9 Things To Do In White Cliffs, New South Wales: An Opal Paradise

White Cliffs may be famous for its opals, but this remote outback town is much more than just a spot to dig for gems.

Tucked away in the heart of New South Wales, White Cliffs is a mix of fascinating history, unique underground living, and jaw-dropping desert landscapes that will leave a lasting impression.

From fossicking for discovered opals to wandering the Heritage Trail, White Cliffs has its own charm that makes it well worth a visit!

And if you’re a nature lover, the nearby Paroo-Darling National Park has beautiful scenery and unique wildlife you won’t want to miss.

This guide will show you all the top things to do in White Cliffs, places to stay, and insider tips to make the most of your visit!

9 things to do in White Cliffs, NSW

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Barkandji people.

1) Fossicking for Opals

Try your luck fossicking for opals, or “noodling.” With thousands of mullock heaps from past mining operations, visitors have a real chance of finding small opals that were missed by previous miners!

You don’t need a license to fossick within the White Cliffs Reserve. Respect the marked claims, and be prepared with sunscreen and water as you’ll be out in the sun.

2) Opal Mine Tour

Experience the thrill of exploring an operational opal mine in White Cliffs!

With over 30 years of opal mining history, the guys at Red Earth Opal will take you deep underground through multiple layers of diggings.

Learn about the history of opal mining in White Cliffs, the tools and techniques used, and gain a new appreciation for the precious stones that have made the town famous.

Tours operate from April to November. More info and bookings here!

3) Stay in an Underground Accommodation

Many of the residents of White Cliffs live underground to escape the heat. Why not try it while you’re there?

These shelters are several degrees below the temperature overground and are beautifully decorated. It gets pitch black once the lights go off, though!

If you’re up for the experience, consider booking a night at the White Cliffs Underground Motel, a 44-room, 3-star hotel carved into the earth!

4) Do the Heritage Trail

This 4 km self-guided walk gives you lots of insights into the history of the town, from its opal mining roots to its unique underground homes.

It’s a great way to get a feel for the town’s character and see landmarks up close.

The trail is clearly marked, starting at the caravan park. Along the way, you’ll encounter old opal workings, quirky homes, and key historical sites, like dugouts or the pioneer children’s cemetery.

The trail is well-signposted with informative plaques that tell the story of this unique outback town.

5) Paroo-Darling National Park

This national park is a must for nature lovers. It’s home to the Paroo River, the only unregulated river in the Murray-Darling Basin. It’s a 30-minute drive from town.

When the lake is full, usually after winter (June-August), you’ll see heaps of birds and you can even take a canoe or kayak and paddle around!

It’s also lovely to visit when it’s dry, as kangaroos and emus frequent the area. There’s a picnic area, BBQ, and no-flush toilets.

6) White Cliffs Solar Power Station

White Cliff had the world’s first commercial solar power station, built in 1981. Though no longer operational, the station’s 14 massive solar dishes are still standing and provide a fascinating look at early renewable energy experiments.

You can go and wander around the site and read the informative signs detailing how the system worked. The massive solar collectors are impressive and make for great photos.

The station is located just outside town and is easy to access. Plan for a short visit, as the site is relatively small but historically significant.

7) Check Out the Stubbie House

This quirky house is built from over 50,000 beer bottles and has been a tourist attraction for years.

Inside, you’ll find a display of White Cliffs’ opals in gold and silver settings, as well as other fascinating artifacts.

It’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

8) Historic Dugouts (“The Blocks”)

These early underground homes, known as “The Blocks,” were dug by miners in the 1890s to escape the harsh desert heat.

Many of these dugouts are still standing, offering a glimpse into how miners lived and worked underground. Some are open for tours, while others remain as they were more than a century ago.

9) Opalized Fossils

White Cliffs is one of the few places in the world where opalized fossils can be found.

These fossils, dating back to the Cretaceous period, include the remains of marine reptiles and other creatures, now beautifully preserved in opal.

Some galleries even sell small opalized fossils, allowing you to take home a piece of ancient history.

When is the best time to visit White Cliffs?

The best time to visit White Cliffs is between May and November. The weather is cooler, making it more comfortable to explore the town, go fossicking, or check out the underground dugouts.

Summer months can get scorching hot, with temperatures soaring past 40°C! Not a good idea to visit then.

