Australian Opal Centre

04/07/2026

✨ Please join us for a final SPARK in 2026 – 6.30pm, 25 July ✨

SPARK has been an iconic night-time experience at Lightning Ridge since it was developed as a community arts project in 2016, telling the story of the opal fields and their people in their own voices and through a collage of wonderful images. To celebrate SPARK’s 10th anniversary and thank everyone who contributed to SPARK, or who's supported SPARK evenings under the stars as a volunteer, audience member or promoter, a special screening will be held at 6:30pm on Saturday 25 July 2026.

Contributors and local residents can get FREE entry by using the code LOVESPARK when they book online.

The 2026 SPARK season was concluded earlier than originally planned, with the final regular screening held on Thursday 25 June.his will be the last chance to see SPARK in 2026.

We hope you’ll join us on 25 July to celebrate ten years of SPARK and share one more evening together this season.

If rain is forecast for 25 July, we’ll reschedule and announce a new date.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends, family and anyone who'd like to see SPARK on its final night for 2026.

Tickets and details:

A cinematic celebration of Lightning Ridge, under the stars - why people come for a few days, then stay a lifetime.

14/06/2026

FAREWELL TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPAL CENTRE SHOWROOM

The Australian Opal Centre's Morilla St showroom officially closed at 5pm yesterday after 17½ years as a scientific and cultural hub in the main street of Lightning Ridge.

We'll open the doors from 2pm to 4pm today, Sunday 14 June, to give anyone in Lightning Ridge a last chance to call in, see the displays one last time and say goodbye to a place that has meant so much to so many people over the years.

Opened in December 2008 by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales and Acting Governor-General of Australia, the showroom has welcomed more than 130,000 visitors and introduced people from around the world to the remarkable story of Australian opal.

Miners and visitors have brought in fossils for identification, volunteers have shared their time and knowledge, friendships have been formed, discoveries made, and countless people have deepened their appreciation of the extraordinary geological and cultural heritage of Lightning Ridge and Australia's opal fields.

The closure follows the Board's recent decision to suspend operations while planning continues for the next phase of the Australian Opal Centre.

The AOC Collection items currently on display will be stored safely until they can be brought out again, along with many more treasures from the collection.

Thank you to everyone who has visited, volunteered, donated, become a member, attended an event, made a purchase, or supported the Australian Opal Centre at its little showroom. We also thank the dedicated staff and dozens of loyal volunteers who have shared their knowledge, enthusiasm and time in this vibrant place.

All remaining shop stock is 40% off.

The long-term vision for the AOC remains very much alive. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary chapter in the Australian Opal Centre's story.

The photos below are just a glimpse of the thousands of moments, memories, friendships and milestones shared at the AOC Morilla St showroom over the past 17½ years, and some of the people who helped make this such a special place through their contributions in the space or behind the scenes. Thank you all.

30/05/2026

😃 Only two hours until showtime!

😍 Here's a taste of what's in store at tonight's Flickerfest 35th Anniversary Retrospective.

Join us at the Black Opal Heritage Shed for a fantastic evening of Australian short films under the stars. 6.30pm start, please be there by 6.15pm. Dress warm, bring snacks!

🎬 Tickets still available! https://events.humanitix.com/ridgeflicker26 or at the door.

30/05/2026

Things are changing at the AOC, but the fantastic Flickerfest 35th Anniversary Retrospective will proceed tonight as planned.

Join us tonight for an outstanding programme celebrating 35 years of Flickerfest, featuring early works by some of Australia's most acclaimed filmmakers.

📍 Black Opal Heritage Shed, Australian Opal Centre
🕡 6.30pm tonight (be there by 6.15)

Come out for a great night and to the staff, volunteers and community members who work so hard to bring programs like this to Lightning Ridge. We'd love to see you there.

🎟 Tickets and information at https://events.humanitix.com/ridgeflicker26

30/05/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE AOCL BOARD

Following a review of Australian Opal Centre operations and finances, the AOCL Board has made the difficult decision to scale back activities in Lightning Ridge initially until Easter 2027 and make staff positions redundant.

This decision has not been made lightly. Over recent years, AOCL's focus on delivery of the new Australian Opal Centre building project, combined with challenging trading conditions, has resulted in operating income falling well short of the costs of maintaining current activities.

The Board concluded that continuing to operate under the existing model would place AOCL's future at risk. We have therefore decided to reduce operations while developing a more financially sustainable model for the future.

Importantly, AOCL is continuing to operate.

The Board is confident that recent funding outcomes have addressed immediate financial challenges facing the organisation and will enable us to move forward with a structured recovery plan. The operational changes outlined above remain necessary for long-term sustainability.

We thank our local Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP, and John Clemens from his Narrabri office for their support in helping secure this outcome.

Flickerfest's 35th Anniversary Retrospective on 30 May and the Australian Opal Tour in September will proceed as planned. The Lightning Ridge Fossil Dig and other pre-booked programs are also expected to go ahead.

The Morilla Street retail and exhibition space will close, and SPARK cinema under the stars may be discontinued or operate less frequently. We will provide updates as we work through practical arrangements over the weeks to come.

The Board remains committed to the long-term future of the Australian Opal Centre, the protection of its Collection, and the completion of the new museum project. Work continues on planning for a sustainable future for the organisation and its activities.

We recognise the impact these decisions will have on staff, volunteers, members and supporters, and thank them for their continued commitment during a very challenging period.

