Lightning Ridge is located in the north-west of outback New South Wales in the Walgett Shire near the Queensland border. In 2006, the population of Lightning Ridge was around 2,600. Like Coober Pedy in South Australia, Lightning Ridge is an opal mining centre and has the largest known deposits of black opals in the world.
Primarily a mining town, Lightning Ridge is serviced in commercial and administrative activities by the town of Walgett about 75 km to the south. Lightning Ridge is also a flourishing tourist town with numerous caravan and camping facilities. In summer temperatures can reach into the high 40s Celsius, but below ground the temperature remains continually at around 22 degrees, year round. For this reason, Lightning Ridge is also noted as a town where many underground dwellings have been constructed over the years.
Lightning Ridge has a 5 star Olympic Pool and Water Theme Park which are open during the summer months. Parts of the pool are shaded and the complex has BBQ facilities. The town hosts an annual Goat Race in the main street and a rodeo on the Easter long weekend. Goats are harnessed and driven by children, much like harness racing with horses. Several well-known artists have settled in and around Lightning Ridge.
Fossicking licences have not been required for fossicking in New South Wales since August 1992 when the Mining Act 1992 was enacted. In accordance with the Act, fossicking can be carried out anywhere in the state providing that:
Lightning Ridge has abundant hot water from a bore spring which draws from the Great Artesian Basin. The town has two hot water pools for bathing, while the minerals also make the water very healthy for drinking. A public mineral water tap is available in Harlequin Street. The Hot Artesian Bore Baths, along with and Nettletons Shaft on McDonald's Six Mile Opal Field, have been placed on the Register of the National Estate.