A four-day road trip into the heart of outback New South Wales? Yes, please! The allure of Lightning Ridge—home to black opals, quirky characters, and an unmistakable frontier spirit—was too tempting to resist. So, with our troopy and camper trailer packed, and an insatiable thirst for adventure, we hit the road, ready to take on some of the most unique self-drive trails in Australia: the Car Door Tours.

The drive from Newcastle was long but rewarding, as the scenery shifted from bustling highways to endless stretches of red dirt roads and wide-open plains. Each passing kilometre felt like stepping further into a different world—one where time slows, and the horizon stretches infinitely. We arrived in Lightning Ridge in the afternoon, greeted by a blazing sunset that cast golden hues over the landscape. The town itself is an eclectic mix of rustic opal shops, eccentric art installations, and dusty 4WD tracks leading into the unknown.

We wasted no time and jumped straight into exploring, following the first of the Car Door Tours—a unique system of self-guided routes marked by wrecked car doors painted in different colours. Each route promised a mix of history, mining culture, and outback quirkiness. The next four days were packed with underground opal mines, fossil-filled landscapes, rough outback tracks, and some of the best campfire yarns we’d ever heard.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Lightning Ridge – Welcome to the Opal Fields

Depart Sydney early (around 6 AM) for the 8-hour drive.
Stop in Walgett for fuel and supplies—this is your last major town before Lightning Ridge.
Arrive in Lightning Ridge by late afternoon.
Check into a local campground or outback-style accommodation.
Explore the main street and grab dinner at the famous Lightning Ridge Bowling Club.
Sunset at Nettleton’s First Shaft Lookout, an iconic viewing spot over the vast outback. This historic site marks the location of the first opal mine in Lightning Ridge, established by Charlie Nettleton in 1903. Located on the Green Car Door Tour route, it provides a stunning panoramic view as the sun dips below the horizon.

Day 2: Exploring Lightning Ridge & Car Door Tours

Wake up early and head straight to the Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, a naturally heated artesian spring pool. Watching the sunrise while soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters is a perfect way to start the day.
Grab a coffee at a local café and fuel up for the day.
Begin with the Red Car Door Tour, visiting historic opal mines and quirky town landmarks.
Follow this up with the Blue Door Tour and be sure to stop at Bevan’s Cactus Nursery, a locally owned farm with over 2,500 species of succulents and cacti. Some of these plants are over 100 years old, with ancient species from Africa, South America, and North America. The collection is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, making it an unmissable stop for nature lovers.
Head underground at Chambers of the Black Hand, an opal mine filled with incredible hand-carved sculptures.
Enjoy lunch at a local café.
After lunch you can squeze in the Yellow Car Door Tour,
In the afternoon, embark on the Green Car Door Tour, which takes you to the Beer Can House and other famous landmarks - Best done for a sunset finish back at Nettleton’s First Shaft Lookout,
Return to town for a hearty pub meal and another soak in the Bore Baths.

Day 3: Grawin Opal Fields & Off-Road Adventures

Early morning start for the Orange Car Door Tour, heading west towards the Grawin Opal Fields.
Visit The Pub in the Scrub, an iconic outback watering hole where miners share their stories.
Explore the Sheepyard Inn, another classic bush pub that’s an absolute must for visitors.
Try your hand at noodling (fossicking for opals) in designated public areas.
Stop by The Hilton Hotel, a remote bush shack with a legendary reputation.
Return to Lightning Ridge by late afternoon.
Enjoy a final dinner at one of the local eateries.
There are often events on over the Easter and June long weekends - so look ahead when planning your trip.

Day 4: Last Stops & Return to Sydney

Breakfast at a local café.
Take a final self-drive Yellow Car Door Tour, covering local art and mining history.
Stop at Coopers Cottage, one of the town’s oldest buildings.
Pick up some souvenirs and opal jewellery before heading home.
Begin the long drive back, stopping for a break in Coonabarabran.

Trip Highlights

✅ Car Door Tours – Unique self-guided routes through Lightning Ridge and beyond
✅ Grawin Opal Fields – A wild outback adventure with historic bush pubs
✅ Bevan’s Cactus Nursery – Over 2,500 rare and exotic succulents, some over a century old
✅ Chambers of the Black Hand – Incredible underground sandstone sculptures
✅ Nettleton’s First Shaft Lookout – The best sunset view in the outback
✅ Lightning Ridge Bore Baths – Naturally heated artesian pools, open 24/7
✅ Sheepyard Inn & Pub in the Scrub – Legendary outback watering holes
✅ Opal Fossicking – Try your luck at finding precious black opals

Notable 4WD Tracks & Bushwalks

Grawin to Glengarry Track – Rough and rugged outback roads, perfect for 4WD adventurers.
The Lost City Track – A bumpy off-road detour to a little-known mining settlement.
Car Door Tours – While most sections are 2WD accessible, some tracks are best tackled in a 4WD.

Essential Gear

Plenty of water & food supplies
Camping gear (if staying at campgrounds)
4WD with good clearance
Maps or GPS (limited reception in remote areas)
First-aid kit & emergency supplies
Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses (the sun is fierce!)
A head torch & extra batteries
Fossicking tools (if you want to try your luck at opal hunting)

Tips for the Trip

✔️ Check road conditions – Some tracks can be impassable after rain.
✔️ Refuel in Lightning Ridge – Fuel is limited in the opal fields.
✔️ Prepare for the heat – The outback sun is unforgiving, so pack accordingly.
✔️ Respect the locals – Many miners live off-grid and value their privacy.
✔️ Bring cash – Some remote pubs and attractions don’t accept cards.
✔️ Leave no trace – Keep the outback pristine by taking your rubbish with you.

For further information to help plan your trip - Check out the Walgett Shire webpage

Link - Walgett Shire

Final Thoughts

Lightning Ridge is more than just an opal mining town—it’s an adventure waiting to happen. From the quirky charm of the Car Door Tours to the wild beauty of the Grawin Opal Fields, this 4WD trip delivers an unforgettable outback experience. Whether you’re fossicking for opals, sipping beers in a remote bush pub, or soaking in the artesian baths under a blanket of stars, there’s something magical about this rugged corner of Australia.

Pack your sense of adventure, hit the dirt roads, and get ready for an incredible journey through Lightning Ridge. You won’t regret it!

Bore Baths to Bush Pubs: A Lightning Ridge Road Trip Itinerary