Opal Mine

White Cliffs NSW 2836 (Pop 230)
 

White Cliffs is a Corner Country/Outback opal mining settlement 1 072 km n-w of Sydney. Surrounded by semi desert saltbush plains, it is famous for its underground accommodation and for every building on the surface, there may be up to 10 underground due to the intense heat. From the air it resembles a moonscape with over 50 000 abandoned digs. Opals were discovered here in 1884 and the the town peaked in 1902 with some huge opal discoveries. In 1976 the opalised remains of plesiosaur fossil were found thought to be 100 million years old. The town’s name came about due to the white shale on the ground. White Cliffs Gymkhana & Rodeo (May).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Pioneer Children's Cemetery (1890-92) Post Office (1900) is worth a look as it is built of corrugated iron – one of the hottest materials around. Historic White Cliffs includes the old police station (1897) and school (1900) as well as the historic dugouts which began in 1894 and are still evident in the hill walls. Solar Power Station (1981) the country’s first solar power station was established here as White Cliffs receives the most solar radiation in the state.

Nearby:
Mutawintji NP (90 km s-w) contains Aboriginal rock art, colourful gorges and rock pools. It was returned to its traditional owners in 1998 and tours may be booked through National Parks & Wildlife Service. Tel (08) 8088 5933. Wilcannia (93 km south) situated on the Darling River has a number of interesting sandstone buildings, a river opening bridge and paddlesteamer wharf.

Accommodation: White Cliffs has 2 motels, one hotel, 2 B&Bs and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Keraro Rd. Tel (08) 8091 6611.
 

Airport:
Wilcannia Airport (WIO) Woore St. (94 km south).

Hospital:
White Cliffs Clinic, Johnston St. Tel (08) 8091 6605.