Our Australian Adventure Part 2: Into the Heart of the Outback

Uncovering the World of Opal in Legendary Lightning Ridge

In the world of fine jewelry, the most extraordinary treasures are often found in the most unexpected places. For us at NIXIN, that meant traveling to the source of the world's finest opals: the Australian Outback. After spending two whirlwind days in Brisbane, our family piled into our car (which we affectionately named "Karen" for its *unique* personality) and set off on a pilgrimage into the vast, open landscapes that bear the very heart of the rare opal jewelry we create. It was a trip that felt part homecoming and part rite of passage.

A Journey of Anticipation

We had heard stories about the dangers of driving in the Outback, particularly the risks of flood and of kangaroo auto accidents. And the Aussies make no secret of it along the drive to the Ridge, with signs warning drivers to be careful. 

A crucial piece of advice for anyone considering a road trip in Australia is to be off the road at dawn and dusk. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a vital safety tip, as it's when kangaroos are most active, and auto-related accidents involving these powerful marsupials are unfortunately not uncommon. Having spotted too many roo carcasses roadside, we heeded this warning, confining our highway hours to daylight.

The Unforgettable Road to the Ridge

The drive itself, while long, was nothing short of spectacular. It was an unforgettable journey of seemingly endless skies painting a canvas of gradient blues hovering above a unique blend of scrub and brush, punctuated by sightings of wildlife. We were captivated by:

• Mobs of kangaroos and wallabies
• Majestic emus that raced us along the highway as if in a friendly challenge
  

To our delight, the kids' screen went untouched for the entire drive. The scenery was simply too magnificent to ignore. As we traveled, we found ourselves counting the animals and playing games. Can you imagine being so utterly captivated by the natural world that two elementary school-aged children asked for zero screen time? It was an absolute testament to the beauty and wonder of the Australian outback.

An Outback Oasis in Moree

Nearly a nine-hour trek from Brisbane to Lightning Ridge, we decided to break up the drive, stopping for an overnight in Moree. We’d initially planned to make a few stops en route, but as the hours melted away in a blur of beautiful scenery, we collectively agreed to push on, skipping them all except the Ipswich Nature Center - a free Australian wildlife sanctuary. We rolled into Moree around 6 PM, tired but invigorated. This outback oasis is known for its artesian thermal baths, and a soak in those mineral-rich waters was exactly what we needed. Our day ended with dinner at the local Filipino restaurant where the kids were surprised and ecstatic to find pancakes with ice cream on the entree menu.

Arriving at the Opal Mecca - Lightning Ridge

Early the next morning, upon our approach to the legendary town, we began to feel its history. The moment you arrive, you know you're in a special, quirky place:

• Stanley the Emu: A giant, 60-foot statue by artist John Murray, made of recycled materials (think VW Beetles, satellite dishes, etc…), offers a warm and quirky welcome to visitors.

• A Jeweler's Dream: The town is a tribute to the treasure it unearths, with street names like "Opal Street" and "Harlequin Street," a charming detail that reminds you just how deeply opal culture is embedded here. (Also, easily my new favorite intersection.

• The Car Door Tour: We discovered the town's clever and eccentric tour tactic—you pick a colored car door and follow others of the same color to explore the town’s most unique spots. There are 5 different colored car door tours in town.

• Local Landmarks: We explored a fascinating structure called the Bottle House,

built from thousands of recycled bottles, and Amigo's Castle, 

a stone fortress built by hand by a single miner. Though closed when we visited, we got a taste of its “character” through its colorful choice of signage (see photos).

• The Bowling Club: Pretty much a foregone conclusion, you become a member when visiting town (which entails a “goated” ID card - per our son) and join the locals for food, drink and evening fun.

• Camel Racing: The local racetrack, we were told, was used for camel racing. We thought it was a joke. Then we found the camels.

A Town of Opal and Legend

For a dose of local legend, we visited the Australian Opal Centre to see Harold's Opal Dentures, a bizarre and sparkling set of false teeth that perfectly captures the town’s spirit. Imagine having opals custom-fitted into your smile! It’s a testament to the town's absolute love for this incredible gem.

Of course, no trip to Lightning Ridge would be complete without paying homage to the birthplace of its most famous former resident: the Flame Queen Opal. This legendary, 254 carat (263+ ct according to some sources), black opal is one of the most famous opals ever discovered. Known for its incredible fried egg appearance (called eye-of-opal) with a red domed center (that turns gold), bordered by a ring of blue-green. Seeing the precise spot where it was dug out of the ground only fueled our appreciation for the magic hidden beneath the earth here.

Unearthing Treasures and Forging Connections

To truly understand opal, you have to get your hands dirty. We had an incredible opportunity to venture into an opal mine. 

We descended into the cool, dark tunnels, getting a firsthand look at the challenging conditions miners face. It deepened our respect for the effort and dedication required to unearth these incredible gems we use to create our rare jewelry.

After our mine tour, we tried our hand at fossicking. This is essentially sifting through discarded "tailings" (the leftover dirt from mining) in the hope of finding an overlooked piece of opal. It’s like a treasure hunt for adults and kids alike, and while we didn't strike it rich, the thrill of the search was still addicting.

As we drove back from our mining adventure, the outback delivered one last unforgettable moment. Just off the side of the road, we spotted a mama kangaroo with a tiny joey peeking out from her pouch. It was a beautiful, heartwarming sight and a perfect reminder of the incredible wildlife that coexists with the opal industry in this unique corner of the world.

Our main mission while in town was to attend the Lightning Ridge Opal Show. This event was an absolute treat—it showcased an overwhelming presence of one gem and one gem only: opal. While the occasional vendor sold something wonderfully bizarre (like roo slippers) the focus on opal stones was laser-sharp — Black Opal in particular.

We were ecstatic to connect with so many faces, both familiar and new. 

These connections are the lifeblood of our brand, and the opportunity to share stories, knowledge, and laughs with people who love this beautiful opal stone as much as we do was truly priceless.

Our Favorite Finds from the Show

While we found an abundance of stunning opal at the show, a few remarkable pieces truly stole our hearts. We’re keeping some of our most treasured finds a surprise until they are ready to be revealed as one-of-a-kind NIXIN jewelry creations, but here are a few unexpected favorites for immediate sharing:

• A dachshund cut black opal. Exactly what it sounds like - it was a Black Crystal Opal, carved to look like the silhouette of the charming dog.
• An oh-so-appropriate koala sun flash opal.
• A breathtaking floating heart crystal opal. A mesmerizing stone that seems to hold a delicate, dark floating heart right within its belly.
• A polka dot opal crafted via inlay. Though I didn’t come home with this piece, I DID come home with two other (pretty epic) pieces from this vendor.
  

My picks from the show were made with intention, each inspiring a very particular creation. Some are already in production, on their way to becoming pieces of unique fine jewelry for me to share with you. I cannot wait!

The Journey Continues…

Lightning Ridge truly captivated our imaginations, offering a blend of adventure, community warmth, and unparalleled natural beauty. As we bid farewell to the rugged, red earth of the Ridge, a place where the sun sets with passion and the stones whisper ancient tales, we carry with us the very essence of its magic. While this chapter of our travels may have come to an end, our journey through this vast and magnificent country is not yet over; it's a treasure hunt that leads us to new landscapes and dreams.

Follow along as we uncover more of Australia, and come explore treasures we've already crafted from this country’s magical gem.