3 Day Outback Tour

3 Day Sydney to Outback NSW  Tours

3 days Sydney to Outback New South Wales tours via Blue Mountains, Warrumbungle Mountains, Lightning Ridge, Hunter Valley

Sydney to Outback New South Wales tours via Blue Mountains, Mudgee wines, Wollomi National Park, Warrumbungle Mountains, Lightning Ridge opals, hot springs, Mt Kaputar, Hunter Valley

• See wild koalas, emus, kangaroos, reptiles, wallabies, wallaroos
• Buy cheap opal at traders prices from the source at Lightning Ridge
• Meet real Australian’s and local Aboriginal people in communities
• Other tour options include Broken Hill, Lake Mungo, Gundabooka, Bourke

Day 1 – Depart your Sydney hotel or accommodation at 730 am and enjoy the fresh early light and air of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Visit Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point, Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley ( Grand Canyon) and Cliff Drive for Megalong Valley before a morning tea at Govett’s Leap, Blackheath, overlooking the Grose Valley and spectacular Blue Gum Forest.

Descent the 1500 metres of the Great Dividing Range and from Pearson’s Lookout view the Blue Mountains region and Wollomi National Park in this World Heritage area. Enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch at a Winery in Mudgee and enjoy a wine  tasting. Travel on through old gold mining towns, and Gulgong – the town on the $ 10 note. After a rest and maybe a cold beer with the “locals”, visit an Emu Farm. See wild kangaroos and emus as we travel through Warrumbungle National Park. Dine at own expense in town (numerous options) and consider a visit to the Sky Watch Observatory to view the night sky through their giant telescope. This area experiences some of the clearest skies in the world. Enjoy motel style accommodation in Coonabarabran.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast travel through the Pilliga Scrub region on Backcountry dirt roads. Arrive Lightning Ridge, home to Australia’s beautiful black opal. Visit an underground mine and see how the mining community lives. Buy your opals direct from the Opal Cutters and Wholesalers at huge discounts to City prices. Enjoy a swim in the healing waters of the hot Artesian spring baths. Overnight Lightning Ridge motel.

Day 3: Depart Lightning Ridge for the return journey to Sydney via huge sheep stations and some of the largest fields of wheat and cotton crops in the world. Witness the majestic 1520 m high Mt Kaputar dominating this ancient volcanic landscape. Visit Mt Kaputar foothills and see an ancient and massive organ pipe lava flow. Lunch in a “Country Pub”. Travel on through the Liverpool Ranges, and Scone, the heart of horse breeding country in Australia. Time permitting enjoy some wine tasting in the Hunter Valley before arrival in Sydney approximately 700 pm
This is a small group adventure learning journeys … connecting and re-creating with the land and locals. Become part of the re-creation of country and culture. Discover new understandings from times beginning

Inclusions –

• Celebration dinner at Lightning Ridge.
  
• Wine tastings
  
• Wild wildlife!!
  
• Discount opal buying
  
• Aboriginal and real Aussie county folk
  
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Visit to Aboriginal Art communities for “direct from artist” purchases,
  
• % of tour price supports Outback Kids Fund.
  
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s past, present and future.
  
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine
  

Includes 2 nights accommodation, morning and afternoon teas, 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners.

See details and /or Book Here  – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/270349/lightning-ridge-opals-blue-mountains-hunter-valley-outback-nsw-tour-3-days

Sydney 02 8213 3225    Brisbane 07 3137 1607   Melbourne 03 9017 6862   Perth 08 6364 3651

Call or email with any questions … Thank you

Spirit Safaris – Connecting People & Planet

 Lightning Ridge Attractions …

The Lightning Ridge attractions are as varied and as unique as the colourful stone the miner’s search for. You are able to soak in the FREE hot and therapeutic gift of artesian water, experience mining or visit one of the unique collections and homes of the characters of the Ridge. Take a step back in time, or kill time fossicking – whatever you like, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

Artesian Bore Baths
A trip to the Ridge would not be complete without a visit to the FREE Artesian Bore Baths. At the end of a hard day fossicking and exploring, there is nothing quite as therapeutic as a long soak in the naturally heated thermal baths. Allow the water to soothe your aches while you gaze at the starry night sky and enjoy the serenity. Bliss!
Opening Hours: 24 hours/all year round
Cost: FREE
Features: One large bathing pool and one small pool, Toilets/Showers
Location: Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge

