I first saw the potential for a B & B when I was visiting Lightning Ridge from the Sunshine Coast with some Opal Miners. I just happened to be here when the 2000 Opal Festival was on, and spent 10 days here and did not want to leave. When I first saw the unique architecture and wood carvings of the house I saw the potential for tourist accommodation. The B & B was opened up in 2002. Today we welcome guests from around the world who come here to experience the unique lifestyle of an Australian outback mining town – and to find themselves a valuable black opal.
We are centrally situated in the heart of Lightning Ridge , a quiet location amongst a well established garden with large gum trees where you can observe wildlife, and native birds feeding from our large upstairs balcony. You can also catch a birds eye view of the old opal fields and Queensland in the distance. Relax in our spacious entertaining area which is equipped with outdoor camp kitchen, and warm fire in winter. Perfect to relax and enjoy a BBQ or drinks with friends or other guests after a day of visiting the many attractions Lightning Ridge has to offer.
A warm welcome awaits you ,” A HOME AWAY FROM HOME.” A unique residence with special features of Cypress Pine throughout the home offering 4 comfortable individually decorated self- contained Suites with Private Ensuites and Private Entrances.
Go home talking about our wonderful breakfasts served in the dining area or self-cater in your own Suite. If you have special requirements we are happy to please.
About Lighting Ridge
Lightning Ridge is one of the few places in the world where you can find the valuable and rare black opal. Opal, besides being Australia’s National Gemstone, is a mineral of non-crystalline form of silica mixed with small trace elements of other minerals, giving hints of blue, green and red.
Aboriginal legend tells of a huge wheel of fire that fell to earth and sprayed the countryside with brilliant coloured stones.
In 1902 Charles Nettleton was the first European to discover the black opal. After a run of bad luck in White Cliffs and Queensland, he started prospecting on Nettleton’s Hill, Angledool Station. This was to become the community of Lightning Ridge.
The town boasts a resident population of around 4000, although many tourists visit each year. Lightning Ridge offers a unique experience for visitors who want to try their luck with opal fossicking or simply experience the unique lifestyle of an outback Australian mining town.
Laurie Hudson, Cumborah Postmaster 1947-1965, described Lightning Ridge in his poem:
There’s a sleepy little township, out beyond the western plains,
Lightning Ridge, the town of opal, where there’s heat and scanty rains.
The location is not scenic, just rough ridges all around
Nature sired her scenes of beauty, in black opal, underground.
If you’ve never seen black opal, you have missed a splendid sight,
Like quicksilver gaily coloured, slipped through the shades of night.
Though you’ve roamed the whole world over, seen most all there is to see,
There are scenes you’ve never dreamed of, in the stone of mystery.
What’s the Weather like?
Lightning Ridge is beautiful in Winter – the perfect escape from the cold. During Summer it’s hot and dry, but you’ll always find somewhere to cool down. Visitors love the free artesian bore, with relaxing hot therapeutic waters, open 24 hours, or the town’s 5-star swimming pool & Water Theme Park.
For more information on our suites and facilities contact us on 02 6829 2010 or BOOK NOW your next outback adventure today!
