Opalton
QLD 4735 • Queensland
About Opalton
Opalton is a remote outback locality in the Shire of Winton, Queensland, situated approximately 1,354 kilometres northwest of Brisbane and about 119 kilometres south-southeast of Winton. The locality is vast, covering over 16,930 square kilometres of Channel Country floodplains and Mitchell grass downs. With only 59 residents recorded in the 2021 census, Opalton is one of Australia's most sparsely populated places, best known for the Opalton Opal Field — one of the largest working opal mining areas in the country.
The Opalton Opal Field attracts fossickers and opal enthusiasts from across Australia, offering the chance to hunt for precious boulder opal in its characteristic ironstone ridges. The historic Old Cork Homestead, erected in the 1870s, is a heritage landmark speaking to the area's long pastoral history. Life in Opalton is defined by the extremes of the Queensland outback — scorching summers, immense open landscapes, and a deep connection to the land shared by its tiny resident community.
Opalton falls under postcode 4735 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gregory electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Commute to Brisbane CBD
🛣️ Winton is the nearest town (~119 km north). Longreach is 176 km to the east. Access via unsealed and dirt roads during wet season may be limited.
Extremely remote. No public transport, infrastructure, or local services. Private 4WD vehicle strongly recommended.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Oondooroo Street
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71 Cork Street