The community in Lightning Ridge is as colour- ful as the opals unearthed there. It is a melting pot of cultures and personalities, with a population comprising adventurers, artists, and miners. At- tractions like the Chambers of the Black Hand, an underground art gallery, and the Australian Opal Centre offer glimpses into both the geological and cultural richness of the area. The annual 4-day Lighting Ridge Opal Festival in July is a particular highlight – a vibrant event that showcases the town’s prized gemstones and encapsulates the spirit of this one-of-a-kind town.
Mount Gambier, South Australia Mount Gambier is a stunning regional city lo- cated in the Limestone Coast area of South Australia. Famous for its unique volcanic landscape, the city is perhaps best known for the Blue Lake—also known by its Aboriginal name Warwar—a large crater lake that mys- teriously changes colour from steel grey to a vibrant cobalt blue each year. There are numerous caves and sinkholes in the area, including the Umpherston Sinkhole/
Balumbul, which was turned into a sunken garden by James Umpherston in 1886. The Engelbrecht Cave contains an underground lake that offers diving opportunities for the more adventurous (and experienced). The city has a lively arts scene featuring the Robert Helpmann Theatre, and is close to the Coonawarra wine region. The community is diverse, and the locale provides various edu- cational, recreational, and cultural facilities, making it a vibrant place to visit.
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