Lightning Ridge

Day 1

Sydney – Dubbo
Depart from the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney, then cross over the Blue Mountains to Lithgow for lunch. Travel via the Mitchell Highway through the autumn colours of Orange. Stop to view the Wellington Gateway Sculpture, an interpretation of the identity and spirit of Wellington and its people before arriving in Dubbo early evening.

Day 2

Taronga Western Plains Zoo – Lightning Ridge
Take a guided tour of the world famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo, hearing the stories of this 300 hectare open range sanctuary. Participating in international programs for rare and endangered species, this zoo is one of the few where fences are kept to a minimum, using natural barriers such as moats and mounds. Drive through Gilgandra, home of the coo-ees, and the grain growing areas of Coonamble and Walgett. Arrive in the fascinating town of Lightning Ridge. Have a relaxing swim in the hot artesian baths, reputedly good for arthritis and sore limbs.

Day 3

Glengarry and Sheepyard Opal Fields – Art Gallery
A local guide joins us on board this morning to help us find our way into the real opal fields this area is famous. Listen as they regale us with some of the yarns and stories that have made the ridge so unique. Stop for morning tea at the Australian Opal Centre before visiting more opal fields and stopping at Glengarry for lunch. Return to the township for a visit to the John Murray Art Gallery to peruse more opal displays. There will be time this afternoon to revive your limbs in the hot bore baths once again.

Day 4

Lightning Ridge – Cactus Nursery – Coonabarabran
Our guide re-joins us this morning for more touring of the townships and curious or quirky parts of the Ridge. A visit to the Walk in Mine shows you the Lightning Ridge you haven’t seen, or try your hand at fossicking for an elusive opal. At Bevan’s Cactus Nursery, the cactus collection includes a large variety of rare specimens, some over 100 years old. Enjoy some free time in town for last minute opal purchases and time to buy lunch before travelling to Coonamble and later on to Coonabarabran, the astronomy capital of Australia for the next two nights.

Day 5

Siding Springs – Warrumbungles
Visit Siding Springs Observatory to gain an insight into the telescopes and the wider universe. You’ll get the chance to explore one of Australia’s premier astronomy observatories with brilliant views of Warrumbungle National Park. This is a fascinating destination. Marvel at the size of the largest telescope in Australia and learn about why it’s a world class instrument. Spend some time in the Warrumbungle National Park at the Visitor Centre and take a short walk before lunch in the picnic grounds. Enjoy a meal tonight at the award winning, lavishly decorated Golden Sea Dragon Chinese Restaurant opposite your motel.

Day 6

Coonabrabran – Sydney
Return home through Coolah, the land of the Black Stump. Join the Golden Highway on the way east travelling through Merriwa, the shire famous for its rich wheat, beef and sheep farming. Enjoy lunch at Thornton before returning home though Newcastle, the Central Coast, and Hornsby to Strathfield.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner