Tag Archive for: NSW

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Lightning Ridge: discover desert wonders in NSW

Unearth the Gems of Lightning Ridge

OPALS aren’t the only gems of Lightning Ridge — discover natural desert wonders and eccentric monuments, and unearth underground art galleries and a moonscape of mines in this New South Wales outback town.

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Go beneath the surface

The best way to see the outback is by getting your hands a little dirty.

Travel underground to discover the buried history of this opal-mining town, touring working mines and digging for your own precious stones.

Opal mining began in Lightning Ridge in the late 1800s and its century-old mines are still the source of many of Australia’s iridescent black opals.

Head underground and explore an original working opal mine at The Lost Treasure Opal Mine Adventure.

Marvel at the layers of opal clay and sandstone roof — hand dug by one person — and imagine what it would be like toiling here day in, day out.

Feel the anticipation of a surprise discovery as you have a go at fossicking through their spoil heaps for a gem of your own.

Run by passionate residents, Outback Opal Tours offers several guided experiences, from town trips to visits to working mines.

The popular Full Day Tour provides a ‘wild west’ experience at the rough-and-ready Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard opal fields, as well as visits to three authentic bush pubs.

 

Lightning Ridge - dusk

Soak it all in at Lightning Ridge

Relax in the therapeutic waters of Lightning Ridge’s artesian bore baths, naturally heated to a constant temperature of 41.5°C.

These two-million-year-old natural springs are part of the Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest and deepest freshwater basins in the world; natural pressure sends bubbles of mineral-rich thermal waters up into many pools across NSW’s outback.

Free and always open (except between 10 am and midday on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for cleaning), the circular spa is a wondrous place to take in the shimmering night sky as you soak up the health-giving waters and chat with locals and visitors alike.

Hit the road

Lightning Ridge’s expansive roads lead to sights that will stay with you long after you leave.

The self-drive Car Door Tour is like a treasure map – outback style ― simply follow the coloured car doors that pepper the dirt roads along one of the four separate routes.

Meet the characters behind the Opal Tree and the Beer Can House on the Green Car Door Tour. Or visit miners’ cottages, abandoned mine shafts, a graveyard of rusty treasures and Stanley the Emu on the Yellow Car Door Tour.

You can also commune with 2,500 varieties of cactus at Bevan’s Cactus Gardens and take a walk-in mine tour on the Blue Car Door Tour.

Connect with the minds of the region’s creatives at the Bottle House & Mining Museum, Ridge’s Castle and Amigo’s Castle on the Red Car Door Tour.

Lightning Ridge - houe of bottles

Bottle House & Mining Museum

See art like never before

The Chambers of the Black Hand is a subterranean gallery 11 metres below the Earth’s surface in a 100-year-old former opal mine.

Over the past 19 years, former Royal Marine and deep-sea diver Ron Canlin has etched countless artistic carvings into the walls of these opal caves.

From native animals to Lord of the Rings characters to dinosaurs and more, this unique experience is like Mount Rushmore of the outback.

More inspiration awaits at the John Murray Art Gallery, where the former Sydney artist showcases his realist paintings that capture outback NSW with vibrant colour and quirky scenes.

Share a yarn with the locals

Find a pub at Lightning Ridge, pull up a stool and find out what life is really like out west.

Tour around the working Grawin opal fields, then head over to Grawin’s ‘Club in the Scrub’ for a drink – it’s been a hub for the community since 1976.

Wander around the cactus garden, play a round of golf at its unique desert course and there’s even a pet-friendly rest stop with a hot shower if you’re camping in the region.

Another top spot for lunch is the Glengarry Hilton for lunch; not quite like its hotel chain namesake, this tin-shed bush pub offers cold brews and a classic outback feed.

Nobby’s Bar is a classic outback drinking hole and a quintessential taste of country life in Lightning Ridge – enter in the meat raffle while you’re there.

The Lightning Ridge Opal Festival, a four-day celebration of the opal industry, is held each July and is another way to connect with the culture of the area.

The event has been running since 1971 when local miner Derek Foster and his wife Hazel created a program of activities to mark the town’s character.

Highlights include an opal and gem expo, with more than 150 outdoor stalls selling gemstones and jewellery, and the colourful black-tie Opal Queen Ball.

#destinationnsw #lightningridge #artesian bore baths

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LIGHTNING RIDGE, VISIT https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/lightning-ridge-area/lightning-ridge

 

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NSW: 6 Great Ways to Refresh Your Connection

Explore NSW’s best-kept secrets

WHEN was the last time you really connected with New South Wales (NSW)?