How to get to White Cliffs, NSW

The easiest way to get to White Cliffs is from the nearby town of Broken Hill, which has the nearest airport.

You can fly into Broken Hill from Sydney, as there are regular direct flights available. We use this service to find the best deals on flights!

The route from Broken Hill to White Cliffs will depend on your vehicle. If you’re driving a normal vehicle (no 4WD), drive from Broken Hill towards Wilcannia, along the Barrier Highway. Then take the turn onto Opal Miners Way, which will take you straight to White Cliffs. It will be a 3-hour drive.

You can rent a car at Broken Hill airport. Use this rental car service to help you find the best deals according to the dates of your visit!

If you’re on a 4WD, the route is slightly shorter. You can drive along the Barrier Highway for 170 km before reaching the turn-off to Dry Lake Road. It’s an unsealed road from there until you reach White Cliffs.

Regardless of which vehicle you’re renting, always read the fine print. Some rental companies may have restrictions on driving on unsealed roads.

S&C Travel Tip

How many days to stay in White Cliffs?

Staying 2-3 days in White Cliffs is usually enough to get a good feel for the place. You can explore the underground mines, try your luck fossicking for opals, and visit the unique attractions like the solar power station and the quirky Stubbie House.

If you’re keen on exploring the surrounding area, like Paroo-Darling National Park, maybe add an extra day. Three days is probably the sweet spot if you want to take it easy and soak up the outback vibe without rushing around.

Top accommodations in White Cliffs

Discover the awe-inspiring White Cliffs of Dover, a stunning natural landmark with sweeping coastal views and rich history. Here are some of the best places to stay nearby for a memorable escape:

• Best for families and groups: Fossickers Den & Dugout Accommodation  is a charming and spacious accommodation perfect for families and groups. It’s a 9 minutes walk to white cliffs from the town centre and sleeps up to 8 persons.  is a charming and spacious accommodation perfect for families and groups. It’s a 9 minutes walk to white cliffs from the town centre and sleeps up to 8 persons.

• Best hotel: White Cliffs Underground Motel – This one-of-a-kind motel is carved into the earth, allowing guests to escape the desert heat in a cool, subterranean setting. It’s a 15-minute drive from the town center and sleeps up to 5, offering a uniquely refreshing and memorable stay in the heart of White Cliffs.

• Best caravan park: White Cliffs Opal Pioneer Reserve Tourist Park – This cozy caravan park offers a convenient and rustic retreat, perfect for travelers looking to experience White Cliffs’ charm up close. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the town center and sleeps 2, making it an ideal base for exploring the local opal mines and desert landscapes.

Where to eat in White Cliffs?

Dining is very limited, so it’s important that you come prepared. There’s a general store, one café, and the restaurants of the hotels/motels in town.

Top Tips

Bring more water than you think you’ll need. It’s the outback, and the heat can get intense, especially if you’re fossicking or exploring.

Mobile reception is spotty at best, especially if you’re venturing out to the national parks or further outback. Download maps beforehand or carry a good old paper map just in case.

Book your underground stay early. Accommodation options, especially the underground motels, are limited and fill up quickly during peak season. If you’re planning to visit in winter, book ahead.

If you’re noodling for opals, stay clear of the marked claims. Locals take fossicking seriously, and those areas are off-limits without permission.

Did you know?

White Cliffs holds the title of Australia’s first commercial opal field, dating back to the late 1880s.

The town’s opal rush began when a kangaroo shooting party stumbled upon the precious stones in 1889. By the early 1900s, opals from White Cliffs were being sold worldwide, particularly in Europe, making the town a key player in the global opal trade.

But millions of years ago, the area was underwater, and fossils of marine creatures like Plesiosaurs and Ichthyosaurs have been found, preserved in stunning opal.

These rare fossils give White Cliffs a unique connection to the ancient world and are highly prized by collectors.

FAQs

The bottom line

White Cliffs might seem like just a primitive mining town, but it’s full of unique experiences that make it worth the visit.

From fossicking for opals to staying in underground accommodation, there’s something here that you won’t find anywhere else.

For those keen on natural landmarks, a trip to Paroo-Darling National Park is a must. And if you’re interested in history, the opalized fossils and old mining sites tell the story of how this town was built.

Whether you’re exploring the historic dugouts or learning about polished opals on a mine tour, you’ll quickly discover why this place has fascinated visitors for so long.