Opal Mine Adventure — Attraction in Lightning Ridge

The most exciting activity to do in lightning ridge by far, as it was probably the only thing open most of the day. The venue was decorated very fittingly and also served as a space for little animals and birds to rest and hang around. The amount of native birds ive managed to see here was amazing and they were all very vocal and pretty.

There were also many spots to take photos at, as if you were in a mine. The service here was great, and the man had provided us with a plethora of information about opals, how they make the jewellery and the type of opal jewellery, about the town, about this place as well as bits and pieces of his life. There were sales going in at the time fir jewellery and some of the opal pieces and he provided us with a further discount. There was also complimentary tea and biscuits.

The walk in mine itself was a very cool experienece as it was the exact same mine that miners in the past had used to discover opal. It recreated or at least tried to display the lengths miners went to digging and the methods they would use. There were a several information panels and a video to watch at the end that further expanded on the miners tale in lightning ridge.

100% a must visit if you ever come to this...

We visited this place in January 2019. This time of a year this hot corner of the country is out of season, but "Walk in Mine" is one of the few places that remain open.

In the airconed shack we were greeted by Brad, nice and friendly fellow who we had a very nice conversation with.

We decided to go for the abandoned mine tour, which is pretty interesting and informative - there is even a little theathrette with a movie loop playing. No flies and pretty cool down there, as advertised!! Refreshing if you come in the middle of summer.

Outside the shack there are piles or rubble from mines waiting for you to fossic (for free!) Brad advised us as what to look for and indeed, within 15 min or so we found a shard of little something! Anyway, the real treasures await you in the shack. The selection is extensive and you get a good deal on the stones.

Great place, nice people, good deal, good fun for kids and adults alike! Made our Lightning Ridge experience unforgettable....

Brad is super friendly and goes ot of his way to make you feel welcome. The self guided tour is great. For $20 you can take as long as you want to wander through the coolness of this disused mine, and gaze into the life of an opal miner. There's free tea or coffee to finish your adventure underground, or a fridge with cold drinks and an honesty box for payment.

After you've finished the underground tour, you can choose to purchase anything from the extensive selection of opal pieces in the shop, or you can hit the dirt outside and try your luck at some noodling...