Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park – Black Opal Country NSW
Your Essential Base for the Black Opal Fields and Outback Adventure
Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park is your essential base for an authentic journey into the heart of New South Wales’ unique opal fields. Located directly on Onyx Street, the park provides a comfortable and comprehensive stay, whether you are prospecting for the elusive black opal or simply exploring the rugged beauty of the Outback. Lightning Ridge, a town known globally for its vibrant community and eccentric history, is far more than a mining hub; it’s a genuine cultural experience. The resort acts as a perfect gateway to this world, featuring a wide range of accommodation from shaded, powered caravan and camping sites to modern motel rooms and semi-self-contained cabins, ensuring every traveller finds their fit for an unforgettable Outback holiday.
The resort’s central location is a major benefit, placing guests within easy reach of the town’s most famous landmarks. You can effortlessly access the iconic Artesian Baths, where the naturally hot water provides a soothing remedy after a long day of fossicking. The complex itself is designed for relaxation and entertainment, boasting the **only on-site hotel bar** in Lightning Ridge, a spacious beer garden, and a clean, outdoor swimming pool, which is a must-have amenity in the hot climate. Families appreciate the convenience of the dedicated children’s playground, while all guests benefit from the complimentary WiFi and modern laundry facilities.
Being in the heart of Black Opal Country means endless opportunities for adventure. Guests can easily join local tours that provide unique access to working mines and introduce you to local miners. Alternatively, follow the famous Car Door Tours—quirky, self-guided driving routes marked by painted car doors—to discover hidden sights and eccentric attractions like the Bottle House and the Astronomer’s Monument. The resort is also conveniently close to art galleries, including the famous John Murray Art Gallery, showcasing the talent inspired by the opal landscape. The staff are known for their helpfulness and ability to organise local tours, simplifying your exploration of the region. The proximity to essential services and attractions, combined with the resort’s excellent amenities, makes the Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park the premier choice for both short stays and extended adventures in this unforgettable corner of the Australian Outback.
Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park – NSW Location Map
Park Location & Details
- Name and Address: Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park, Onyx St, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834
- Website: https://lightningridgeoutbackresort.com.au/
- Supplied GPS Coordinate: Latitude -29.42939, Longitude 147.97326
Location Map (Satellite View)
The map shows the precise location of Onyx St, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834, set to satellite display.
Site Suitability & Features
- Location: Outback Town Centre. Located conveniently on Onyx Street, close to the town centre, and adjacent to key attractions.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers (Powered and Unpowered sites), Tents (Camping grounds), and Cabin/Motel stays. Suitable for opal enthusiasts, families, and travellers exploring the Outback.
- Road Access: Excellent, sealed road access directly from Onyx Street. Suitable for all vehicle types, including large RVs and buses.
- Site Surface: Mix of grassed/dirt camping areas and slab/concrete sites for caravan annexes.
Available Facilities & Activities
- Camp Kitchen / Dining Facilities
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Amenities Blocks (Toilets and Showers)
- Laundry Facilities (Self-serve)
- Children’s Playground
- Barbecue Grills / Picnic Area
- **On-site Hotel Bar / Lounge** (The only one in town)
- Beer Garden and Sunset Viewing Area
- Guest WiFi (Free in public areas and rooms)
- Free Airport Shuttle (24-hour availability)
- Tour/Ticket Assistance (Local tours can be organised)
- Fossicking/Opal Activities (Nearby or potential on-site opportunities)
- Pet Friendly: Pet are generally **not** allowed (service animals are welcome, check with management)
- Fishing: Not applicable (Dry Outback location, though nearby dams/river systems exist)
- Short Walks: Excellent access to local attractions like the Australian Opal Centre.
Essentials to Bring
- Extreme sun protection (Sunscreen, wide-brim hat, long sleeves)
- Hydration supplies (Water containers, electrolyte supplements)
- Warm layers for very cold winter nights/mornings
- Torch/Headlamp (For fossicking or night-time utility)
- Fossicking tools (Shovel, pick, bucket – if intending to prospect)
- Sturdy, enclosed footwear (Essential for mine/field exploration)
Local Amenities & Proximity
Local Pubs
- The Ridge Hotel Bar (On-site): Approx. 0 km
- Lightning Ridge Bowling Club: Approx. 300 m
- The Pub in the Scrub (Iconic Grawin Loop): Approx. 70 km drive
Places to Eat
- Bruno’s Pizza Italian Restaurant: Approx. 650 m
- Ampol TakeAway: Approx. 400 m
- The Busy Bee Cafe and Catering: Approx. 800 m
Local Attractions (5)
- Australian Opal Centre: Approx. 200 m
- Artesian Baths (Hot Bore Baths): Approx. 1.6 km
- John Murray Art Gallery: Approx. 600 m
- Car Door Tours (Starting Point/Information): Approx. 1 km
- The Bottle House: Approx. 2 km
Caravan and Camp Sites
- Nearest Caravan Park (Paid): BIG4 Opal Holiday Park (Approx. 1.5 km)
- Nearest Caravan Park (Paid): Opal Caravan Park (Approx. 1.8 km)
- Nearest Free Camp: Lightning Ridge Rest Area (On Highway) (Approx. 3 km)
- Nearest Free Camp: Cumborah Recreation Reserve Free Camp Area (Approx. 45 km)
Essential Services
- Nearest Dump Point (Public): Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre (Approx. 1 km)
- Nearest Dump Point (Public): Lightning Ridge Rest Area (On Highway) (Approx. 3 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station: Ampol (Onyx Street): Approx. 400 m
- Nearest Petrol Station: BP (Castlereagh Hwy): Approx. 1.5 km
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Town Water Supply (Available on-site at taps): Approx. 0 km
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre (Public access): Approx. 1 km
- Nearest Public Toilets: Morilla Street Public Toilets (Town Centre): Approx. 1 km
- Nearest Public Toilets: Artesian Baths Public Toilets: Approx. 1.6 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge experiences a semi-arid, hot desert climate, typical of the NSW Outback, with significant temperature variation between summer and winter.
- Summer (December – February): Expect extremely hot and dry conditions, with daytime temperatures routinely reaching 35°C to 45°C. Low humidity makes the heat more manageable, but intense sun protection and hydration are vital.
- Autumn (March – May): Generally pleasant and mild, marking a transition from the intense heat. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration.
- Winter (June – August): Features mild days (15°C to 20°C) but very cold, often frosty nights. Overnight temperatures can drop close to zero or below, requiring warm clothing and heating.
- Spring (September – November): Temperatures warm up quickly (25°C to 35°C). The season is characterised by clear, sunny skies and increasing warmth, leading into the harsh summer.