Black Opal Tours, Lightning Ridge, Australia

Lightning Ridge is an Opal Mining Town, world famous for Black Opal. It is a sincere wish that people who visit us go away with an understanding of how the opal is found then cut and polished. The beauty of the finished Opal and the stories of how and where some of the world famous name stones were found and sold. Black Opal is what Lightning Ridge is all about but it is also about the way of life, the friendliness and indeed the colourful nature of this small town and how a small community can pull together in hard times.

Val & Robina has seen the Community grow from a few hundred to the present population and seen a great many changes, but Black Opal Tours in the space of just a short tour tries to cover some of the highlights for visitors to catch a glimpse of the mining life in the Ridge - past and present. For those looking for a longer and more comprehensive view of Lightning Ridge and the opal industry you could try the JOLLY SWAGMAN TOUR or the WALTZING MATILDA TOUR. Both tours offer a full day of discovery and amazement.

Golfing visitors to Lightning Ridge are advised there is an 18 hole sandgreen golf course open to the public 7 days a week.

Competitions except for club championships and other major events are open to visitors with golf handicaps. Those without club membership Handicaps are invited to have a round of golf. Cards and the golf fee box are at the start of the 18 holes.

The Members play chicken run from 8.30am Fridays until 3pm and other competitions are Wednesdays, Saturday and Sundays. Ring the Golf Club on (02) 68 290 006 for starting times & more information.

"All aboard the Opal Bug" for a discovery of a lifetime, take a journey into the past & present of Lightning Ridge, "The Home of Black Opal". All 3 of our "Opal Bugs" offer modern air-conditioned comfort so you can sit back and enjoy the tour in comfort and style!.

Depending on what your needs are we have a tour to suit you, these range from 3 hours to a full day tour.

Please choose a tour for more information,

The Miner's Trail Tour (3 Tours Daily)
The Jolly Swagman Tour (Min. 10 required to run tour)
The Waltzing Matilda Tour (Min. 10 required to run tour)

or visit the TOURS homepage for summaries on each tour.

Accommodations

Need a place to stay while in the "Ridge". Then Look for further...... Black Opal Tours can Offer you self contained air conditioned appartments to maximise your comfort and convenience.