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Mine tours

Chambers of the Black Hand

Go 18 metres underground into the original workings of a worked-out black opal mine with a local opal miner, and separately view around 900 sculptures carved into the sandstone walls across 26 chambers.

FamiliesAdultsChildren

The visit

Kind of visitMine tours
WhereAustralia
BookingRequired
SettingIndoors
SeasonThe site states it opens half days only in November, December and January and is closed for the whole of February
Cost, as listedOpal Mine Tour AUD 48 for adults and AUD 48 for children as listed

Why it is worth the trip

Lightning Ridge is the source of black opal, and hearing a working miner describe drives, shafts and the odds involved is the clearest account of why the material is priced as it is.

Before you go

The site states this is the only fully guided underground opal mine tour in Lightning Ridge and that children must be 12 years or older to go on the mine tour. The sculpture tour and mine tour are sold separately or as a package.

Official source

Compiled from chambersoftheblackhand.com.au, read on August 16, 2026.

Opening times, seasons and prices change, and we are not the operator. Confirm directly with the venue before travelling. We take no commission on any visit.

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