Lightning Ridge is one of those places that you are always "Gunna" visit.
Put this place on your Bucket list. Excellent roads to get there (travelled from Brisbane), plenty of accommodation, but book in advance as during the cooler months it can easily be booked out. Call into the Tourist Information Centre and they will set you up with all the information and mud maps that you need.
Bring your camera, put on those comfy walking shoes and let’s go and check out Lightning Ridge. There is so much to do and see. You can self-drive or leave the car as I did and jump on the Outback Opal Tours bus.
Peter, what an outback character, was our driver and tour guide. His local knowledge and knock about style just added to a very professionally operated half day Tour.
The tour covered most of the Car Door tour routes as well as a town tour and a stop at an Opal Shop with a behind the scenes look at selecting, cutting and polishing of these valuable stones.
I would recommend a tour of Lightning Ridge and surrounds, you can self-drive but be aware that some of the roads out of town are very rough and not maintained. By going on a tour, some of the attractions that you might just pass by can come alive with all the area’s history and tales of the quirky people that have lived and still live in the area.
Note: Mine Tours
The mine tours are a must do. Some are guided and some you can do at your own pace.
These mines can be deep underground and accessed by stairs. If you have any concerns in accessing sometimes very steep staircases, I would check with the Tour Operator before heading off on you adventure.
brockc761 Brisbane, Australia