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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
The AOC Collection Research Donate to the Collection
Fossil Digs SPARK Visit Us AOC Australian Opal Tour
Opal Fossils School Visits Courses & Programs
Donate and Support AOC Founders 1000 x $1000 Membership Work with us Volunteer Contact Us
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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 and their surrounding regions.

We are delighted to report that construction of the new AOC is moving rapidly toward completion. Head contractor (builder) Barpa Pty Ltd is working with a team of local and regional subcontractors, suppliers and workers towards the opening of the new AOC, Stage 1, in the first half of 2025.

Here’s a video update including some great footage of this incredible structure in progress, thanks to our friends at Curiosity Mine.

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.

Meanwhile, we continue our work in the colourful worlds of opal, opalised fossils and opal heritage, history and culture and in sharing these stories with the world. Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC, recently released Rainbow Bones, a 46-minute online documentary about collaborations between palaeontologists, opal miners, buyers and lovers who treasure and save opalised fossils. Enjoy!

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.

SPARK, the AOC’s cinema under the stars experience, runs from Easter until early October each year. During the season you can buy your SPARK tickets HERE, 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.