This side-trip from the Darling River Run will take you to the iconic and eccentric Australian opal mining town of Lightning Ridge. You might want to try your hand at finding the elusive black opal. If luck isn’t going your way, there’s art galleries to explore, or simply take in the experiences of a mining town where much of the non-mining activity happens underground. It’s an easy drive to and from Walgett, or as an alternative meander via Cumborah to Brewarrina.
Walgett <> Lighning Ridge
Distance = 78.0 km - about 54 mins (one way)
Route: Castlereagh Hwy <> Bill Obrien Way (Sealed Highway)
Black Queen, Outstanding Outback theatre… with a twist. Winner of the 2010 NSW ‘Heritage and Cultural Award’ (Bronze) and the 2010 NSW Inland ‘Attraction of the Year Award’ (Gold).
Bogan Shire, in Western NSW, has an area of 14,610 square kilometres, about 1.8% of the State's land surface. The geographical centre of NSW lies within the Shire’s boundaries. Nyngan, the Administrative Centre, is located on the Bogan River at the junction of the Mitchell and Barrier Highways with an estimated population of 2500.
Brewarrina was one of the great inter-tribal meeting places of eastern Australia with the fish traps, sustaining thousands of Aboriginal people during tribal gatherings
There are many ‘must see’ destinations in Australia and Lightning Ridge is certainly that; home of the beautiful Black Opal and like the wonderful gem, Lightning Ridge shows its varying colors depending on how you look at it.
The Back O’ Bourke Gallery is situated on the banks of the Darling River at North Bourke, 5km north of the legendary Australian town of Bourke in outback NSW. North Bourke is a developing outback tourist village and this beautifully presented gallery houses the studio of exciting outback artist, Jenny Greentree. Jen’s art is inspired by the rich outback scenery of Bourke and together with her husband Steve they have developed a gallery that never ceases to impress the many visitors that pass through its doors. This working commercial gallery is a must see gallery on the ‘Outback gallery loop’ from Lightning Ridge to Broken Hill and original works and reproductions have found homes around Australia and overseas.
The John Murray Art Gallery in Lightning Ridge is the exclusive outlet for original John Murray paintings. One of the bush's leading art galleries, you'll see a brilliant collection of outback landscapes and characters. This really is the quitessential outback art collection.
The Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park is uniquely located on the Bogan River, an easy walk to town, a haven for skiers, fishermen, birdwatchers and people just looking for a relaxing time on the banks of the Bogan!