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The Australian Opal Centre What We Do Our History Newsletter - HHOT 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 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 architect Wendy Lewin in collaboration with DunnHillam, 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 knowledge and information services, science and research, education, creative exploration and celebration 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.

Construction of the new AOC Stage 1 has progressed substantially. The building is over 80% complete, thanks to the work of head contractor Barpa Pty Ltd and many local and regional subcontractors, suppliers and workers. Construction is currently paused, while the AOC seeks a final tranche of funding.

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. We thank all who registered interest in opportunities for local and regional subcontractors, suppliers, workers, volunteers and other roles during construction of the new Australian Opal Centre - we are proud of your contributions.

The Australian Opal Centre offers opportunities for individuals, groups, businesses, government and others to join the visionary supporters who are patrons of this magnificent building. Please contact us to express your interest and find out more.

Meanwhile, we continue our work in the intriguing, inspiring and colourful worlds of opal, opalised fossils, deep time, and opal heritage, history and culture - and in sharing these stories with the world. We hope you enjoy Rainbow Bones, a 46-minute online documentary produced by Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC, 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 are closed 25 December 2025 - 7 January 2026 to give our volunteers a well-earned break. We will re-open at 9am on Thursday 8 January 2026. Our summer opening hours (December to February) are 9am - 1pm, 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. 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.