Outback Articles

Put some colour into your outback holiday with Australia’s best opal events

Without a doubt, one of the most impressive products extracted from the red earthy soils of the outback is Australian opal. This spectacular gemstone is found deep in the heart of the bush and is highly sort after as a precious commodity in the world market.

One of the easiest ways to find the world's best opal is by going to Australia's best opal shows. There are a number of opal events in outback NSW and Queensland, and the Coober Pedy Opal Festival in South Australia.

Whether you are looking for one-off designer jewellery, gifts for friends, collectors pieces or a rare, unique specimen of spectacular opal to call your own, you are bound to find it at an opal event.

Plan your winter escape around one of these fantastic opal events:

Coober Pedy Opal Festival: Easter each year

Coober Pedy holds its annual opal festival and opal miners Hall of Fame inductions every Easter from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

Winton QBOA Opal Festival: Usually 1st Friday in July

The Queensland Boulder Opal Association's Opal Festival is held so that the miners, buyers, retailers, exporters and jewellers can meet at a central venue to do their buying, selling and socialising.

Yowah Opal Festival: Friday, July each year

Dont miss the World windlass races, Opal Jewellery Design Competion and 2 days of action packed outback fun with the Yowah Opal Festival.

 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival: Late July each year

Celebrate the culture and character of Lightning Ridge's Opal Festival.  Be dazzled by the spectacular designs entered in the International Opal Jewellery Design Awards.  The event is one of the world's most prestigious opal jewellery design competitions will be held in Lightning Ridge.

Check outbacknow events to confirm dates.