'Though you've roamed the whole world over, seen most all there is to see,There are scenes you've never dreamed of, in the stone of mystery'. Laurie Hudson, Cumborah Postmaster 1947-1965
Lightning Ridge, located in outback NSW on the world's richest deposit of black opal, is a place that abounds with colourful characters, barrels of dreams, opportunities and experiences!
The 'Ridge', as it is known to the locals, will welcome you with classic country hospitality but it will certainly not be 'more of the same'.
We are a unique bunch out here and pride ourselves on a wonderful eccentricity; it is something about the pioneering spirit that allowed this area to develop and many visitors become so enamoured with the place that a 3 day holiday can turn into a lifetime of pleasure for the many who are so captivated by the place they stay.
Famous for the elusive and distinctive Black Opal, which is unique to the area, it is also famous as a thriving frontier town full of the iconic Australian characters that remind the traveller that the Australian spirit is not a thing of folklore; but the exact qualities that makes the 'Ridge' so unique is as elusive as the Black Opal itself.
You can experience sculptures underground, bottle-houses, antique lamps, castles, astronomy monuments, unique gardens, hills named 'Lunatic', 'Pig' and Bald', a pub crawl to 'The Pub in the Srub', 'The Glengarry Hilton' and 'Sheepyard', and even tour underground mines. And how do you find all these thing?.. look out for a coloured Car Door. While this may not make immediate sense, it will when you come out and experience Lightning Ridge.
Lightning Ridge is easily accessible by road from Sydney (720km), Brisbane (750km) and Melbourne (1,200km) and is also serviced by CountryLink.
The Ridge is perfectly located for incorporating into other journeys through Outback NSW and Queensland.
Come and join the fun every Easter in Lightning Ridge, you'll find a program packed with adventure, excitement and plenty of laughs for anyone of any age. You'll be struck by the authentic laid back Australian Outback setting and bush characters.
The Lightning Ridge Easter festival is in it's 34th year and is staged around three main events. The Lightning Ridge Black Opal Rodeo, Australian Goat Racing Championships (yes, you read it correctly) and the Lightning Ridge Horse Races.
Lightning Ridge attractions are as varied and unique as the colourful stone for which the miners are searching. There are so many things to do in and around The Ridge that you may need to stay several days.
The magnificent Lightning Ridge Black Opal is certainly well worth a trip to the Ridge but it does not end there... there are attractions aplenty from Outback theatre, underground sculptures, bore baths, galleries, jewellers, unique people and even goat races (just to name a few).
No trip to Lightning Ridge would be complete without a trip to The Grawin... if you think the Ridge is unique... you have to see places like The Pub in the Scrub, The Glengarry Hilton and Sheepyard Flats.
Lightning Ridge has a large variety of accommodation to cater for every style and budget...from the business traveller to families, whatever the accommodation you need.....we've got it.
The Black Opal is unique to Lightning Ridge but it is not the only unique thing… the Ridge is also famous for its Car Door Tour so be sure to drop into the Visitor Information Centre for your guide to this special experience.
Come and join the fun every Easter in Lightning Ridge, you'll find a program packed with adventure, excitement and plenty of laughs for anyone of any age. You'll be struck by the authentic laid back Australian Outback setting and bush characters.
Lightning Ridge attractions are as varied and unique as the colourful stone for which the miners are searching. There are so many things to do in and around The Ridge that you may need to stay several days.
The magnificent Lightning Ridge Black Opal is certainly well worth a trip to the Ridge but it does not end there... there are attractions aplenty from Outback theatre, underground sculptures, bore baths, galleries, jewellers, unique people and even goat races (just to name a few).
No trip to Lightning Ridge would be complete without a trip to The Grawin... if you think the Ridge is unique... you have to see places like The Pub in the Scrub, The Glengarry Hilton and Sheepyard Flats.
Lightning Ridge has a large variety of accommodation to cater for every style and budget...from the business traveller to families, whatever the accommodation you need.....we've got it.
Lightning Ridge is home to the illusive and stunningly beautiful Black Opal and there is no better place to purchase your very own national gemstone.
The Black Opal is unique to Lightning Ridge but it is not the only unique thing… the Ridge is also famous for its Car Door Tour so be sure to drop into the Visitor Information Centre for your guide to this special experience.