Astronomer’s Monument
Take the time to browse this incredible feat of engineering and truly experience the eccentric mind of one of the Ridge’s late characters. The walls of this ‘concrete folly’ have been carefully and lovingly inscribed and you can journey through the mind of its creator and wonder…
Not open to the public – but stop and have a look and read about the builder on the front gate. (On the red car door tour).
Email: orellea@bigpond.net.au

Bevan’s Black Opal and Cactus Nursery
Said to be the largest display of old and rare cactus in southern hemisTelere, this garden is a labour of love and well worth a look! Meet the only black opal mining cactus farmers in the world!
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm 7 days
Cost: $5 adults $2 children
Features: Hundreds of Cactus… Lightning Ridge Souvenirs and of course Black Opals
Location: Off Bald Hill Road (on the blue car door tour)
Tel: 02 6829 0429

Black Queen
The Black Queen is true testament to the passion, dedication and hardship of the people of Lightning Ridge and is a living example of outback ingenuity. A series of three hand built sandstone cottages, the Black Queen is a stunning example of recycling at its best and 34 coloured bottle walls highlight the exquisite antique lamp display inside.
Opening Hours: (Easter-October) 9am – 5pm
Cost: Adults $5 and Family $12
Features: World Class Antique Lamp Display, Hand Built Sandstone Miner’s Cottages with Glass Bottle Feature Walls

WE WELCOME YOU TO THE BLACK QUEEN – a multi award winning tourism experience located in the New South Wales Outback town of Lightning Ridge. Winner: Inland NSW Tourist Attraction of the Year 2007.

The Black Queen is proud to present to you our latest innovation and a completely new direction for tourism
The Black Queen Experience – A Unique 3 Act Play – Outstanding Outback Theatre with a twist.

Understanding that people travelling to the Outback want to hear the original stories of people, their struggles, their successes, their highs and their lows, the Black Queen has boldly made the transition from a tourist attraction to a Tourism Experience. We will present you with the challenges and the rewards of living in the environment of yesteryear then we will take you on an amazing journey of discovery that intertwines museum and theatre together to create live, memorable and interactive performances that will leave you spellbound.
Location: Red Car Door Tour (E), Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0980
Email: info@blackqueen.net.au
www.blackqueen.net.au

Bird of Paradise Art Gallery
Local artist, Paul Bird, established the Bird of Paradise Art Gallery in 1977. Paul enjoys the challenge of painting the unique Lightning Ridge landscape, reflecting the beautiful colours of opal Built by Paul, his large gallery/studio is situated on the deep 3-mile opal field, where visitors cannot only view paintings, but also fossick for opal on the nearby diggings.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm daily
Features: Artworks, mining information, fossicking
Location: Deep 3-mile opal field 3kms from P.O.
Tel: 02 6829 538
Email: pbirdart@hotmail.com

Bottle House
A unique structure and an intriguing example of innovative architecture. Originally a miner’s camp, the Bottle House now houses an astonishing collection of artefacts and other items of interest.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm 7 days
Cost: $5 adults, Children free
Features: Friendly Service and souvenirs
Location: 60 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0618

Coopers Cottage is an authentic abode of the early miner, built in 1916. Its historical setting embraces the living conditions of the mining pioneer.

Down to Earth Opals
Down to Earth Opals houses one of the best collections of solid Lightning Ridge opal anywhere in Australia. Their contemporary showroom is brimming with exquisite Opal jewellery hand made by a Master Goldsmith, original Aboriginal Art and stunning fashion jewellery.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm seven days
Features: Spectacular Opal Display, Hand Made Jewellery, Aboriginal Art and Fashion Jewellery
Location: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 6829 2616
Email: dteopals@bigpond.net.au
www.dteopals.com.au

Everything Opal
Located conveniently in the main street, this shop has something for everyone.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Mon- Fri) 9am – 1pm (Saturday)
Features: Fine Jewellery, Opal Inlay, Unset Opals, sterling silver jewellery, body jewellery, souvenirs, diamond and gemstone jewellery, gold and silver chains and gifts
Location: 39 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0135
Email: eopal@lightningridge.net.au

Fossicking Heap
Whether you are old hat or it is your first time – there is nothing more exciting than that first bit of colour appearing beneath your fingertips as you scratch through the seemingly endless piles of white opal dirt. Good Luck!
Opening Hours: Daylight to Dusk
Features: The lure of the big find!
Location: Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre
Tel: 02 6829 1670

Garrawal Aboriginal Artifacts Shop
A fine collection of aboriginal art showcasing many works by local artists living in the region. Various other aboriginal artifacts also for sale.
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon – Fri)
Features: Aboriginal art, paintings, pottery, furniture and carved emu eggs.
Location: 29 Nobby Rd, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 2208
Email: lrcdep1@bigpond.net.au
www.barrieknealcdep.com.au

