The Museum - photo from the website
Right here in Brisbane, there is a great museum and shop, for those folk who are interested in learning about opals or purchasing opal products. This wonderful
Brisbane Opal Museum and Shop is close to the city at Windsor and is a great place to learn all about these precious items that hide under the ground in Queensland and in other states.
I have been fortunate to visit several opal mining towns in Australia, including Winton (close to Opalton) in Queensland, Lightning Ridge in New South Wales and Coober Pedy in South Australia (where the world's largest and most valuable opal was found a few years ago), and this Brisbane Museum is the best opal display I have seen.
Geoff and Valentine in front of the mural
My visit to the
Brisbane Opal Museum was short, but I was so impressed that I am going to return and participate in one of their tours, and learn much more!
Display of Books on Opals
There are different tours of the museum, including a
self-guided tour where you can explore in your own time, with a digital tablet, which provides wonderful information on the many exhibits. You don't need to book ahead, but just rock up to do the tour. The cost of this tour is just $5 per head, and children under five years are free.
The best tour for a group is the
guided tour, with a tour guide, which takes 30 to 45 minutes. These tours are conducted at midday from Monday to Friday, and it is essential to book before you go. You don't need to be in a group for the services of the tour guide, but you must book. Check
here for details of the tours, including the
Gold Class Tour.
In the shop
The museum is top class with so much to see and learn. The exhibitions are impressive and include explanations with many stories of the history of opal mining in Australia.
While visiting the museum/shop you may be fortunate to meet
Geoff McDonald, who is the director and owner of this wonderful project, which started not far away in a small shop, and is now an excellent place to visit and learn about this special stone and the plans for the future of the museum.
So put it on your bucket list!
