Opal polishing workshops in beautiful Mudgee wine country | La Vacanza Travel

Opal polishing workshops in beautiful Mudgee wine country

Duration: 2 hours
Destination: Australia, New South Wales, New South Wales
from
160.65

Check Availability

  • 2 hours
  • New South Wales
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

This gives people the unique experience of polishing genuine Australian opal. There is nowhere else where you can polish opals and it is very likely that the opal you leave with will be worth more than the money you spent on this workshop. In fact, potentially you could polish an opal that is worth hundreds of dollars as it is impossible to see what an opal will look like before it's been polished, so it is truly the luck of the draw. But we give you the information to help you make an informed choice of the parcel of opals you choose. Opal is becoming increasingly valuable with all opal rough being snapped up and it's not going to get better in future as some opal fields are being closed down. This truly is the opportunity of a lifetime.

What Can You Expect?

Itinerary

The workshop starts with a short talk about opals - where they're found, how they're created, how to see if a stone holds any precious opal - which will help when it comes time for you to choose your own parcel of opals. We have examples to look at and handle so that you are knowledgeable about which parcel of opals are valuable and have potential. Then you get to choose a parcel of three opals per person, ranging in size from 6 - 12ct. We then learn how to polish them to a high shine and release the gorgeous fire within the stones, which takes approximately two hours for all three stones. Once the stones are finished, the opals are placed in a small display case for you to take home or, alternatively, they can be set in a piece of jewellery either on site or by your own jeweller back home.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions
  • Bottled water
  • magnifying head gear, gloves, sleeve protectors, apron, hair bands

Exclusions
  • Private transportation
  • Snacks

Additional Info

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Departure Point

Departure Point

Braemore, 1678 Blue Springs Rd, Bungaba NSW 2852, Australia


Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Duration & Voucher Info

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

2 hours

Cancellation Policy

User's Reviews

Y1604KDemmas

02 Dec, 2023

Friendly instructors, class is informative and fun. Highly recommended experience if travelling to Mudgee

723lynettew

06 Nov, 2023

We are so glad we did it our host was excellent He was very nice answered all our questions was very patient and pleasant to deal with Would do it again it very enjoyable time and you get to keep your Thank you 10/10

jacmadsen21

22 Apr, 2023

Highly recommend!! Sonja is so knowledgeable and passionate about opals from all the world (but especially passionate about Australian opals), and shares this in such a lovely way. She explains the whole process so simply, and shares her recommendations on which rocks she would choose to shine up with incredible authenticity. She’s along with you for the journey wholeheartedly. She then teaches and guides you through the steps, making sure together you make the most of each stone. I left with some beautiful opals and I’m so happy with how we got them to where we are. Sonja is an incredible teacher, super supportive and is a joy to be around. Bonus: She also has two very cute dogs - go and meet them. You will become completely immersed in the experience and lose all track of time. This is the perfect way to spend your time escaping reality (and learning a new skill) in the Mudgee region.

K1864DOkarenw

09 Apr, 2023

This was the best informative day, my husband and I enjoyed it so very much . We are addicted now to cutting and polishing rocks. Peter was a great teacher , Sonja was so welcoming. Thank you so much Steve and Karen

Amy_W

04 Apr, 2021

We had constant fun, and we were very engaged throughout as we learnt so much about the stones and polishing techniques. Our 9 year old was always excited because of the wonderful stories he was told about opals and other stones. We left with three beautiful opals each that we will now be able to treasure - even though we arrived with no experience. Thanks for a wonderful morning in the Blue Moutains!

User's Picture Gallery

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A new skill to learn with an incredibly passionate host, time flew by!

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Best money I've ever spent!

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