'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.