Top Things to do in Lightning Ridge
Top Restaurants in Lightning Ridge
6 Hidden Gems Things to do in Lightning Ridge That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Lightning Ridge, Australia including Outback Opal Tours, Chambers of The Black Hand, Artesian Baths, Bevans Black Opal & Cactus Nursery, Lightning Ridge, Amigos Castle.
Restaurants in Lightning Ridge
1. Outback Opal Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 385 reviews
Outback Opal Tours is an accredited tour operator in Lightning Ridge offering a variety of tours. Our popular Town Tour is running daily at 9am & 2pm - 7 days a week. See the best there is to see of the Ridge with us locals. This tour will take you underground at the Walk-In Mine, into Amigos Castle, to see an opal cutting demonstration and lots more. We conveniently pick-up and drop-off from all accommodation places in town or the Visitor Information Centre. We also offer Full Day Tours to the Grawin, Glengarry & Sheepyard Opal Fields and three bush pubs - the real deal outback experience. We run this tour any day we get a minimum guest number of six. If you want to book simply call Outback Opal Tours or ask your friendly staff at your accommodation place in Lightning Ridge. We also offer Evening Tours, Tag-Along Tours, Private Tours and we can organise tours for coaches, fly-in groups and for larger groups. For all details, quotes and other queries please simply call or email us.
2. Chambers of The Black Hand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
A unique gallery of over 350 sandstone carvings plus murals painted on the sandstone walls in the sandstone level above the opal level of an old opal mine. Ron Canlin is the artist of this amazing attraction, 12 years passion and still carving daily, a real work in progress. After touring the carvings, Trevor Hudson with 30 years experience in mining and prospecting then takes you down to 2nd level where he will draw on his wealth of knowledge to give you a very informative talk on the geology and formation of opal, the drives and shafts were hand dug by the old timers over the past 100 years. Not to be missed, winner of the NSW 2008 Hidden Jewel award.
Reviewed By JohnB521 - Adelaide, Australia
We were impressed with the professionalism of the staff/guides. The sculptures were unique and amazing for a self taught artist. Well worth the visit.
3. Artesian Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 668 reviews
Free entry. They are a really beautiful spot in the morning when the sun rises, especially in the winter when it's chilly there.
Reviewed By dmmcconnachie - Wollongong, Australia
We visited this pool twice, once at night under a full moon! We walked through a small mob of kangaroos to get there - they did not seem to mind our presence! It is such an extradordinary experience bathing in naturally hot water that is constantly refreshed from the 2 million year old Artesian water. For me it was the highlight of my visit to Lightning Ridge.
4. Bevans Black Opal & Cactus Nursery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
One of the most comprehensive privately owned cactus collections from around the world, located in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Over 60 years in the making. Entry is available to small groups, up to coach groups. Tours of the garden for large groups should advisedly be booked in advance. We sell locally mined opals and souvenirs. Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Call John on 0407392778.
Reviewed By barneyb802
We went there to see if we could buy some small cactus plants and being an avid bird photographer when i saw those many different birds feeding on the flowers and the plants I hastily went for my camera. It turned out to be an excellent place to watch and photograph 15 different species including Spotted Bower Bird, Red-winged Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Mallee Ringneck, Red-rumped Parrot and Rainbow Lorikeets A White-winged Triller was nesting in the large gum tree, and a Olive-backed Oriole paid a visit while we were there. Spine-cheeked and Blue-faced Honeyeaters and Little Friarbirds were feeding on the cactus flowers. Several Spotted Bowerbirds were seen under the Cactus plants. A family of Blue Bonnets were seen just outside the place,
5. Lightning Ridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By 524katies524 - Wollongong, Australia
Lightning Ridge is a truly unique and amazing place. I travelled with two young children to experience a different aspect of Australia, and we all had an amazing and enriching experience. I recommend taking a 4-wheel drive, as many of the sights are off-road. We stayed at the Opal Caravan Park in a small but well-equipped and comfortable cabin, which was perfect. Highlights include: driving off-road, seeing wild emu, taking the Black Opal Tour, visiting some wonderful art galleries (JW Murray and Mary Bird to name a couple), the artesian bore baths, sunset at Nettleton's first shaft ridge, fossicking (in designated areas), seeing remote mining camps and huts, getting a sense of the life of an opal miner, and much more. It is a long drive from most places but worth a visit. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful. The landscape and terrain outside the main town is quite breathtaking. A couple of things to be mindful of - check weather conditions and roads before you travel, as some roads can be closed if there has been a lot of rain, and, use the Telstra network for mobile, as other telcos don't seem to have network coverage here.
6. Amigos Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Lollyz91 - New South Wales, Australia
Greeted at the gate by Anita Paid our $5 each entry and she gave us a fantastic talk about the castle and how it came about What amazing structure highly recommend you can even climb up to the top Anita answered all questions and was very knowledgeable You can explore freely around the structure
