Hotels in Lightning Ridge

An interesting addition to the Lightning Ridge lodging scene is the Lightning Ridge Hotel/Motel (tel. 02/6829 0304; www.ridgehotelmotel.com.au), set on 4 hectares (10 acres) of bush, complete with a birdbath to attract the native parrots. There are 40 log cabins, as well as a trailer park and camping sites. Cabins cost A$65 without a bathroom or A$75 with a bathroom; motel rooms go for A$90 double, A$100 triple, and A$170 family room.

A nice B&B in the opal fields is Sonja's Bed and Breakfast, 60 Butterfly Ave. (tel. 02/6829 2010; www.sonjasbedandbreakfast.com). Rooms cost A$130 for a double and A$180 for a family, with breakfast. Another option is Black Opal Holiday Units, Morilla Street (tel. 02/6829 0222; www.blackopalholidayunits.com.au). The self-contained apartments are basic but comfortable, and cost A$110 a double. If you want to stay at the Glengarry opal fields, your only option is the Glengarry Hilton (tel. 02/6829 3808), a rustic Outback pub (not associated with the major hotel chain). Here you stay in mobile units sleeping 24. A night costs A$16.

You can get a reasonable bistro meal at Nobbies Restaurant, in the Lightning Ridge Hotel (tel. 02/6829 4226). It's open for breakfast from 7 to 9am, with lunch from noon to 2pm and dinner from 6 to 9pm. The Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, on Morilla Street (tel. 02/6829 0408), also offers inexpensive bistro meals costing between A$14 and A$18. It's open for lunch between noon and 2pm and dinner from 6 to 9pm.