Comments have been disabled for this post. A more detailed update has been provided to AOCL Members and Founders.

David Lane OAM
Chair, AOCL

20/05/2026

🎬 FLICKERFEST – 35th ANNIVERSARY RETROSPECTIVE | LIGHTNING RIDGE

Don't miss this special evening under the stars, as we celebrate 35 years of Australia’s leading short film festival at the Black Opal Heritage Shed, Three Mile Lightning Ridge on Saturday 30 May.

Flickerfest’s 35th Anniversary Retrospective showcases a handpicked collection of iconic Australian short films that helped launch some of our country’s most celebrated filmmakers and storytellers. The lineup includes early works from creators including Adam Elliot, Joe Brumm (creator of Bluey), Warwick Thornton, Nash Edgerton, Josh Lawson, Rachel Griffiths, Mirrah Foulkes, David Michôd and more.

Expect award-winning short films featuring familiar faces including Joel Edgerton, Jackie Weaver, David Gulpilil, Aaron Pedersen, Sophie Lee, Damon Herriman and Pia Miranda.

From heartfelt and moving to funny, clever and unforgettable, these are the films that helped define Flickerfest’s reputation as a launchpad for Australian screen talent over the past 35 years.

Grab your tickets now! Like, share and tag someone who’d enjoy the night!

✨ Open-air screening under the stars
🔥 Fire bins provided
🧣 Dress warmly
🥤 BYO snacks, drinks and blankets

📍 Black Opal Heritage Shed, Three Mile, Lightning Ridge
📅 Saturday 30 May
🎟 Tickets & info: https://events.humanitix.com/ridgeflicker26

Proudly presented by the Australian Opal Centre.

Get tickets on Humanitix - FLiCKERFEST On Tour 2026 - Lightning Ridge hosted by Australian Opal Centre. AOC Black Opal Heritage Shed, Three Mile Rd, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834, Australia. Saturday 30th May 2026. Find event information.

01/05/2026

AOC $20,000 Earth Treasures Raffle – 30 prizes. Over $20,000 in beautiful opal, jewellery, gemstones and other Earth treasures – even an opal field tour – thanks to our wonderful sponsors.

This is a Pick Your Own Prize raffle with winners choosing their prizes in draw order. Browse the prizes at https://www.raffletix.com.au/aoc-treasuresraffle26 and choose your favourites – what will you pick if your name is drawn?

🎟️ Every ticket gives you the chance to win from over $20,000 in prizes, and supports the educational, scientific and cultural programs of the Australian Opal Centre at Lightning Ridge.

🕘 Ticket sales close 8:55am Monday 25 May.

Open to NSW residents only. If you live outside NSW — and even if you’re a NSW resident! — please share this with your NSW friends and family.

👉 Get your tickets here: https://www.raffletix.com.au/aoc-treasuresraffle26

With thanks to our generous sponsors:

Terry Coldham
Elizabeth T. Smith
Karen Lindley AM
Seda Opals
Peter Sherman
Dale Price Opals
Katharina Zimmer
Robert Mannella
Sam’s Group
Opaline
Sangla Stedman
K & K Co
Clytie Smith
David Traudt
Opal Bin
Outback Opal Tours
Coveted Bush Studio
Lyndahl Boulton
Jenni Brammall
Carol Clemson
Gemcuts
Doug Brook

Australian Opal Centre Ltd | AOC $20,000 Earth Treasures Raffle | Drawn on: Monday, 25 May 2026 9:00 AM

30/04/2026

Another brilliant Fundamentals of Opal Carving class concluded this afternoon! Congratulations to Matthew, Richard, Kerrie, Frank, Suzy, David, Sam, Sheryl and instructor Sally on a super successful week.

This year we’re running two back-to-back courses, with the next class starting Monday 4 May. We’ll share more photos at the end of Week 2.

Fundamentals of Opal Carving fills early every year, so if you’d like to be added to the waiting list and receive early notification of the 2027 course, please drop us a note in Messenger and include your email address.

20/04/2026

Lightning Ridge Fossil Dig 2026

Join the Australian Opal Centre’s 6-day fossil dig at Lightning Ridge – one of Australia’s most significant fossil localities – searching for rare opalised fossils from the Age of Dinosaurs, and learning how they are identified, recovered and preserved.

Enjoy access to rarely available material, places and expertise as you search for fossils for the Australian Opal Centre’s globally significant collection. Contribute directly to ongoing discovery and scientific research during a week of fossils, fun and friendships!

Week 1: 17–22 August 2026
Week 2: 24–29 August 2026 (return participants only)

Registrations are open and places are limited.
👉 https://www.australianopalcentre.com/fossil-digs

04/04/2026

🦖 SURPRISE! Ozzi the Weewarrasaurus is here RIGHT NOW with the Dinomaniacs! 🦖

Ozzi has just popped in to the Australian Opal Centre with Trixi the Triceratops and they'll only be here for until about 1:30pm!

📍 3/11 Morilla St, Lightning Ridge

Kids, grab the family and hurry down to meet Ozzi before he disappears!

The AOC is full of fantastic new dino toys, puzzles, hatching eggs, gold and gem fossicking kits and more for Easter! 🐣

✨ Plus: 20% off real giant Megalodon shark fossil teeth (Easter special!)🦈

Quick – Ozzi won’t be here long! 🦖