Chambers of the Black Hand

Chambers of the Black Hand is a hand-carved underground attraction in Lightning Ridge, Walgett Shire, New South Wales. Created by artist Ron Canlin over more than two decades within a former opal mine, it features extensive chambers, tunnels and walls covered with intricate sculptures and carvings. Located on Harlequin Drive, the site is notable for its outsider art, Egyptian-inspired motifs and opal mining heritage, offering guided tours of its subterranean galleries.

Visitors can expect a guided tour through a network of underground chambers and tunnels carved into sandstone, approximately 10 metres below ground. The spaces contain hundreds of hand-carved sculptures, wall reliefs, columns and murals with Egyptian, mythological and opal-field themes. The environment is cool and dimly lit, accessed via stairs, with narrow passages and low ceilings. Tours explain the carving process and the history of the former opal mine.