by Di Hill (
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I love writing, taking photos, travelling and enjoying life. I have a BA of Adult and Vocational Teaching and a Master of Arts (Writing). My business card says Writer, Traveller, Camera Addict, and Bamboo Fan www.dihill.com.au
I can't wait to go back to this strange little town in the north of New South Wales, as there is so much to see and do. It is a quirky little destination – with plenty of places to stay. I'd suggest to allow 3 or 4 days to see it all!
One place with a lot of history is the Bottle House and Mining Museum. Just who would have thought to build a house of bottles? It was created in the 1960's. Arthur Germaine, who now plays tour guide, moved into the house years later. He house is made out of bottles from a tiny town called Hebel, which is just over the border in Queensland.
This sprightly gent is keen to tell the story of how the house was built, originally using cement to weld the bottles together. He was later to learn that the local clay was best to use, as it was easier to replace any bottle that broke.

Arthur, the Tour Guide
Inside the house is a wide collection of bottles and items from local opal mines, and there is plenty to see around the house including the dog kennel, also made out of bottles.