2026 Feature Tour – Mollymook to Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge, with a population of around 1,200, attracts over 80,000 visitors annually for fossicking and experiencing an outback mining town. This character-filled town now features souvenir shops, restaurants, and more civilization than it did a century ago, offering a unique holiday adventure for everyone.
Join us for an unforgetable journey filled with fun, friendship and fellowship
Sunday 19th April – Saturday 25th April 2026
Day 1 - Ulladulla to Tamworth
Board your luxurious Coach this morning in Ulladulla. Enjoy a morning tea break with time for coffee and snacks, followed by lunch in Wyong. An afternoon stop in Muswellbrook will occur en route to Tamworth.
Accommodation at the IBIS Styles Tamworth (02 6765 8361).
Day 2 - Tamworth to Lightning Ridge
Today’s journey to Lightning Ridge begins in Tamworth, passing through scenic NSW countryside with a morning tea break in Gunnedah and lunch in Narrabri. After checking into the Wallangulla Motel for four nights, located centrally near the Bowling Club, dinners will be provided at the Club, and breakfast at the Motel.
Accommodation at the Wallangulla Motel Lightning Ridge (01800 247 376).
Day 3 - Explore Lightning Ridge
Join local guide John Bevan in Lightning Ridge to discover its opal-mining history, starting with Charles Nettleton’s 1902 discovery. The town, famous for Black Opals, got its name from a lightning strike in the 1870s and is the birthplace of actor Paul Hogan. Visit Bevan’s large Cactus Nursery and have lunch at the Bowling Club. An optional soak in the Artesian Bore Baths is available. The coach departs in the afternoon, returning to the motel by 5 PM for dinner.
Accommodation at the Wallangulla Motel Lightning Ridge (01800 247 376).
Day 4 - The Grawin Opal Fields
Day Four explores the Grawin Opal Fields, 40 km southwest of Lightning Ridge, featuring Grawin, Glengarry, Sheepyard, and Mulga Rush. Highlights include a visit to the Sheepyard & Community War Memorial and lunch at the Opal Miners Club, where guests can learn about Black Opal. Safety precautions are necessary in the working mine area, and collecting materials requires permission.
Accommodation at the Wallangulla Motel Lightning Ridge (01800 247 376).
Day 5 - Lightning Ridge
This morning, explore the history of Opal Mining in Lightning Ridge with a guided tour of an opal mine, including an option to visit the Black Opal Field Heritage Shed nearby. The coach driver may take interested passengers to the Chambers of the Black Hand Opal Mine Carvings, which requires climbing 84 steps and costs $45 per person, payable on-site. Others can enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in the Hot Artesian Pool.
Accommodation at the Wallangulla Motel Lightning Ridge (01800 247 376).
Day 6 - Lightning Ridge to Parkes
Today’s route features a morning tea break in Walgett and a stop in Coonamble, known for its wheat and sheep farming, highlighted by a 25-meter painted water tower of Galahs. Lunch will be in Gilgandra, a historic site related to a World War I recruiting march. Travel from the rugged Outback near Lightning Ridge to the scenic Golden West, ending with an overnight stay in Parkes
Accommodation at the ???????.
Day 7 - Parkes to Ulladulla
Enjoy a relaxed morning after your explorations, with a tea break in Cowra and lunch in Yass. Travel home via Braidwood and the scenic King’s Highway, keeping an eye out for Pooh corner. We hope you have many happy holiday memories and look forward to your participation in future coach tours. Thank you for choosing this holiday!