About Lightning Ridge

Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, is black opal mining country - and as such, is rich in history and colourful characters.

Visitors come here to experience the true Australian outback and discover for themselves the amazing black opal - a surprisingly colourful gem and much sought after.

The region is a magnet for artists and craftspeople, and you’ll find galleries and shops to keep you mesmerised for days.

You can also experience artesian water baths, outback theatre and black opal fossicking.

Accommodation ranges from caravan parks to cabins to cottages.

Located 767 km to the north-west of Sydney and 746 km south-west of Brisbane, Lightning Ridge is close to the Queensland border and a must-visit for holiday makers touring between the two state capitals.

Road-trippers will also enjoy touring the Fossicker’s Way between Lightning Ridge and the coast.

The town is accessible by air for those short on time.

To find out more about attractions and accommodation in and around Lightning Ridge, go to the Lightning Ridge Tourist Association website.