In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Alison Summerville about the beautiful and unique Queensland Boulder Opal. Alison is the secretary of the Queensland Boulder Opal Association in Winton in western Queensland, and comes from an opal mining family. In this episode, Alison shares how she became involved with opal mining and the QBOA, as well as why the Boulder Opal is so unique. Australia's national gemstone, Queensland opals are in high demand worldwide. Alison and Helen discuss how opals are made, the various different kinds of opals and why the opal mining industry is so important for Winton. Alison also shares a bit about the Opal Festival on the 13th and 14th of July in Winton, which this year is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. As well as the tradeshow, there's also the Jewellery Design Awards and Alison encourages anyone to put in a piece. Find out more about the festival and the Queensland Boulder Opal Association at QBOA.com.au/tradeshow, call (07) 4657 0082 or email qboa@bigpond.com You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1 Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.