Walgett Shire - Area Guide
Walgett Shire in the far north-west serves towns including Walgett and the world-famous opal town of Lightning Ridge, covering 22,000 square kilometres of river country and opal fields.
What the council offers residents
- Libraries and swimming pools in Walgett and Lightning Ridge
- Community events including the shire's NAIDOC Awards
- Visitor information centres in Walgett and Lightning Ridge
- Council services for rates, water, waste and roads
Living here
Walgett and Lightning Ridge have health services and schools. Lightning Ridge is one of the most naturally multicultural towns in outback Australia – opal miners from dozens of countries have settled here for generations. The famous hot artesian bore baths are free and open around the clock.
Worth knowing
Walgett & Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centres
Lightning Ridge: Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge· (02) 6829 1670 – town maps, opal-field ‘car door tour’ guides and bore bath info
Walgett: visitor information available in town – check the council site for current hours.
Visitor guide: guides and tour information via the Walgett Shire Council website.
Visitor centres are great for new residents too – free maps, local event news, and staff who know everyone. Say you’ve just moved here; they love that.