'''Lightning Ridge''' is an interesting and unique opal mining town in the north-western corner of the Australian state of New South Wales. Australian Traveller magazine has judged that "The Ridge" is in the 53rd position in the listing of 100 of Australia_fs Best Towns.

Get in

Lightning Ridge is on a sealed road about 4 kilometres east of the Castlereagh Highway, approximately 75 km north of Walgett, the next nearest town.

Get around

See

  • Amigo's Castle
  • Visit the Walk In Mine to take an underground tour of the opal mines.
  • Do

  • Lightning Ridge Bore Baths. ightning Ridge Road. ia Pandora Street. pen 24 hours a day. ree. Warm artesian waters from the subartesian basin 900 metres below ground level. These waters are therapeutic for tired and aching muscles.

    </do>

  • Water Theme Park. em Street. djacent to the Lightning Ridge Olympic Pool. 02) 6829 0150. ttp://www.wj.com.au/whatto/theme.html. to F 3pm to 7pm. Open during the summer months. The Olympic Pool is handy for keeping fit and has good diving facilities. The Water Theme park has a wave machine and other features. Weekends, Public Holidays & School Holidays 11am to 7pm

    </do>

    Buy

  • A black opal at one of the "Ridge's" opal shops.
  • Artworks produced by local artists.
  • Eat

    Restaurants and cafes are available to suit all tastes.

  • Lightning Ridge Bowling Club. gate Street. ext to the Telecom tower. 2 6829 0408. ttp://www.lrbc.com.au/. Three dining options with a menu and meals to cater for all tastes and budgets.

    </eat>

  • Wong's Chinese Restaurant. orilla Street. ightning Ridge. 2 6829 2330 . aily: 12pm - 2pm; 6pm - 9pm. Dine in and Take Away, BYO alcohol

    </eat>

    Drink

  • Lightning Ridge Bowling Club. gate Street. ext to the Telecom tower. 2 6829 0408. ttp://www.lrbc.com.au/.

    </drink>

    Sleep

    A variety of accommodation catering to different needs and budgets.

    Get out

  • Grawin Opal field and the unusual dwellings that are here and elsewhere.
  • Glengarry and visit the "Hilton" hotel
  • Stay safe

  • Be careful around mining areas as there are many deep and dangerous shafts. Take care of your children, too.
  • Exposure - it can be very hot there in summertime.