Private Tour

Opal polishing workshops in beautiful Mudgee wine country

Overview

Available languages

English

Dutch

2 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

magnifying head gear, gloves, sleeve protectors, apron, hair bands

Private transportation

Snacks

What To Expect

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.

Options

Opal polishing workshops in beautiful Mudgee wine country

Reviews

5.00

13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Hello hidden opal beauty
cliffj138,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience and came away with 3 beautiful opals. I was really looked after with an expert eye cast over my every move which made me feel extra confident that I would not destroy the opal I was working on.
Great workshop
Tface8,
May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sonja was such a fantastic facilitator, really encouraging, with brilliant communication & we had a wonderful experience! Treasured Opals as a keepsake, thank you so much Sonja! ♡
A Hidden Gem
glennperry,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Right from the outset, driving to the property at Bungaba, this was a really interesting and educational activity to try. Sonja was knowledgeable on everything to do with opal and a great teacher in showing ‘how to’ skills, then guiding me as I got started on unearthing, shaping and polishing the 3 rough opals I had chosen. I took pics of before and after and got a feeling of accomplishment as the opal revealed beautiful blue, green, red glints and sparkles. After completing the work, I was able to take home 2 good size opals that I can either display in a case or look at mounting in jewellery. Precious gemstones as well as a good helping of personal satisfaction gained made this a fun creative experience that I would recommend. You might even get an urge to make this a hobby you can take further. G
Great Valentine's weekend experience.
Richard L,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience, lovely host, great time. Interesting to learn how opals are cleaned up and polished from its original form.
Outback Opals
Tahnee E,
Sep 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a great experience. Sonia and Peter were both so knowledgeable and friendly. We really enjoyed our experience and walk away with some beautiful opals.
MUST DO experience in Mudgee
Connor M,
May 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Sonja was an amazing host who was very insightful and motivating. We had a great experience and enjoyed every second. We highly recommend doing this once in a lifetime experience and would recommend this to anyone visiting mudgee
Highly recommended
Y1604KDemmas,
Dec 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Friendly instructors, class is informative and fun. Highly recommended experience if travelling to Mudgee
Excellent time
723lynettew,
Nov 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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
A new skill to learn with an incredibly passionate host, time flew by!
jacmadsen21,
Apr 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Outstanding
K1864DOkarenw,
Apr 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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