Lightning Ridge Historical Society Trust

Lightning Ridge is the only reliable source of black opal and is located four hours north of Dubbo, hub of central NSW. Roads are surfaced and facilities up-to-date.

The stories of the opal miners are as colourful as the opal they seek! The lifestyle offers a certain freedom.

As you enter on the main street, an historical reserve is home to a 1930s opal miners' hut, 'a step back in time'. It is furnished with items of local historical interest. For sale are books by local authors, picture postcards, used books and select craft but no opal.

On the same block is the relocated and restored 1915 nurses cottage. The Nurse Lucy tableau is in the front windows. Nurse memorabilia, items of local historical interest and photographs are displayed within.

Address: 
9 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834, Australia
Tel: 
+61 02 6829 0747
+61 02 6829 0527
Hours: 
* Easter Opening: Good Friday, 10.30 am, launches the annual exhibition
* Open weekly Wed*Fri*Sat 10-4pm, sometimes Sunday or by appointment
* Closed: end October-Easter
Admission: 
General admission free
Facilities: 
Cold water, wheelchair access, parking, quiet space to relax
Collection: 

* Bush Nurse Association nurses served 1914-1974, the longest serving unit in NSW, more than 50 nurses in 60 years. Gabi Hollows is our patron.

* Photo collection is primary then family history research.

* Books of migrant stories are for sale - over 50 nationalities on the opal fields - also works by locals.

* Local memorabilia from 100 years of opal mining.