Opalton Queensland

Opalton Queensland is the largest opal field in Queensland by volume of opal produced.

Opalton is still producing today.

Home of Queensland’s spectacular boulder opal and  famous for the enormous quantity and quality of its opal. Nestled away 123 kilometres south-west of Winton, opals were first discovered here in 1888 and the first mine was worked in 1894. In 1899, the largest opal ever recorded was mined from Opalton. it was over 10 feet (3m) long and rumoured to be as thick as a man’s leg! By the end of the 19th century, Opalton was a thriving township.

First discovered in 1888, the boulder opal is unique to Queensland’s Tropic of Capricorn, occurring within a belt of weathered Cretaceous sedimentary rocks known as the Winton Formation.

The ground water here is rich with minerals and silica from remains of the old inland sea. Water seeped into gaps deep underground to ironstone boulders, and as it dried and gelled opal formed. The friction within these faults created static electricity.

A combination of mineral rich water and a slight electrical charge has grown a crystal structure inside the opal that refracts light, creating the stunning appearance of this Tropic treasure. The largest piece of opal on record was uncovered at Opalton, a pipe opal over three metres long. With a fossicking licence you can try your luck ‘specking’ and ‘noodling’ for fragments of opal from the surface or spoils of old workings. Licences are available for one to 12 months and can be obtained from the Mining Registrar in Winton and the Opalton Outpost. There are camping facilities and basic cabins at the bush park.

Licences are available for one to 12 months and can be obtained from the Mining Registrar in Winton and the Opalton Outpost. There are camping facilities and basic cabins at the bush park.

How can I experience Opal Country?

Purchase a fossicking licence: Fossicking is a regulated activity in Queensland. A fossickers licence entitles entry and fossicking on any non-exempt land in Central Queensland. You can obtain a fossickers licence when you arrive, alternatively visit the Department of Mines and Energy website for a list of agents for fossickers licences in Queensland.

For more information
For more information about activities in Winton head to the Waltzing Matilda Centre (Phone: 1300 665 115)

Now, Opalton is home to very few, with camping facilities set up at the Opalton bush park. Pack your swag and head out to try your luck fossicking for opals. You never know your luck!

The majority of the journey is on an unsealed road. Very basic supplies are available and there is no fuel in Opalton. Please ensure you are fully stocked prior to your departure from Winton and check the road conditions. 

Accommodation

To find out information about accommodation in Opalton, please click here.