Welcome to Fossickers Cottages, the perfect place to stay, to relax and experience Lightning Ridge first hand. Meet the locals who are passionate both about their town and black opal the stunning gemstone that is mined from the depths of what was once a great inland sea.
Lightning Ridge, on the edge of the outback, viewing the landscape and surrounds you can clearly imagine the unique experience of our early pioneering opal miners.
Fossickers Cottages
C/- Lost Sea Opals Cnr Onyx & Morilla st Lightning Ridge NSW 2834 Australia,
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Testimonial:
"After a week on the road Harlequin cottage had without a doubt the most comfortable beds of the entire trip. It was right in the centre of town with 2 bedrooms and a laundry. The interior was modern and extremely clean with everything you could think of provided. Would recommend to anyone."
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Andrew and Jo met in Lightning Ridge after both had moved out to 'The Ridge' from Sydney around 1996. Andrew is an opal miner and Jo is a qualified jeweller/designer, since marrying in 1998 they have been passionately making jewellery and mining black opal ever since.
Fossickers Cottages were created as an extension of their passion for Black Opal and Lightning Ridge and a desire to share the beauty of Black Opal and the eccentricity and experience of Lightning Ridge with as many people as possible.
Accommodation:
We have 4 Private Self-Contained Suites,each designed around a special theme. Our AAA rating is 3 1/2 stars. Facilities & Services:
Opal Cottage is a cute one bedroom cottage overlooking the old town opal fields with a view to the west for the some of most beautiful sunsets you might ever see. Opal Cottage is set off by an eclectic garden established nearly thirty years ago.
One bedroom. Features comfortable queen sized bed with fine quality bed linen. Private bathroom and laundry. Self catered. Fully equipped kitchen with microwave. Reverse cycle air-conditioned. Colour TV DVD and Stereo CD. Outdoor area with gas BBQ. Car-port. Fully fenced yard.
Rates: From AU$99 double self catering.
Harlequin Cottage was built over thirty years ago as a four-room miners hut. It has grown over time, into a cozy and comfortable two-bedroom cottage. A large, fenced, front yard makes a great play area for kids and pets of all ages. Two bedrooms. Each with a comfortable queen sized bed with fine quality bed linen. A day bed and a single trundle bed are available for extra guests.
Private bathroom and laundry. Self catered. Fully equipped modern kitchen with full sized oven, microwave and dishwasher. Reverse cycle air-conditioned. Separate lounge area with colour TV, DVD and Stereo CD. Private garden and outdoor area with gas BBQ. Fully fenced yard.
Rates: From AU$110 double self catering Extra persons $25each.
Things to Do:
You can't stay in Lightning Ridge without finding out all about its stunning Black Opal gems. Contrary to that which the name suggests - Black Opal displays the most amazing range of colours and patterns, its black base simply enhancing its colours. Spend some time at our showroom to see our display of Black Opal, it is simply the most magical of the precious gems. We can show you how we cut and polish the gems and while you are there examine the collection of opalised fossils from the age of the dinosaurs. Take a soak in Lightning Ridges' hot Artesian Baths, loved by many for their soothing mineral rich waters. Do a self-drive tour or take a guided tour of the town and stroll underground in one of the old opal diggings. You can visit the working opal fields at the Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard fields and try your luck at fossicking for Black Opal in the designated fosssicking areas. Lightning Ridge has many interesting galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs to explore. Plus excellent specialty shops with a fabulous range of quality jewellery and gifts. Finally, at the end of the day simply sit back, unwind and treasure the relaxing atmosphere of your private gardens at either one of Fossickers Cottages.
Getting Here:
Lightning Ridge is at the centre, top of New South Wales. Driving - Travel the Great Inland Way from Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne to Cairns via Dubbo and Lightning Ridge.
When you arrive in town, call in to our showroom- Lost Sea Opals to pick up your keys. We are on the corner of Morilla and Onyx Sts, first intersection as you come into town and opposite the Caltex service station.
Opal Cottage is just round the corner in Onyx St and Harlequin Cottage is about fifty metres from there. Countrylink has a daily train and bus service from Sydney via Dubbo. Ph: 13 22 32 We will be happy to pick you up from the airport or bus depot. Just let us know!
Where to Stay 
Andrew and Jo met in Lightning Ridge after both had moved out to 'The Ridge' from Sydney around 1996. Andrew is an opal miner and Jo is a qualified jeweller/designer, since marrying in 1998 they have been passionately making jewellery and mining black opal ever since.
You can't stay in Lightning Ridge without finding out all about its stunning Black Opal gems. Contrary to that which the name suggests - Black Opal displays the most amazing range of colours and patterns, its black base simply enhancing its colours. Spend some time at our showroom to see our display of Black Opal, it is simply the most magical of the precious gems. We can show you how we cut and polish the gems and while you are there examine the collection of opalised fossils from the age of the dinosaurs. Take a soak in Lightning Ridges' hot Artesian Baths, loved by many for their soothing mineral rich waters. Do a self-drive tour or take a guided tour of the town and stroll underground in one of the old opal diggings. You can visit the working opal fields at the Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard fields and try your luck at fossicking for Black Opal in the designated fosssicking areas. Lightning Ridge has many interesting galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs to explore. Plus excellent specialty shops with a fabulous range of quality jewellery and gifts. Finally, at the end of the day simply sit back, unwind and treasure the relaxing atmosphere of your private gardens at either one of Fossickers Cottages.
Lightning Ridge is at the centre, top of New South Wales. Driving - Travel the Great Inland Way from Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne to Cairns via Dubbo and Lightning Ridge.