Things to do in South Australia, Australia: The Best Mines

Copper mining played a central historical role in the late 1800s the Moonta area, on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, and Wheal Hughes Copper Mine is part of its more recent history. Visits to the mine require a hard hat, miners' boots and a cap-lamp to get a feel for the atmosphere of mining, 1890s style. Not for the frail--good physical fitness is required--and children under six are not permitted.

The mine "wheal Blinman" was the reason for the establishment of the town. The town is named after shepherd Robert "Pegleg" Blinman who discovered copper on a hill while tending his flock of sheep. Now some 150 years later the mine has breathed new life into the town, drawing people interested in history, mining, minerals and outback life. People come on tour and over the course of a little over an hour step back into time and experience a taste of life in the 1860's, complete with sounds of mining through an innovative sound system. Our visitors leave not only with an appreciation of the lives of the Cornish miners who settled in Blinman but also of the determination and dedication to a small (very small, just 20 people) group of people who saw the opportunity to breathe new life into a town. The tour is suited to all ages, we particularly like taking families and kids on tour. Suitable for groups with prior booking. Bookings recommended at all times.

Best opal in Adelaide. A must visit! Free admission to The UNDERGROUND OPAL MINE located beneath our store. View the 100 million year old OPALISED DINOSAUR FOSSIL. Unique Opal and Diamond Manufacturers are the largest opal manufacturing jewellers and opal cutters in Adelaide offering the biggest range that is second to none! Both of our Master Jewellers and expert opal cutters work in store, so you can watch this amazing process of shaping, polishing and jewellery manufacturing first hand. Unique Opal mine is a huge tourist attraction and that special place to purchase that unique opal. Wholesale and Retail with Australias’ Largest collection of opal on display Unique Opal Mine has a beautifully created underground opal mine for you to explore, bringing to you the “Coober Pedy Experience” with the convenience of an Adelaide Rundle Mall location. In our mine you can see the veins of real opal as they would naturally occur in the rock and explore different regions of opal mining throughout the Australian opal fields. Take a few minutes to sit down and watch our short documentary on opals, explaining the different types, the regions where they are found and how they are formed. All of this is FREE admission :-) If you are lucky, one of our friendly jewellers and opal cutters may be in the process of cutting and polishing the raw stone on the equipment located in the mine area, and you can watch this amazing process of shaping and polishing these beautiful opals first hand! Unique Opal mine also has a 100 million year old Opalised Dinosaur Plesiosaur on display in store. This is one of Eight in the world ever discovered. In addition to our beautiful opal jewellery, our expert jewellers can custom make jewellery in any gemstone and metal. If you are searching for something Unique for your special occasion, come and see us. We can work with you on the design and offer a wide selection of stones for you to choose from. Our jewellers work in store, so you can watch them craft raw material into works of art. Unique Opal Mine are 100% South Australian owned and operated Unique Opal Mine offer a lifetime international guarantee on all purchases.

Opening Wednesday March 31st 2021! Working opal mine situated just 500m north of the town along the Stuart Highway. Open 6 days a week in off peak season and 7 days a week in peak season. Guided and self guided tours are available at our large underground reception area. See modern day equipment in action while on a guided tour with our experienced tour guides. See our showroom where you can buy souvenirs or high quality opal. We aim to give you an experience you will not forget.