Affectionately known by locals as ‘The Ridge,’ this gem is just 65 kilometres south of the Queensland border and about 50 minutes north of Walgett. Visitors are spoilt for choice with a wide range of accommodations, including caravan parks, motels, bed & breakfasts, and farm stays.
Start your day with an invigorating dip in the mineral-rich waters of the artesian baths. Explore the area on one of the four self-guided Car Door Tours that connect you with genuine outback experiences.
Keep the adventure alive with some of Lightning Ridge’s quirkiest attractions, such as a house made from thousands of bottles and another constructed from cans. Discover Amigo’s Castle and don’t miss the Chambers of The Black Hand, where subterranean tunnels open into expansive chambers. Before you leave, try your luck digging for opal treasures in the fossicking mounds at the Opal Mine Adventure.
End your day with a schooner and a schnitzel at the local pub, the Outback Resort. Chat with the friendly locals, and you might uncover more hidden gems to add to your must-see list. Join the crowd for a twilight drink and capture a stunning sunset at the 1st Shaft Lookout, brush up on your cacti knowledge, or snap a photo with Stanley, the 18-meter-tall Emu. There’s so much more to discover, and we’ve only just scratched the surface.
Lightning Ridge Hotels
Take a pub crawl through history.
Visit Lightning Ridge along these Pub Routes. Discover more routes and pub history.
Lightning Ridge attractions.
Visitor information from the Walgett Shire Council.
