Lighting Ridge

Don't know about motels, never stayed in LR long enough to need one. The pools? There's only one, and not very inviting. A day, or two at the most for Lightning Ridge in my book, White Cliffs is much better. But then again, YMMV.

I agree - 2 days at Lightning Ridge is enough. The noodling out there isn't particularly spectacular. Couple of good places to have a look at in town itself, and a visit to the hot baths is certainly worth it. White Cliffs does offer much though.
Peter

It's a pity that my folks-in-law's place the "Black Queen" bottle house is closed for the summer season by then. That's a pretty hot time of year for a pair of retired southerners.

It's a great place to visit - with unique exhibits from around the area as well as antique oil lamps from all over the world. It's up on Sims Hill near the castles.

Dang!

Oh well... you can see it anyway on the 'net at The Black Queen

It's a pity that my folks-in-law's place the "Black Queen" bottle house is closed for the summer season by then. That's a pretty hot time of year for a pair of retired southerners.

It's a great place to visit - with unique exhibits from around the area as well as antique oil lamps from all over the world. It's up on Sims Hill near the castles.

Dang!

Oh well... you can see it anyway on the 'net at The Black Queen

theres a pub that has a caravan park attached as well as some cabin/motel accomm. I was there about 2 years ago in a tent, so can't comment on the rooms.

I seem to recall they had good food too.

Thanks for the info. Looks like one night with a day either side will do it.

Adrian

We stay in lightning Ridge one night each way on a trip to Townsville to see the inlaws.

My pick of accomodation would be "Lightning Ridge Hotel Motel" great for either camping or rooms. It's the same one mentioned above.

As for the kids on a hot day it's hard to go past the Water Theme Park. Last visit was $5.50 for the day, theres heaps of slides, and a wave pool.

Also around, there is a huge pile of rubble outside of Lightning Ridge where a lot of the bigger mines dump their stuff and you can go and search through it.

The RSL also does a good meal. Stop off at the info centre and get your map for the car door tours.

Lightning Ridge

Steve

A couple of days is probably enough, have never stayed in the ridge as my bro in law lives in Walgett and a mate of mine works on a farm between LR and Collarenebri but agree that the rsl/bowls club has a good feed etc.
Do a quick mine tour if you're keen, there are plenty around and it is fairly interesting and most have a mullock heap that you can 'noodle' thru with the kids for a little bit of 'colour'.
Not far south of the turn off to the ridge on the western side of the highway (the Castlereagh, between Hebel and Walgett)is a 'historical site' which has an explanation of how lightning ridge supposedly got it's name, I won't give it away but it has nothing to do with opals but it is good laugh.......
If you are thirsty and pass thru Hebel stop at the hotel and have a beer with Chris and Mary Lou the publicans, nice people in a great old pub with plenty of interesting stuff on the walls and ceiling......

Enjoy Fraser, you'll love it!