White Cliffs residents Jurgen and Gunnel Hecht will embark on an exciting challenge in 2012 - walking the 720 kilometres from White Cliffs to Lightning Ridge.
The adventure was inspired by opal mining pioneers Jack Murray and Charlie Nettleton who, in 1903, set out on foot from Lightning Ridge to White Cliffs, hoping to make the first ever sale of a parcel of black opal.
“We first heard about Nettleton’s walk while we were studying opal cutting at Lightning Ridge TAFE”, Gunnel explained. “As it coincides with our interest in walking and trekking, Jurgen thought it would be interesting to try the same walk in the reverse direction and I agreed. “Why do we want to do it? Well it is a challenge and we like that, and while talking about the walk, many people have shown their interest in it - either to walk some stretches or drive a support vehicle”, said Gunnel.
Gunnel and Jurgen are inviting others to join their incredible journey, which will take them through beautiful stretches of the Darling River Run and raise the profile of outback NSW and its two iconic opal mining towns, while raising funds for the Australian Opal Centre.
“We have always been fond of opal and really like the people we have met who are involved in this industry, both in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs, Yowah etc, and through discussions we came to the conclusion that it would be a good opportunity to promote the Australian Opal Centre at the same time”, Gunnel said.
The adventurers will depart White Cliffs in June or July and take 30 days, covering 25-30 kilometres per day, to travel via Wilcannia, Tilpa, Louth, Bourke, Brewarinna and either Walgett or Cumborah to Lightning Ridge.
Support vehicles will carry tents and supplies and rest days will allow for showers and time off along the way. Their arrival at Lightning Ridge will be timed to coincide with the annual opal festival.
“Quite a few people here in White Cliffs are interested in this walk. Some will walk all the way and some will walk a day, half a day or whatever they are up to,” Gunnel said, “and we hope that some people from Lightning Ridge will join us towards the end.”
So, how did things turn out for Nettleton and Murray 108 years ago? From Lightning Ridge they walked to Bourke, taking odd jobs along the way, then took the paddle steamer to Wilcannia, before completing the final leg to White Cliffs.
At the end of the epic journey, only one buyer would even make an offer on the previously unknown dark form of opal: EF Murphy offered a downpayment of 15 pounds, with a promise of more if Adelaide-based buyer Tully Wollaston would accept the parcel. When the opal reached Wollaston, he was impressed; Murphy honoured his word and sent Nettleton a further payment, but history does not record the amount.
In the century since Murray and Nettleton’s historic journey, tens of thousands of people have made lives and livelihoods from Lightning Ridge opal, thanks to the determination of pioneers like Murray, Nettleton and Tully Wollaston, who worked tirelessly to establish an international market for the rare black opal.
Jurgen and Gunnel Hecht are driving from White Cliffs to Lightning Ridge this week, planning their walking route and stopping points. They are keen to hear from anyone interested in supporting or participating in the walk.
For more information or to express your interest, please contact Jurgen on 0428 237 273, or Australian Opal Centre manager Jenni Brammall on 02 6829 1667.
Email a friend