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The Australian Opal Centre What We Do Our History Our Team Visit Us Contact Us
The New AOC The Architects Our Building Team Become A Patron Register Interest
AOC Australian Opal Tour The AOC Collection Research Donate to the Collection
Fossil Digs SPARK Visit Us AOC Australian Opal Tour
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Welcome to the
Australian Opal Centre

At Lightning Ridge on Yuwaalaraay Country, at the edge of outback NSW in Australia, an extraordinary national monument is taking shape – a world class, energy-efficient, two-storey underground building that will be the home of the new Australian Opal Centre. 

Designed by renowned architects Wendy Lewin in collaboration with Dunn + Hillam, based on an initial concept by Wendy Lewin and Glenn Murcutt, the new Australian Opal Centre will celebrate our National Gemstone and be filled with glittering treasures from the earth and the stories of the people who found them.

This 21st century architectural icon will be a world-class tourism attraction and a world leader in the areas of knowledge, information, education and creative exploration of Australian opal. It will also play a vital role as a nexus for community, economic and cultural development across Australia's inland opal producing areas.

We are delighted to announce that construction of Stage 1 of the new AOC is underway, after being put on hold in late 2021 due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on construction industry supply chains and pricing. Head contractor (builder) Barpa Pty Ltd mobilised to Lightning Ridge in August 2023 and are working with a team of local and regional subcontractors, suppliers and workers, towards the opening of the new AOC, Stage 1, in late 2024.

The AOC is committed to generating employment and engagement outcomes for local and regional people, including our Indigenous community members. To register your interest in opportunities for local and regional subcontractors, suppliers, workers, volunteers and other roles during construction of the new Australian Opal Centre, contact Barpa now.

The Australian Opal Centre is also offering opportunities for individuals, groups, businesses, government and more to join the exclusive pool of supporters who are patrons of this magnificent building; contact us to express your interest and find out more.

Visit the Australian Opal Centre

Visit the Australian Opal Centre’s Lightning Ridge showroom to see highlights of our collection, find out about the new AOC and provide your support by shopping with us or making a donation!

We’re open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday. Please show your appreciation to our wonderful staff and volunteers when you visit. The health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, visitors and community is our top priority, so please assist by observing any guidelines that apply during your visit.

Buy your SPARK tickets HERE (SPARK runs from Easter until early October each year), or for information about SPARK, group or school visits please call (+61) 2 6829 1667 or email contact@australianopalcentre.com. For information about our annual Fossil Dig please email dig@australianopalcentre.com.