Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Melbourne's Number One Experience! Come in and learn about Australia's National Gemstone. Browse and select from our stunning selection of opals and opal jewellery and check out our Wildlife display - a little piece of the Outback in Melbourne's CBD. We are open Mon-Fri 9.30Am - 5.30Pm and Sat/Sun from 10.00Am-5.00Pm.
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Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
133 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
16
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Julian B
11 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
As jewellery shops go, this is by a land slide the best I've ever been into. The thing is, its not just a jewellery store, it's drenched in history, family run with heaps of character.
Upon arrival to the store you'll be shown the different types of Opals with a very informative introduction to the history and grading. Shout out to Stuart, who really took the time to show me around the store. Loved every second. Also to Kira for being so welcoming.
This is as much an attraction as a jewellery store. The pieces are stunning, and from what I was told they have some of the best in the city.
I must mention Stumpy the lizard, who I can only assume is the mascot.
Thank you both for your time and patience, I will definitely be returning sometime soon.
Upon arrival to the store you'll be shown the different types of Opals with a very informative introduction to the history and grading. Shout out to Stuart, who really took the time to show me around the store. Loved every second. Also to Kira for being so welcoming.
This is as much an attraction as a jewellery store. The pieces are stunning, and from what I was told they have some of the best in the city.
I must mention Stumpy the lizard, who I can only assume is the mascot.
Thank you both for your time and patience, I will definitely be returning sometime soon.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Julian,
We're sorry we missed this terrific review. Thanks so much for taking the time for us :)
Written 24 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,848 contributions
Oct. 2022
Opals are Australia's national gemstone; it produces most of the world's supply, so it makes sense to buy them while you are visiting Australia. At the Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, you can learn to assess, polish, cut and value opals. You can also purchase uncut and polished opals. Opals make a great souvenir, something that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Thank you for the wonderful review 😊
Written 19 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DavePen49
Penmaenmawr, UK238 contributions
Mar. 2020
If you've a half an hour to spare it's worth a visit. Learn the history of the larger than life character that started it all.
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review. We really appreciate it!
Written 29 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marleneg918
Cleveland, OH3 contributions
Mar. 2020 • Couples
In addition to the beautiful opals this family run store has you get an education about the different types of opals. Whole experience was very enjoyable with no pressure shopping.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! Thank you for the great review.
Written 26 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TimC
1 contribution
Jan. 2020 • Solo
Was looking to buy opal in Melbourne and having been put off by a previous pushy experience in another shop followed a trip adviser review and settled on Lightning Ridge.
Sophie took 10 - 15 mins to give me a buyer's guide to opal before showing me pieces that suited my budget.
I never felt pressured, felt that i got good value for money and found exactly the pieces i was after.
If you're looking to buy opal in Melbourne i would strongly recommend you shop at Lightning Ridge. I am very pleased i did. Thanks Sophie.
Sophie took 10 - 15 mins to give me a buyer's guide to opal before showing me pieces that suited my budget.
I never felt pressured, felt that i got good value for money and found exactly the pieces i was after.
If you're looking to buy opal in Melbourne i would strongly recommend you shop at Lightning Ridge. I am very pleased i did. Thanks Sophie.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
That's really lovely feedback. I will pass this on to Sophie. Thank you!!
Written 18 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AeroncaGuy
Putney, VT10 contributions
Nov. 2019
Little did I expect to pet a friendly skink when I walked down the stairs to Lighting Ridge Opal store... Staffed by friendly, thoughtful and informative staff, this is a gemstone store plus a small zoo. I was given a wonderful demonstration of how opals are polished and graded. This is a family business with many of the folks who work there descended from the opal miner founder. I found their prices competitive and their quality, high. Bought a lovely pair of silver + opal ear rings + pendant with a stylized kangaroo setting. They were also very helpful with a disabled friend who accompanied me.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the kind words. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 13 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randall M
Los Angeles, CA102 contributions
Nov. 2019 • Friends
As we walked down the stairs we were immediately greeted by the friendly staff. The staff demonstrated how opals are cut and what noodling is all about. This is a family run business with a long history. An added bonus are the snakes and lizards. The family is as passionate about animals as they are opals. There is an excellent selection of opals to choose from with a price point for everyone. I purchased a necklace for my mother which I know she will enjoy. Must see in Melbourne!!
Thanks to the staff for an excellent experience!
Thanks to the staff for an excellent experience!
Written 12 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Thanks for the fabulous review. We are so so grateful!!!
Written 13 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Damian D
1 contribution
Nov. 2019 • Family
We walked in off the street with our two young children, 10-12. Our son is in love with opals. We were greeted by a young lady that took us on a guided tour of the shop, she really took her time to explain all the different types, locations and history. Such an amazing experience. Highly recommend anyone looking to learn more about opal, this is the place to go.
Written 4 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely review and we're so glad you enjoyed your visit to our store. Thank you!!
Written 6 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
xarty2017
Hilo, HI53 contributions
Sep. 2019 • Friends
I have enjoyed cutting and polishing opals when I was a rock hound as a youth. That was many many years ago but I looked for a room to perhaps getting some opal rough to play with. They have a set up in the shop where you can see the steps to cut and polish opals and as an added bonus there is a small collection of spiders, lizards, and snakes which you can interact with if you wish. I was fascinated by the ‘two headed’ lizard whose tail resembles his head. The staff are very friendly and informative. They also have a tray of what is called pitch where you can dig for tiny opal scraps. I spent an enjoyable hour doing just that and found a few small bits of opal that I am sure I will be able to polish and make something.
Their collection of opal jewelry and polished but unset stones is extensive and if you are in the market for something special you will find it here.
Their collection of opal jewelry and polished but unset stones is extensive and if you are in the market for something special you will find it here.
Written 24 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We hope you enjoy cutting your bits of rough!
Written 25 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Earle G
51 contributions
Aug. 2019
We stopped in during our visit to Melbourne. The opals they have here are truly amazing and beautiful. Loved learning about the history of Lightning Ridge and the process of how to find and clean opals.
Written 4 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Thanks for the great review. It's greatly appreciated!
Written 5 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
xarty2017
Hilo, HI53 contributions
I will be in Melbourne in September and am interested in buying rough opal. I want to know if this business sells uncut opal in various types? If so, what is the price range for modest size from white and boulder to black? I have cut and polished opals in the past so have a pretty good idea of what I would look for.
lavenderpie
Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
Hi! Sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately we don't sell rough opal, but we do sell specimens, but they're not suitable for cutting. It's quite hard to find rough (as you probably know!). Sorry that we couldn't be of assistance.
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Claim your listingLightning Ridge Opal Mines: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
- Lightning Ridge Opal Mines is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sat - Sat 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
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- (0.02 km) Fiftyfive Bar
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