Chambers of the Black Hand — Attraction in Lightning Ridge

We visited quite a few really great places while in Lightning Ridge, but the Chambers of the Black Hand were a highlight of the stay. The sculptures are absolutely wild and its history is fascinating. Other reviews cover in detail the sculptures at the site, but I'd like to talk a little bit about the staff running the tours and booking situation, because they really went above and beyond for us. I also think that seeing this place for yourself is an experience that doesn't translate perfectly to a review or even photos. It's just so unique and must be seen in person.

When we arrived, we didn't realise we'd needed to book in advance. We'd come on the recommendation of friends who made no mention of the online booking system, so we were taken a bit by surprise by that. After our phones and bank both gave us a rough time trying to access the website and purchase tickets online, John at the entrance was kind enough to assist and allow us to pay through their terminal instead. The longer Mine tour was fully booked up until the 2pm session, so we opted for the shorter Sculpture tour, and it did not disappoint. John was able to fit us in on the next tour without waiting. After covering safety procedures and handing out helmets, he sent us down the long flight of stairs to see the second John of the day, a miner in the region, a long time friend of Ron Canlin, and one of the tour guides for the Chambers.

This John gave us a detailed history of Ron Canlin's work in excavating the Chambers and his motivation for carving the amazing array of figures, animals, and motifs he's chosen. We walked through the Chambers at our leisure after his brief history talks, and the carvings really lived up to the tour's promises. The sizes, subjects, and styles of carving vary dramatically, but are all equally intriguing. At the end of the circuit in their display gallery, we talked with another guide named Dave, who explained in detail the differences between solid opal stones, triplets, and doublets, and the types of opals found throughout Australia. It was very helpful to know more about the opals and their different qualities before choosing one to purchase.

Overall, we had a really wonderful experience here at the Black Hand and will definitely be back on future trips to take the longer Mine tour and see any new works added to...

I'm not going to post pictures here of the Black Hand Mine ,the pictures are of the open cut mine Luntic Hill as there are enough of the Black Hand Mine .This Black Hand Mine is probably worth a look for yourself if you don't mind parting with $48 each, my own thoughts are if your bored and got some spare cash to spend go take a look.There is enough down there to keep you occupied for an hour or so and there is a coffee urn and seats and such in one of the side diggings .The movie about how opals are formed in the ground and how they are extracted is quite good .but you could probably just google it and see the same on the internet if you are interested about it .For me I had the budget for this so burnt the cash for the experience of going down 80 odd steps into the Mine and seeing it myself .The Lunatic Hill car door tour to the end of the track where there is an open cut mine is kind of interesting .at the end a dilapidated set of extraction machinery a fridge ,a old makeshift table and sofa under a few bits if tin .ps don't go down the wrong road to Lunatic Hill or you will probably meet a Hungaruan dude with alcohol on his breath telling you your on a private road and how the police and ambulance won't come...

The carving level is 11.2 metres underground, the  100 year old mine is 19.6 metres underground, subterranean tunnels open into vast chambers.  The walls have over 700 eclectic carvings and paintings created by our artist Ron Canlin, the owner of this uniquely Australian attraction his talent is never ending. Chambers of the Black Hand is both a collection of sculptures, hand carvings, paintings and an informative and entertaining tour of an opal mine that has been worked for over100 years, learn how hard it was for the old timers that dug by hand.  Here you will get to see tunnels and shaft hand dug it is a very informative part of the tour. All of the guides are very passionate about the opal and mining and love to share tales of the olden days between the 6 guides they have 180 years mining history behind them. Trevor is very passionate and can tell you all about the opal plus combine his enthusiasm for opal mining and prospecting along with Ron’s passion for carving and art.. Complete your visit by calling in on Black Opal Jewellery Shop – also uniquely located 11.2 metres underground, It is the only underground shop...