• Get in
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Get out
• Stay safe

Aerial photo of a part of Lightning Ridge town and nearby mines.

Lightning Ridge is an interesting and unique mining town in the north-western corner of the Australian state of New South Wales, best known for its opal industry.

[edit] Get in

Lightning Ridge is on a sealed road about 4 km east of the Castlereagh Highway, approximately 75 km north of Walgett, the next nearest town.

[edit] Get around

[edit] See

• Amigo's Castle

[edit] Do

• Visit the Walk In Mine to take an underground tour of the opal mines.
• Bathe in the hot artesian bore baths (free entry)

[edit] Buy

• A black opal at one of the "Ridge's" opal shops.
• Artworks produced by local artists.

[edit] Eat

Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge. Phone: 02 6829 0408. Three dining options with a menu and meals to suit all tastes and budgets. Other restaurants and cafes are available to suit all tastes.

[edit] Drink

Lightning Ridge Bowling Club

[edit] Sleep

A variety of accommodation catering to different needs and budgets.

[edit] Get out

• Grawin Opal field and the unusual dwellings that are here and elsewhere.
• Glengarry and visit the "Hilton" hotel

[edit] Stay safe

• Be careful around mining areas as there are many deep and dangerous shafts. Take care of your children, too.
• Exposure - it can be very hot there in summertime.