What to Pack
Our weather is relatively predictable from day to day. We are certainly nothing like Melbourne (four seasons in one day). Either side of, and including summer – typically the weather is warm to hot, and changes to temperatures can be predicted well in advance. Consider adding Lightning Ridge to your weather app before leaving home.
Mid-winter mornings can be around zero but will warm to low teens by midday, typically with clear skies and little wind. Clothing layers are recommended for winter months. Summer is the total opposite where day time can be in the high 40’s for most of the day and night time temps in January and February can remain in the 30’s – this is relevant if camping in tents or vans with no air-conditioning in particular.
Rain is infrequent however when it comes it can be a torrent; and winds can whip up instantaneously – so campers cannot be complacent and need to peg tents assuming strong winds are imminent and utilise rain tarps above tent roofs (also to act as shade from the hot sun).
Out on the fields, on many tours (especially mine tours) and generally outside of town, sturdy shoes are a must.
Hats are an absolute must especially in summer where temperatures on the fields can hover at 60 degrees. Bring sunscreen.
Be aware of a cactus called Hudson Pear https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Hudsonpear . Spines will easily pierce skin, clothing & footwear and can also penetrate vehicle tyres! In the event you spy Hudson Pear on your clothing or footwear do not attempt to remove it by hand – use pliers, BBQ tongs or similar only.
Clothing choices generally in Lightning Ridge are very casual at all times of the day or night. You might be standing next to the wealthiest individual in town at the Club or Pub and not know it as we do not generally ‘dress to impress’.
Any bathers will do at the bore baths, and please bring a towel as the facilities are very basic.
We do have ebbs and flows with regard to insects so assume the mozzies will be out at dusk and bring your favourite repellent.
Water from the taps around town is untreated alkaline artesian bore water so is at a pH approaching 9, and is high in sodium & some other trace elements. It comes straight from a couple of town bores, piped up to the water tank at the top of Butterfly Ave, where is settles and cools. It is classified as ‘hard water’, is potable, however many local residents choose to drink bottled or treated (reverse osmosis) water due to the taste.
Our IGA supermarket will supply all the essentials that you require for your stay.
We do recommend that you bring regular medications with you – there is a pharmacy in the event you require crucial items.