Carinya Station Farm Stay | Lightning Ridge Camping & Bore Baths, NSW

Site Details

• Location: Private working station on the outskirts of Lightning Ridge, North West NSW.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Cabins are also available.
• Road access: Access is via the sealed Ridge Road, with a short, well-maintained unsealed driveway. Suitable for all 2WD vehicles and caravans.
• Site surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are essential.
• Maximum overnight stays: As per booking terms.
• Number of powered sites: 0 (Power may be available near shearer’s quarters, check with host).
• Number of un-powered sites: Numerous spacious, unpowered sites.

Facilities & Rules

• Facilities: Excellent amenities including flushing toilets, hot showers, and a camp kitchen. The main attraction is the artesian bore baths.
• Picnic tables: Yes, available in communal areas.
• Potable water: Yes, drinking water is available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Generally good with Telstra.
• TV reception: Possible.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, guest amenities are provided.
• Ullage / Dump Point: A dump point is available on site for guests.
• Drive through sites: Not designated, but the area is open and easily accessible.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Firewood often for sale.
• Generator use: Permitted, but must be used with consideration for other guests (check for specific hours).
• Number of sites available: Large capacity, but booking is highly recommended, especially for the bore bath timeslots.

Activities & Notes

• Essentials to bring: Swimmers for the bore baths, fly net (seasonal), and a camera for the sunsets.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control.
• Fishing: No, not on site.
• Short walks: Enjoy walks around the station property to appreciate the vast outback landscape and birdlife.

Local Amenities

All services are located in the nearby town of Lightning Ridge (approx. 20 km).

• Nearest Pubs:
  • The Lightning Ridge District Bowling Club
  • The Grawin Club in the Scrub (Grawin Opal Fields – a unique experience)
  • Sheepyard Inn (Grawin Opal Fields)
• Places to Eat: Numerous cafes, clubs, and bakeries in Lightning Ridge. Bruno’s Italian Restaurant is a local favourite.
• Local Attractions:
  • Australian Opal Centre
  • Chambers of the Black Hand underground gallery
  • Public Artesian Bore Baths in town
  • The various self-drive Car Door Tours
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Lightning Ridge Holiday Park
  • Opal Caravan Park
  • Crocodile Caravan Park
• Next Free Camps: Some rest areas on the Castlereagh Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points: Available on site at Carinya Station, and also in Lightning Ridge.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Several options in Lightning Ridge.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available on site and in town.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Various locations in Lightning Ridge.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Lightning Ridge has a hot, semi-arid climate with extreme temperature ranges.

• Summer (December – February): Very hot. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and can be uncomfortable for camping. High number of flies.
• Autumn (March – May): The prime season to visit. Warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights are perfect for exploring and bathing.
• Winter (June – August): Days are often mild and sunny, but nights are very cold and frequently drop below freezing. Perfect weather for the hot baths.
• Spring (September – November): Pleasant, warm to hot days. A great time for wildflowers if there have been winter rains.