Overview
Lightning Ridge is a genuine Australian opal-mining town with a surviving outback character that offers a stark contrast to coastal tourist destinations. The town of about 2,300 residents has reinvented itself as a creative hub with galleries and jewellery workshops lining the main street.
History
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is limited in this remote area. No banks exist in town, so bring sufficient cash.
Safety
Many dangerous mine shafts dot the landscape. Kangaroos are a road hazard, especially at dusk and night.
Transport
No public transport exists; arrange motel pickups or use the Bowling Club transfer service. A car is essential for reaching outlying opal fields and day-trip destinations.
Water
The artesian bore water from taps is safe to drink but tastes unpleasant. Seek out rainwater collection points or purchase bottled water.
Weather
Summers are extremely hot. Spring and autumn offer more comfortable temperatures for fossicking and mine tours.
