Many of our Outback Beds members are dog friendly so you are welcome to bring your four-legged friend on your travels. Members that welcome dogs have this ( ) symbol on their page BUT please check with the member concerned before bringing your dog as some members have some conditions that apply.
“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.” Laurie Hudson, Cumborah Postmaster 1947-1965
There are many ‘must see’ destinations in Australia and Lightning Ridge is certainly that; home of the beautiful Black Opal and like the wonderful gem, Lightning Ridge shows its varying colours depending on how you look at it.
The Black Opal is allusive but Lightning Ridge, its character and hospitality certainly are not. There is a wonderful welcome from the time you arrive – you can understand why some travellers stay. It is a wonderfully eccentric place and the eccentricity is comforting in this day of conformity.
The spa baths can sooth the body, a gallery visit can motivate the senses, a visit to a mine can provide an insight to life underground, Opal sellers can meet your gem needs, and the annual goat races can be a laugh; and all with the country hospitality and spirit of the Ridge that the outback traveller seeks.
You can read all there is to know about ‘The Ridge’ and even hear stories, but that will give you as much understanding as trying to smell a colour.
You can experience sculptures underground, bottle-houses, antique lamps, castles, astronomy monuments, unique gardens, hills named ‘Lunatic’, ‘Pig’ and ‘Bald’, a pub crawl to ‘The Pub in the Srub’, ‘The Glengarry Hilton’ and ‘Sheepyard’, and even tour underground mines. And how do you find all these thing?.. look out for a coloured car door.
Where to Stay 
