The history of opal in Queensland dates back to the early 1870s, but it wasn't until 1889 when the gem was successfully marketed that the industry became established. The discovery of opal was reported in many areas however, the real development of Queensland's vast opal deposits began in 1873 with the discovery of fine quality opal north of Thargomindah. Within two years there had been many exciting finds throughout south western Queensland however, during those early years production was low because there was no ready market for the gem. It took the tireless efforts and sheer determination of a young entrepreneur named Tully Wollaston to convince world gem merchants to accept Queensland opal that the industry was finally established.

Today, the Queensland opal belt covers an extensive area in the southwest of the state that is around 1000 kilometres long by 300 kilometres wide. There are local areas throughout the region where opal mines are concentrated, such as Yowah, Quilpie, Eromanga and Jundah.