Lightning Ridge

Like the rare black opals that hide deep within the region’s dusty brown foundation, Lightning Ridge is bursting with colourful highlights - and humans, sure to reward the inquisitive traveller.  

‘The Ridge,’ as it’s affectionately known by locals, is a mere 65kms south of the Queensland border, about 50 minutes north of Walgett. Boasting the widest range of accommodation in the region, visitors are spoilt for choice with caravan parks, motels, bed & breakfasts, and farm stays.  

Activate your senses with an early morning dip in the mineral rich waters of the artesian baths. Get to know the lay of the land on one of four self-guided Car Door Tours that link explorers with outback adventures.  

Keep the adventure alive with some of our quirkiest attractions. Like a house built using thousands of bottles, and another made with cans. Discover Amigo’s Castle and don’t miss the Chambers of The Black Hand, where subterranean tunnels open into expansive chambers. Don’t leave town before digging for your very own opal treasure in the fossicking mounds at the Opal Mine Adventure.  

Wind down at the end of the day with a pot and a parmy at the local pub. Strike up a conversation with our welcoming townsfolk, you just might discover other enticements to add to your must-see list – we’ve barely scraped the top off the mullock heap. Like capturing a sunset at Lunatic Lookout, brushing up on (not against) cacti knowledge, or snapping a pic with Stanley the 18-metre-tall Emu. 

 

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