Lightning Ridge is world famous for the magnificent black opal that can only be found in the ridges and saddles surrounding the area. It is also recognized as Walgett Shire's multicultural hub and a haven for some of the Outback's great characters.
Although there are lots of opal mining towns in Australia, Lightning Ridge is one of four that have become household names. Coober Pedy, Andamooka, White Cliffs and Lightning Ridge hold many mysteries and are of special interest to the adventurous traveler. They are wild and unruly places surrounded by a moonscape of mullock heaps and the people fight against horrendous climatic conditions in search of precious gemstones.
Located 768km from Sydney and 76km north of Walgett, Lightning Ridge has a population of more than 4,000 people which is supplemented by over 80,000 visitors who arrive every year to either try their luck fossicking or to see what an outback mining town is really like.
This influx of tourists means this once rough and ready town now boasts a number of good quality motels, restaurants and an endless array of souvenir and gift shops.
Lighting Ridge is a place for a special cultural experience, created through the combination of fifty different nationalities, living and working in a remote outback mining town.