Australian Opal Centre

A non-profit with the largest collection of opalised fossils. And opal teeth!

Part museum, part gift shop, this centre is staffed by really passionate volunteers who are keen to talk about opals, fossils and rocks in Lightning Ridge.

They run on gold coin donations and on proceeds from the gift shop sales, but there's absolutely no pressure when you go in.

Definitely have a look around! And ask about the teeth 😂

The current Centre is small - if you are not paying attention you may not see it! Their current display is said to be 2% of their total collection. The displays are excellent and in some ways the small size makes it manageable to read all the information probably before your kids get bored! They are working on a new Centre which looks like it will be fabulous. For a small space, it really packs a punch. Worth 30 mins or so during your stay. Recommended.

Very lovely staff. Opals are priced to suit all budgets. . Well worth the visit . The girls are very knowledgeable about the area and their products.

Amazing opal and fossils. Great temporary location for information, some opal and fossil specimens. You can also purchase pieces.
The staff are great and dedicated to educating the world about opals and local fossils.
There is a major upgrade purpose built centre under construction with the aim to become the largest opal centre in the world!

It's a donation to enter. It's a small space but there's a lot of interesting things to see. We took around half an hour to have a good look around. It sells a range of fossils too. It's getting a 20 million dollar update to display more of its artifacts.

A truly amazing place with a wonderful atmosphere. Very knowledgeable staff; Teresa is a wealth of information. She's worth more MONEY.

Really enjoyed our visit to this store. Best presentation of opals among the LR opal stores. Shop is filled with light and welcoming. Lots on display. Loved the opal hand out info card that provided advice on doublets, triplets and solids. The staff were very friendly and professional and engaging with us even knowing we werent going to buy. Highly recommend a visit.

Amazing display. Gold coin donation entry. Great volunteer with so much information to share. Will be back when new centre is built. Wonderful afternoon of information

These guys were great, so friendly, great range to look at, 100% worth a visit

Had a quick visit. The guy at the counter was very enthusiastic about the prehistoric history of Lightning Ridge. Awesome to listen to.

Huge knowledge and passion about fossils, opals and Lightning Ridge. Thanks, Therese. Need to go back and hear more about the new centre and the brilliant venue to come for the Opal Centre's gorgeous collection. Don't miss this little shop that will one day be huge and something all Australia will be proud of.

Wonderful park. Sites are very large and on rocks not dirt. Plenty of amenities through out. Certainly worth the extra to stay here. Entertainment by Mel and Susie great.

Small space but packed full of beautiful fossil specimens and cool info. Staff were really helpful and informative also. Can't wait to come back and visit in a few years when the new centre is built by the open cut mine!

Although we didn't spend in this store, the manager of the store was the warmest sales person I have come across, really up beat and took her time to explain the opal process. Nicest person I came across in the Ridge.prices were slightly cheaper than comparison stores.

Staff were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and happy to answer any questions. Have a very large range of opal jewellery varying in price.

A beautifully laid out opal centre with a display of opals of various colour and value. It is easy to love this gem. Check out the amazing flooring. A highlight of Lightning Ridge

Free entry (donation), heaps of information on Opal and fossils in a tiny space. We were greeted by a volunteer - very sweet local lady - who told us the construction of new Centre will commence this month, and should be complete with renewable energy for the museum, with mix reality & technology, in a few years.

Had a great talk with the the staff about the local area. Love the little opal I got, inexpensive gift ideas.

Very friendly and informative. Great displays.

Staff very friendly and helpful. Bought a mystery bag and got some colour!!
Nice shop.