'''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.
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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
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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.
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Wong's Chinese Restaurant. orilla Street. ightning Ridge. 2 6829 2330 . aily: 12pm - 2pm; 6pm - 9pm. Dine in and Take Away, BYO alcohol
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Drink
Lightning Ridge Bowling Club. gate Street. ext to the Telecom tower. 2 6829 0408. ttp://www.lrbc.com.au/.
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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.