Stanley the Emu

Stanley the Emu was created in 2013 by local artist and welder John Murray, a Lightning Ridge resident who saw creative potential in discarded Volkswagen Beetle parts. The sculpture took months to design and construct, with Murray carefully engineering the structure to withstand the harsh outback climate. Stanley was named through community input and quickly became a beloved landmark. The emu is an appropriate symbol for Lightning Ridge - emus are iconic Australian birds that thrive in the outback, and their resourcefulness mirrors the pioneering spirit of the opal miners who have called Lightning Ridge home for over a century. The use of recycled materials reflects the town's make-do mentality and creative reuse culture.

More Fun Facts

• •Made entirely from recycled Volkswagen Beetle parts
• •Stands 18 metres tall - equivalent to a 6-story building
• •Created by local artist John Murray in 2013
• •Lightning Ridge is the world's largest source of black opals
• •Many Lightning Ridge residents live in underground 'dugouts' to escape the heat
• •The town has a population of around 2,000 people
• •Lightning Ridge has one of Australia's most creative artistic communities
• •Emus can run up to 50 km/h and are Australia's largest native bird
• •The sculpture survived construction despite the technical challenges of using car parts

Visiting Tips

• 💡Visit during the cooler months (May-September) to avoid extreme heat
• 💡Don't miss the opportunity to go 'fossicking' for opals
• 💡Tour the underground mine tunnels and dugout homes
• 💡Visit the Australian Opal Centre to learn about opals and see spectacular specimens
• 💡The Lightning Ridge Bore Baths are a unique experience - free hot artesian spa pools
• 💡Bring sun protection - the outback sun is intense
• 💡The drive from Sydney is about 770km (7-8 hours)
• 💡Book accommodation ahead during the Opal Festival (July)
• 💡Many opal shops offer 'cutting' services if you find rough opals
• 💡The town has a surprising number of excellent cafes and restaurants