THE BOULDER OPAL
The Boulder Opal is Australia’s National gemstone. Opal mines in the small town of Opalton are a popular tourist spot for Winton’s Tourists. They are an unforgettable experience.
Opalton is situated 123 kilometres from Winton in Queensland’s Outback. Opal was first discovered in 1888 by George Cragg, a stockman from Warrnambool Station, the first mine was worked in 1894. The township of Opalton began in 1895, and by the end of the decade there was a bustling township of 600. Opalton became known for the enormous volume and quality of its opals, it was the largest pipe opal field in Australia.
In 1899 the largest piece of precious opal ever recorded in the world was discovered, a pipe opal over 10 foot long and as thick as a man’s leg.
Eventually by the end of World War I, Opalton became a ghost town due to drought. The last pub was sold to Warrnambool Station to be used as a Shearing Shed. In the 1960s, Opalton gained new life and now an average of 20 people live there during the cooler months and work their mines.
Fossicking in Opalton – once known as tent city during the rush that bought thousands of Chinese and Europeans to the town – is now a restricted mining area allowing only hand mining and fossicking. Little remains today of the town that once was and all that is left has been protected.
If you are interested in booking a tour, please visit our tour desk.
Recently I had the pleasure to stay at the Boulder Opal motor inn at Winton in QLD.
The hosts were the friendliest hosts I have ever comes across in all of my travels and stays at hotels. I was late for check in “no problems even though they were busy getting things set up for dinner”, Then I decided to stay an extra night but they were booked out due to a dunny race being held in the town the next day “no problems they actually rang around town to find me a bed and room for the next night”, again all while trying to get the restaurant organised for the nights rush.
The food was outstanding, the wait staff was excellent and the meal prices were on par with any restaurant in QLD.
The room was clean and comfortable for me.
Highly recommended for anyone needing a comfy stay and a great feed.
The Boulder Opal Motor Inn was a pleasant stay for us in Winton. Comfortable and clean but the staff were the standouts. Helen, the face of the Boulder Opal, is a GEM! We witnessed her in action when she assisted 2 guests who missed out on their tour as she arranged for Red Dirt Tours to take them at the last minute during their pickup in morning. Helen has a lot of great stories about the district and her lead in the restaurant was awesome. Yes Cam was a big help too!!
Winton is such a lovely little place to visit and even though we only stayed for one night, I would highly recommend you choose the Boulder Opal Motor Inn for your stay. Upon check-in we met Helen who was the best! She was very helpful and informative about Winton and recommended plenty of places to visit and sites to see.
Apart from the excellent customer service, the room itself was exceptionally presented, very clean and had everything we needed – all at a very reasonable price. We couldn’t ask for anything more and if we come to Winton again, we will definitely pop by!
Thanks for a great stay.