Sure, you may have taken a trip to inner Sydney or one of the other popular tourist destinations, but did you get out of the inner city and explore what else the beautiful state has to offer?

This year, take some time to refresh your connection to NSW by exploring some of its incredible history and culture.

From Surry Hills to Wagga Wagga, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure!

  • This article may contain affiliate links and advertisements. If you click on these links, make a purchase, or share this content, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support.

1. Dine like a local in Surry Hills

From a captivating underworld history to on-trend tipples in chic spaces, the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills in NSW is full of bold contrasts.

One way to connect to this precinct’s pulse is to share food and stories at a progressive dinner with Sydney local, Maree Sheehan.

Her Sydney Connection walking tour for six takes you to excellent eateries that surprise you with sensational dishes that will make you feel right at home.

Soak up the thriving Surry Hills scene, strolling from place to place along the tree-lined streets, listening to Maree’s enthralling tales of gangsters, wine and food.

On any given night, you might sip a Rye Me A River cocktail at Tilly May’s, taste fluffy souffle at LoLuk Bistro or savour Korean charcoal chicken at Soul Dining.

2. Learn about Indigenous botanicals

Step back in time to a memorable Indigenous experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery in NSW.

The Aboriginal Bush Tucker and Wine Making Experience takes you on a cultural and botanical journey, guided by a local Darkinjung Elder and Firescreek’s winemaker.

Encircled by peaceful gardens, feel every sense come alive as you listen to the didgeridoo being played.

Gather around to sample NSW’s native botanicals from an authentic Coolamon bowl and learn how seasonal ingredients are transformed into Firescreek’s award-winning wines.

Taste rare vintages of Australian botanical-infused wines you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

NSW - Australian Aboriginal men playing Aboriginal music on didgeridoo

Australian Aboriginal men play Aboriginal music on didgeridoo and wooden instruments.

3. Cycle along Sapphire’s secret trails

Feel at one with the landscape as you pedal along sandy coastal trails through sun-dappled forests on a cycling tour of the Sapphire Coast.

The Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. E-Bike tour winds through Mimosa Rocks National Park and finishes at Tathra Beach.

Spot kangaroos in the dunes, stop at lofty lookouts to admire vast ocean panoramas and rest overlooking the mouth of the Bega River while enjoying morning tea.

Along the two-kilometre journey, your local guide will share stories about the ancient landscape, wildlife, and history of this pristine paradise.

4. Have a spiritual awakening on the South Coast

Connect to knowledge passed down from generation to generation on an immersive Indigenous tour of Yuin country on the NSW South Coast.

The Yuin Retreat by Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness is an unforgettable two-night adventure, which you can share with other travellers or book as a private group for 6-8 people.

Your lead guide is Dwayne ‘Naja’ Bannon-Harrison, who has gleaned deep insights from nine generations before him.

The retreat involves journeys across Yuin country following Songlines.

Learning from the profound knowledge of Bannon-Harrison, you will feel enriched, with a deeper knowledge of the place, a fresh perspective on Indigenous history and a stronger awareness of your individual self and your spiritual connection to the land.

Each night, relax and reflect in a glamping tent or private cabin in either Narooma, Mystery Bay, Tilba or Bermagui – you’ll receive exact accommodation locations when you book.

5. Fly high with our NSW outback heroes

Feel your heart swell with pride as you hear the stories of our incredible NSW outback heroes from the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Dubbo.

A high-tech new visitor experience there immerses you in the moment as doctors, nurses and pilots deliver urgent medical care across the vast 7.69 million square kilometre area of the NSW outback.

Don’t miss the short film depicting real patients telling how the service saved their lives.

Children will also love the retired aircraft to explore and trying to communicate through the pedal-powered radio.

6. Walk in the footsteps of the Wiradjuri people of NSW

Tune into the spirit of the land as you embark on an Aboriginal Walkabout Tour in Wagga Wagga, NSW, with Wiradjuri man, Mark Saddler.

Run by Bundyi Cultural Knowledge Tours, learn about one of the oldest living cultures in the world as you follow in the footsteps of Saddler along the ancient Marrambidya Bila (Murrumbidgee River) and practice some Wiradjuri words.

Journey to several Wiradjuri places of cultural significance, spot wildlife and hear Saddler’s teachings about bush food, scar trees, tool making and artefacts along the way.

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