Things to Do Lightning Ridge

The Big Opal

No trip out to Lightning Ridge would be complete without a tour of a working opal mine.
Hudson Brown
March 28, 2022

Overview

The history of opal mining in Lightning Ridge dates back to the 1880s, when miners discovered valuable gemstones hidden beneath the earth's surface. You can get a thorough education on these mineral-like creations at The Big Opal – the first opal mine licensed to open to the public.

While there are stunning handcrafted pieces to admire in the gallery, taking a tour underground provides a more immersive perspective. With this place operating as a working mine for much of the year, wandering the sandstone tunnels offers a glimpse into this century-old treasure trove. You can even try your hand at fossicking while you're there, too.

Image: John, Flickr

Features

Information

Where

The Big Opal
Three Mile Road
Lightning Ridge