Lightning Ridge Things to Do Tips by thedouglas

Not surprisingly, this is said to the the world's ONLY opal AND cactus farm! It was another one of those outings that you just weren't sure of, but, it was a really interesting place to visit, and probably the best collection of healthy cactus I will ever see.

The cactus collection contains a large variety of rare specimens, some over 100 years old - from various parts of the world. The blooms in Spring and Summer are said to be spectacular.

In addition to the cactus, Bevan ( I presume!) mines, cuts and sells opals - like the rest of the locals! He has a range of uncut and cut stones, jewellery and bottled "colour" or chips of opal.

Of all the things I've ever done, this was another one of them!

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John's art hangs in some of the biggest board rooms of Australia and also my bedroom.

John Murray's art is unique - and, whilst it has been copied, nobody captures the essence of the bush meets people theme that John does! His Gallery holds original artwork for sale - including a huge almost mural like pic, which has been hanging waiting for the house to be built for it! - limited edition prints, framed and unframed prints, cards etc.

John's paintings frequently depict human and animal parallel situations and everyday activities and folly. His work has been described as photo-realism, and is loved for its uniqueness, the humour and whimsy, and there is something for everyone to identify with in his work.

John has been at The Ridge since 1983, and he opened the gallery in 1992. Absolutely unmissable if you visit The Ridge.

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Address: Opal Street

While as you can tell we are not great phototgraphers, this area has some stunning sights as well as the unusual. Not may australians have been here let alone VT members, but it truly does offer a unique experience.

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Originally built in 1932 by albert Spicer when he "struck" opal, and most famously occupied by Sid and Geoge Graham, who extended their "verandah hospitality" to pasersby, this cottage is now known as the Heritage Cottage. It serves as a tourist information, source of local handicraft and opal shop to the local and tourist trade.

Bark dividing walls, dirt floors and a hero tin kitchen chimney were all fairly typical of the early architecture of The Ridge.

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Behind the Heritage Cottage. the old hospital has been moved to the site - this modest 3 room building was built by volunteers in 1914 - supervised by local builders, Tom Unwin and Ronald McDonald (never made a burger in his life!). Structure was made of cyprus pine, which is white ant resistant, and of "reverse" style - ie. the frame is on the outside, for economy. This style of building was fairly typical in this Federation era, and is the last one standing in Lightning Ridge. Function of the hospital was overseen by the Blue Nurses.

There are items of historical interest and horror in the preserved hospital, to demonstrate the nature of implements and standard of care available in the early 20th Century.

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These baths are situated at the end of Pandora Street - and are open around the clock, with no charge for entry.

The water is at a constant 42C degrees, and there is a fairly regular pilgrimage of people to the baths, both for the sheer bliss of the water, and the more therapeutic benefits for ailments such as arthritis and rheumatic conditions. The warm, relaxing and therapeutic waters and general atmosphere of these pools is lovely. Water is available in permanent supply, and mineral waters bubble up from up to 900 metres below the surface.

The baths were an original favourite camping site for the pioneer miners - imagine how good these waters must have been for weary bones and muscles all those years ago! You can still see many opal miners relieving tired, aching muscles in the baths after a hard day's work.

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Address: ..end of Pandora Street

This is a gallery/workshop/gift shop, where you can buy beautiful pottery made from the clay taken from the opal mines. These unique pots show the different colours in the clay, and the glazes have gemlike qualities!

This is another example of something beautiful and unique created out of the natural elements in the bush, and yet another story of someone who originally came for a few weeks holiday and they are still scratching around after 40 years!

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Where you least expect to find a water attraction, like a huge oasis in the middle of the outback, this park is a great place to visit, and chill out or just simply cool down!

There are 2 wavepools, beach volleyball courts, wading pool, slides, and theme based water sites.

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This amazing structure was buily by yet another of the personalities who have ever lived at The Ridge, to function as an observatory. Its just an abandoned structure now, amongst all the others worth having a ramble around at The Ridge.

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There is a great collection of Aboriginal artefacts to be see here - tools and trappings of life, on display. Plenty to learn about the Aboriginal history of the area, their ways of life, traditional medicine, music - didgeridoos etc. Also hear some of the magical dreamtime stories, and respect the culture of the indigenous Australians. Also learn about Aboriginal "bush tucka", if you cam stomach i

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Address: Pandora Street