Graeme Anderson’s Gemopal Pottery
Opening Hours: By appointment only
Features: This mad hatter likes experimenting with local clays and materials and the results are truly fantastic.
Location: Cnr of Potch and Pandora Sts (on the Bore Baths road next to the Goondee.)
Tel: 02 6829 0375
Email: gemopal@ceinternet.net.au

GGS Opals
Gerd is the local Master Goldsmith and is an outstanding craftsman. Call in and see his personal collection of work – or have him set your newly fossicked (or purchased) opal.
Opening Hours: 9am – 12.30 and 2pm – 5pm (Mon- Fri) 9am – 12.30pm (Saturday)
Features: Hand made and designed jewellery customised to your taste
Location: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 1255

You can experience Aboriginal culture first hand at the Goondee Aboriginal Keeping Place. The centre showcases a collection of ancient Aboriginal tools and weapons used by tribes along the local inland rivers.

John Murray’s Art Gallery
You will be intrigued at the talent of local John Murray. His unique sense of humor and outback palette combines beautifully into some stunning and colourful masterpieces.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Mon-Fri) 9am – 1pm (Sat-Sun)
Features: Original Artwork by John Murray
Location: Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 1130
www.johnmurrayart.com.au

Kangaroo Hill
A life of collection has led to this quirky Lightning ridge icon. A fabulous display of rocks, minerals, shells, bottles and antiques will have you captivated for hours as will the FREE fossicking heap outside.
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5pm except Sundays (Closed Christmas Day)
Cost: $4 adults 50c children (group prices available)
Features: 1 hour FREE fossicking, Rocks and Mineral Display, Shells, Bottles and Antique Display, Souvenirs for Sale
Location: top of Opal Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0155
Email: kanghill@bigpond.net.au

Lightning Ridge Arts and Crafts Association
Displaying and selling a wide range of locally-made arts and crafts.
Opening Hours: (volunteer hours) 10am – 2pm 7 days
Features: Local Art, Craft and Pottery – exhibition of local art
Location: Pandora Street, Lightning Ridge (on the road to the Bore Baths)
Mobile: 040 929 1297

Lightning Ridge Historical Society and Heritage Cottage
1932 Miners’ cottage and 1915 Cottage Hospital Gallery. Historical displays books and crafts.
Opening Hours: open 3 days a week, or by appointment, Telone for details.
Cost: Donations accepted
Features: Local history, books and souvenirs
Location: 9 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Contact: Barbara Moritz
Mobile: 0419 639 120 (After Hours) 02 6829 0747
Email: barbemiz@lightningridge.net.au

Lightning Ridge Opal and Fossil Centre
Meet face to face with a life like dinosaur or examine the unique opalised fossils on display at this significant centre. Show your support for Lightning Ridge’ s journey to develop a world class Opal and Fossil Centre on the Three Mile Opal Field.
Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm (Mon-Fri) or by appointment
Features: Lifelike dinosaur display and opalised fossil collection
Location: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 68291667
Email: opalfossil@wj.com.au
www.wj.com.au/opalfossil

Lost Sea Opals
Feast your eyes on Lightning Ridge’s largest on display collection of opalised fossils – bones and plant material from an ancient inland sea. Also featuring stunning solid and inlay opal jewellery from the Lightning Ridge and the Boulder Opal Fields, this is a light and beautiful store.
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 6pm 7 days
Features: Display of opalised fossils, Stunning opal inlay jewellery, Silver jewellery, Boulder Opal jewellery, Solid Opal jewellery, Books
Location: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0066
Email: info@lostseaopals.com.au
www.lostseaopals.com.au

Opal Cave
Lightning Ridge’s largest showroom. In the middle of town, opposite the Post Office. Created to look like an underground mine. We have the largest range of opal, jewellery, souvenirs, gifts, art and pottery.
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 5pm 7 days
Features: Rub and polish your own opal here! Also…Free Tour Guide for Coaches, Free Opal explanation. Opal Waterfall, Mineshaft with Underground miner. Booking Agent for Countrylink and Coach Companies
Location: Centre of town, Opposite Post Office, Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0333
Email: opalcave@lightingridge.net.au
www.opalcave.com

The 5 Star Olympic Pool and Water Theme Park operates during the summer months. The Olympic Pool is handy for keeping fit and the Water Themepark for keeping the kids entertained.

