We are embracing retirement, and making the most of it.

We knew we were never going to sit still for long, so whilst we are happy and healthy we will be out and about seeing the world………… full time.

We are out of the fast lane and taking the slow road ahead

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

White Cliffs Opals

A short 92km north detour from the highway at Wilcannia 253km  east of Broken Hill is White Cliffs, population about 150, is Australia’s first commercial opal mine. The landscape driving to it is currently green grassy pastures with black unfenced cattle. The town however, is dry and red, it has a pub, general store and few opal shops, fuel and a sports club.



Many live in dug-outs underground, like the motel and Southern across Opals shop.  At the back of the town is The Blocks, where many miners have 50mx50m licences and anyone can fossick on the surface around any old mine holes.  We were the first in the camp ground post covid lockdown, it opened the day we arrived. We stayed 3 nights and we (Michelle) enjoyed every minute.


We took a wrong turn and ended up a private road onto a lease.  The miner Pete was very kind and helpful and said we could fossick on his lease, he even gave us sets of knee pads to keep and helped us.  Even though he was having a day off next day, he said we were welcome to come back and have another go. Wow, he made it all so much better, as he had opals on the surface just waiting to be picked up.  Secret is to get down close and scrape the surface with the sun behind you.


I was over the moon with our little effort






Next stop free camp in Nyngun, then one night in Narabri, as we make it closer to the Queensland border.





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