Tom's Opal Mine

The guided tour lasts around 90 minutes and is led by a local guide equipped with black lights, the same tool miners use to spot the blue-green fluorescence of raw opal in dark tunnels. Guests are issued mining helmets and learn how miners locate seams, use explosives safely and assess the value of a find on the spot. Self-guided tours are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

At the noodling pit, dirt sourced directly from active opal claims is tipped into shallow trays. Using your hands and a torch, you sift through the material looking for the characteristic play of colour that indicates a stone worth keeping. Any opal you find is yours to take home. Staff are on hand to help beginners.

Tom's operates seasonally from March to October to avoid the worst of the summer heat. Pets on leads are welcome, and the car park can accommodate large vehicles.