Walk in Mine
If you want an authentic underground experience, then the Walk in Mine is just the place. Here you can feel first hand what it’s like to go below the earth and dig for opal. Originally a working mine, the Walk in Mine is a myriad of shafts and ballrooms that have been restored so visitors can glimpse the life of an opal miner.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm seven days
Cost: starts from $5 adults $3 children (group packages available)
Features: Underground mining, Opal and Mining Information Talk video and opal and jewellery showroom
Location: Bald Hill Road, Lightning Ridge
Tel: 02 6829 0473
Email: walkin@bigpond.net.au

Car Door Tours
The people of Lightning Ridge are well known for their ingenuity and creative solutions and nothing reflects these qualities better than the aptly named Car Door Tours! These quirky journeys are Lightning Ridge’s answer to ‘self drive’ tours and are a great way to start your visit to The Ridge. Four tours are demarcated by colour coded and numbered car doors. Strung in trees and leaning in easily seen places, the car doors will lead you to some of the Ridge’s greatest attractions. You will find Charlie Nettleton’s first hand sunk shaft at the end of the green car door tour, take your cheese and nibbles and stop for the sunset at this great ridge location! On the red car door tour you will find Amigo’s Castle and the Astronomers Monument. These monumental constructions are a testament to Lightning Ridge’s self taught architects and builders, be sure to keep an eye out on the fields for all the other unique homes.
Departs At your leisure
Prices FREE Map – and/or $1 for information sheet available at the Visitor Information Centre
Contact Tel: 02 6829 1670

If you are not the ‘off the beaten track’ kind of traveler or you would like to get the inside scoop on the attractions you have seen on your car door tour – you might like to jump aboard one of the fantastic tour Buses, the Black Opal Tours or the Outback Opal Tours.

Crafty Yum Yum Cottage
This delightful cottage not only has a large selection of delicious cakes & pies but it also displays a beautiful range of gifts, homewares and handmade crafts.
Opening Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed from December till March)
Features: All day breakfasts, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Special Dinners by appointment only.
Location: Margaret St Hebel
Contact: Monica and Hilmar
Tel: 07 4625 0978
Email: cyyc4u@hotmail.com

Glengarry Hilton
Experience the delights of the Glengarry “Hilton”, nestled in the heart of the infamous Glengarry Opal field. Nothing like the Sydney Hilton but with lots more atmosTelere, the Glengarry Hilton is a unique pub & its inhabitants will keep you intrigued for hours.
Opening Hours: 11 am till late.
Features: Backpacker style air-conditioned accommodation $16.00 p.p includes breakfast. Meals & snacks are available everyday & can cater for large groups.
Location: Glengarry Opal Fields. (68kms from Lightning Ridge)
Contact: Harald & Gisela Gruenefeld
Tel: 02 6829 3983 (After Hours) 02 6829 3808

Grawin Opal Miner’s Club
Have a yarn with the miners, or some laughs in the games room over a game of table tennis, snooker or darts. Check out the wildlife on our golf course while you sip a refreshing ale.
Opening Hours: 11am till late Everyday
Features: Bistro Thursday to Saturday night and Sunday lunch. Fresh sandwiches available daily. Free camping, Golf Course, Tuesday night Bingo and Saturday night entertainment.
Location: Grawin Opal Fields
Contact: Niki Jones
Tel: 02 6829 3810
Email: theclubinthescrub@yahoo.com.au

Hebel Caravan Park
After a long trip why not pull up your stumps at the Hebel Caravan Park & GeneralStore.
Opening Hours: 7.00am – 8.30pm. Open everyday.
Features: Several twin air conditioned units, all bedding is supplied.12 powered sites & unlimited camping sites.
Location: William Street Hebel
Contact: Barb Benz
Tel: 07 4625 0920
Fax: 07 4625 0925
Email: hebelstore@hotmail.com

Hebel Hotel
Cross the border and visit beautiful Queensland and drop in for the most perfect cold beer & a friendly smile at the unique Hebel pub. Built in 1894 as an original Cobb & co stop. Check out the history on the walls.
Opening Hours: Open everyday from 11am (except Monday from 12pm).
Features: Artwork by John Murray
Location: William Street Hebel
Contact: Chris & Mary-Lou
Tel: 07 4625 0923
Email: hebelhotel@bigpond.com

Woolpack Diningroom & General Store
The shop & restaurant is open everyday from 7am-8.30pm serving some of the most delicious home cooked food in the west.
Opening Hours: 7.00am – 8.30pm.Open everyday
Features: Home style scrumptious meals, groceries & public Telone
Location: William Street Hebel
Contact: Barb Benz
Tel: 07 4625 0920
Fax: 07 4625 0925