Lightning Ridge, Easter Celebration Tips #3 Food and Accomodation

The Easter Celebrations in Lightning Ridge are one of the must do outrageous country town festivals. Right up there with the Parkes Elvis Festival, Lightning Ridge has made a name for itself with their annual Great Goat Race!
Accomodation– Motels book out a year in advance- so start calling now! If you don’t mind camping or staying a bit out of town, there are several options available. We ended up on short notice- finding a bunk house on the very hospitable Lorne Holiday Station. The owners were so lovely and welcoming. During the festivities we kept running into them all over town. Peter, one of the owners, also doubled as the Horse Racing Announcer!
We stayed in the Sheep Shearers Bunk House. The rooms were basic, but quite good for the price. When you throw in the hospitality, the free live entertainment on Saturday night, the free community bus into town, free walking tour of the property, and the stunning views, this place was an amazing value for money spent.
Even thought the property was a couple of K’s out of town- as I mentioned, there is a free community bus that can get you to and back from the pub! Now that is service.
Lorne Holiday Station
Pets are welcome under supervision.
Prices start: 1-4 bedroom self contained houses $70 – $120,
Bunkhouse rooms from $30 (2 singles or doubles, inc all linen and towels)
Powered Sites $15,
Camp sites $10
Location: Turn off Opal Street 3km from Lightning Ridge, then continue 2km to Lorne Station.
Contact: 6829 0253 or email: lorne01@bigpond.net.au
www.outbacknow.com.au (search under Lightning Ridge Accommodation)
Food- Believe it or not- there are several extremely good café’s in town, and a few slightly dodgy looking take- away options. The Hotel Motel (he he he) and the Bowling Club do your typical Aussie counter style meals. Be warned- don’t wait too late for dinner or you will definitely go hungry. Opening hours as in most good small towns- are somewhat flexible based on the owners preferences- be patient.
There is an IGA and a Food Mart for do-it-yourself meals.
Tips #1- Goat Racing
Tips #2- Other Events