Welcome to the Queensland Boulder Opal Association website.

The Queensland Boulder Opal Association Incorporated (QBOA) plays a crucial role in representing opal miners and industry members. By providing a unified voice, the QBOA can advocate for the interests of its members and promote the sustainable growth of the opal mining industry. This collective effort helps to address common challenges, share knowledge, and work towards a more prosperous future for all involved in the opal industry.


Sunday 6 April – Sunday 13 April  2025

Winton is celebrating its 150 year anniversary this year with the weekend Friday 11 April – Sunday 13 April hosting our main celebrations.


The Queen of Gems Design Awards held its inaugural ceremony in 2006 as an initiative of Winton local business owner Mary Pearce. Entrants from across Australia showcase the Queensland boulder opal in all its splendour and the creativity of their design and manufacture. Since then, the annual competition has increased to receive entries from Australia-wide and internationally.  New categories have been included, such as Wearable fashion, Objects & Art, and the new jewellery designers using CAD/CAST/CAM. Everyone is welcome to enter, from beginners to professionals. 

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ABOUT US

The Queensland Opal Association’s (QBOA) function is to ensure that legislative and regulatory bodies controlling the industry have appropriate policies that are suitable to the needs of the industry and the promotion of this rare, unique product, Queensland’s Boulder Opal.

Opal is Australia’s National Gemstone

The Queensland Boulder Opal Association Inc. (QBOA) is an industry body that represents Opal Miners and QBOA’s members.

Thanks to our Sponsors – Queensland Boulder Opal Association.Inc.

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