.
Want More?
Discover Chambers of the Black Hand – one of Lightning Ridge’s most mind-blowing experiences.
Heading north? Check out my guide to the best of hiking and camping at Cape Hillsborough in Queensland’s north.
