Fossickers Cottages is the perfect place to stay, relax & experience Lightning Ridge.
Meet locals who are passionate about their town and black opal – the stunning gemstone that is mined from the depths of what was once a great inland sea.
Your hosts, Andrew and Jo met in Lightning Ridge after both had moved out to ‘The Ridge’ from Sydney around 1996. Andrew is an opal miner and Jo is a qualified jeweller/designer and since marrying in 1998 they have been making jewellery and mining black opal ever since.
Fossickers Cottages were created when Andrew & Jo moved out of their first cottage to move into their current home. They now share their passion – the beauty of Black Opal and the eccentricity and experiences of the Lightning Ridge area, with people from all over Australia and the world.
Experience Lightning Ridge first-hand from Fossikers Cottages.
Accommodation
Flagstone Cottage
Our “Flagstone Cottage” was a once an opal buyer’s residence with all the comforts of the day.
Harlequin Cottage
The “Harlequin Cottage” was built over thirty years ago as a four-room miners hut.
Opal Cottage
Our “Opal Cottage” is a peaceful one bedroom cottage overlooking an old town opal field, with a superb view to the west.
Things to do
You can’t stay in Lightning Ridge without finding out all about its stunning Black Opal gems. Contrary to that which the name suggests – Black Opal displays the most amazing range of colours and patterns, its black base simply enhancing its colours.
Spend some time at our showroom to see our display of Black Opal, it is simply the most magical of the precious gems. We can show you how we cut and polish the gems and while you are there examine the collection of opalised fossils from the age of the dinosaurs.
Take a soak in Lightning Ridges’ hot Artesian Baths, loved by many for their soothing mineral rich waters. Do a self-drive tour or take a guided tour of the town and stroll underground in one of the old opal diggings.
You can visit the working opal fields at the Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard fields and try your luck at fossicking for Black Opal in the designated fosssicking areas.
Lightning Ridge has many interesting galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs to explore, plus excellent specialty shops with a fabulous range of quality jewellery and gifts.
Finally, at the end of the day simply sit back, unwind and treasure the relaxing atmosphere of your private gardens at either one of Fossickers Cottages.
Getting Here
When you arrive in town, call in to our showroom- Lost Sea Opals to pick up your keys. We are on the corner of Morilla and Onyx Sts, first intersection as you come into town and opposite the Caltex service station.
Opal Cottage is just round the corner in Onyx St and Harlequin Cottage is about fifty metres from there.
Countrylink has a daily train and bus service from Sydney via Dubbo. Phone 13 22 32 – we will be happy to pick you up from the airport or bus depot. Just let us know!
There are many different routes that can be taken when driving from any of the capital cities to the Lightning Ridge. The following is an overview of the routes from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide that may help you in planning your Outback Beds experience.
| From | Routes | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | Warrego Hwy <> Gwydir Highway <> Castlereagh Hwy | 730km |
| Sydney | Western Freeway >Castlereagh Highway | 792km |
| Melbourne | Hume Highway <> Newell Highway <> Castlereagh Highway | 1,225km |
| Adelaide | Barrier Highway <>Darling River Run <> Castlereagh Highway | 1,330km |
Towns & Touring
Lightning Ridge
Home of the beautiful Black Opal, Lightning Ridge shows its varying colours depending on how you look at it.
The Darling River Run
The Darling River Run from Walgett to Wentworth is a spectacular journey following alongside the mighty Darling.
More Information
For more information on rates, accommodation, bookings, etc, please contact us directly by clicking on the following link:
Phone: 02 6829 1383
