Lush Ridge and Muddy Boots
Third time’s a charm, right?
We rolled into Lightning Ridge for the third time, but this visit was a little different. After days of dodging puddles and mud-slicked backroads, the moho and the Jimny looked like they'd both starred in a four-wheel-drive rally. We parked up at the Big4 Opal Holiday Park, keen to wash off the dirt (from us and the vehicles) and reconnect with two of our favourites on the road: Mel and Suzie, queens of bush poetry, belly laughs and truly excellent scones. More about that in our next post!
Settling in gave us time to catch our breath. Travelling full-time means these little resets matter. The adventure is amazing — but this is life now, not just a holiday. Sometimes, that means washing your undies, fixing your grey water hose, and calling the bank. Glamorous? Not always. Worth it? Every time.
With a bit of sun drying out the tracks, we ventured out to do the iconic Pubs in the Scrub drive — classic outback charm and dusty beer garden vibes at their best. We followed it up with a soak in the famously hot Lightning Ridge bore bath, where the water is so warm it almost feels medicinal. It's hard to describe how good it is to float there under a big sky, even if your eyebrows start sweating.
We also paid visit to the Black Hand underground sculptures. Carved into the sandstone walls of an old opal mine, the mix of Aussie humour, world history and pop culture references is delightfully odd and totally Lightning Ridge.
Despite having visited before, this time felt fresh. The outback had turned green from all the rain, giving the usually red-dust town a softer edge. Gum trees shimmered, roadside grass waved in the breeze, and the usual ochre tones were dotted with flashes of new life. It’s amazing what a bit of water can do out here.
Before leaving, we squeezed in one more poetry night — and one more scone.
With full hearts and full bellies, we pointed the moho towards Hebel, Dirranbandi, then on to St George — another favourite waiting in the wings. The road north is calling again, and we’re listening.
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. 🚙💨
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Every now and then, you meet people on the road who feel like old friends. Mel and Susie’s bush poetry, humour, and warm-heartedness made us instant fans — and lifelong mates.