Lightning Ridge: Scones, Shenanigans and Poetry
This visit to Lightning Ridge was as much about the people as it was about the place. If you’re planning your own trip, our main Lightning Ridge article covers the opal fields, the bore baths, and when to go.
Every now and then, you meet people on the road who instantly feel like old friends — Mel and Susie are two of those gems. We first stumbled upon their bush poetry shows by happy accident and quickly realised we’d found something pretty special. This time, in Lightning Ridge, we made a beeline to the BIG4 Opal Holiday Park, not just for a powered site and a hot shower, but for the real attraction — nightly shows with Mel and Susie.
These two are a riot. Equal parts cheeky, charming, and just a little bit irreverent, their poetry captures the larrikin spirit of the bush with a wink and a grin. They’ve got the kind of banter you can’t fake, forged over the years on the road and stages around the country. One minute you’re belly-laughing at Mel’s tales of outback misadventure, the next you’re nodding along to Susie’s wry wisdom and perfect comedic timing.
And then there are the scones. Oh, the scones. Mel’s are the stuff of legend — warm, fluffy, served with lashings of jam and cream, and somehow even better when enjoyed under the wide Lightning Ridge sky with a cuppa in hand.
We also had the chance to visit their property, A Hidden Gem. Originally built by local artist John Murray, this off-grid bush theatre is a quirky, creative haven that reflects the unique spirit of the Ridge. Mel and Susie have transformed it into a space where art, humour, and storytelling come together in the most delightful way.
If you’re passing through Lightning Ridge between Easter and October, do yourself a favour and catch Mel and Susie’s show at the Opal Caravan Park — it’s on daily at 4:30 PM. For more details, check out their website: www.ahiddengem.com.au.
Mel and Susie, thanks for the laughs, the scones, and the unforgettable memories. We’ll be back for more!
The advice from Mel and Susie is to write about what you know, so over a few mornings in the shower, the following “masterpiece” was constructed!
The Morning Symphony
In caravan parks across the land
From Cairns to WA
There is a morning phenomenon
That announces each brand new day
It’s finely tuned
Everyone has their parts
The morning symphony orchestra
Of toots, and pings and parps.
In ablution blocks across the land,
No matter where you’re from,
Whether high-falutin’ or working class,
We all sing the same bum song.
No need for shame or hiding,
This gig’s a daily blast.
A rising choral masterpiece
Then silence… just as fast.
Don’t worry if you’re not in tune,
Anyone can pass
Just take a breath, wait to join
And blow it out your… finely tuned instrument.
So raise your cheeks in harmony,
And let your troubles part,
For nothing bonds the outback like
A well-timed morning fart.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨This visit to Lightning Ridge was as much about the people as the place — if you're planning your own trip, our [Lightning Ridge travel guide](link to /lightning-ridge) covers the opal fields, the bore baths, and when to go.
Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge isn’t just about stories and performances; it’s a layered place of art, opals, history, and weirdness in the best possible way. From underground sculptures to hot bore baths, here are a few of the highlights (many of which you’ll find in our main Lightning Ridge post):
Black Hand Underground Sculptures: Carved into sandstone walls of old opal mines, these quirky, humorous, and occasionally haunting sculptures blend art, history, and pop culture.
Pubs in the Scrub drive: A classic outback drive that passes pubs, dusty road stops, and wide views.
Lightning Ridge Hot Bore Baths: A soak that feels medicinal, perfect under the big sky.
Opal and fossicking tours: Learn about opal mining and try fossicking for your own stones.
Art galleries & galleries of local artists: Many artists live and work in the Ridge, with galleries tucked into town and workshops in backyards.
Bush theatre & storytelling nights: Mel & Susie’s shows are a perfect example…grassroots, personal, atmospheric.
If you haven’t already, dive into our Lightning Ridge post for full details on these and more (sculptures, baths, drives).
When to Visit
The cooler months (May–September) tend to yield better nights for outdoor shows, more comfortable daytime walking, and fewer temperature extremes. In wetter times, some roads may be slick, and the dust-to-mud factor can catch you off guard, so check the conditions.
Final Thoughts
Walking back to camp that night, scone crumbs in our pockets and laughter still ringing in our ears, We felt the Ridge’s energy: a place where imagination holds as much weight as rock and earth. If a town can surprise you, chase you a little, then give you a warm cuppa and a poem before bedtime — that’s Lightning Ridge.
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If you’ve got more time in town, Lightning Ridge has plenty to keep you busy beyond morning tea. From soaking in the bore baths under the stars to wandering through quirky opal mining claims and visiting the Big Opal Mine and Walk-in Mine, the Ridge rewards those who linger. If you’re travelling further along the road, there are some gems on either side of Lightning Ridge. Heading south, the thermal pools make for the perfect spot to soak tired bones after dusty drives. To the north, St George offers riverfront charm, good pub meals, and a slower pace that balances out the Ridge’s quirky energy. Both stops are worth adding into your route if you’ve got the time.
Other updates you may like…
Three days out to Boulia via Poddy Creek and the Middleton Hotel, the Min Min Encounter, outback sunsets and no actual Min Min sightings. Then north to a spectacular free camp at Dajarra Dam on the way to Mount Isa.