Touring opal mines in Australia
I would like to visit some of the opal mines in Australia (Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, etc.).
Are tours available to the general public at any of the mines? Do any of them offer for-fee collecting?
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Can I go opal mining in Australia?
Tourists are allowed to visit the mines, but if you're serious about properly trying your hand at opal mining, you need to be over 16 and have the following: Australian citizenship or a work visa. A permit costing just AUS $74 and identification plates costing AUS $8.90. A wooden stake.Where can I mine for opals in Australia?
Here are five of the best places in Australia to fossick for opals:Does Australia have opal mines?
Opal was first mined commercially at Listowel Downs in Queensland in 1875 and later at White Cliffs in NSW. Today, Coober Pedy (SA) is the main producer of white opal, though in recent years this field has expanded and all types of opals are found.Where can I fossick for opal?
You can literally try your luck at finding your own piece of opal alongside the Warrego Way and Natural Sciences Loop at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, two kilometres west of Quilpie at the Quilpie Airport. This site provides a real opportunity for all ages to have a go at uncovering this pretty gemstone.Australian Opal - A World Tour of Opal, Part 1
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Valeriia Miller, Sonny Sixteen, The Geography Bible On YouTube, Paul Friesen