Stay in the iconic Ridge Castle, one of the towns most photographed mining camps. You will have access to the entire Castle, sleeping up to 7 in comfy beds with luxe organic cotton linen. Boasting a well equipped kitchen including large BBQ area and fire pit (byo wood). It is located on a mining field, 2kms from town. Enjoy expansive views from a private turret. Remember this is a genuine mining camp, off grid so don't expect five star, it is hot in summer and cold in winter! (no heating or a/c)
The space
The Ridge Castle is not just a quirky structure, it was for decades the private home for local miners. As with most camps in Lightning Ridge, the Castle features rustic living.
There is an internal basic bathroom with hot water for the shower or bath. Please note this is a shower over a bath and it's the original castle bathroom with very few trimmings so expect function over beauty! The well equipped kitchen has a microwave, fridge and enough kitchenware to cook up a small banquet.
The Castle is on solar power and though it is not strong enough to run the split system air-conditioner or heating, there are portable water coolers you can use through the day in summer and in winter warm clothes will be needed (no heating inside), but you will be warmed by the open fire in the Palace Grounds. Wood is available to purchase at BP service station in town.
You will have access to the entire Castle whether there is 2 of you or a family!
There are 4 bedrooms. One features a Queen bed (of course!) whilst the others have singles. We provide organic cotton linen, woolen blankets and organic bamboo and cotton towels. All bedrooms link to the main living area through the master room, however there are private exits which require a little bit of a walk around!
The open lounge area is spacious and comfortable. A large flat screen TV and a Moran leather lounge to relax into.
We offer free wifi.
Did we mention the turret?
Perfect for watching one of the classic Ridge Sunsets. Or stunning views of the Western Plains. Or just for waving to the peasants as they drive past taking photos of your kingdom!
Staying in the Castle is an experience you will always remember. It is the perfect base to explore the mining fields of Lightning Ridge. The famous Artesian Bore Baths are a short drive or long stroll away.
As with most Castles worldwide, the Ridge Castle is mostly closed to the public but it is a visitor attraction (so expect to see nosy guests out the front during the day).
It is on rare occasions we open it up for guests to experience what will be a most unique accommodation experience.
Guest access
Apart from being able to use the Castle (you are hiring the whole Castle), you are welcome to enjoy the Palace Grounds. Though there is a small fenced pond, it is currently set aside for frogs and a few goldfish only.
There is a working mine on site which you cannot go down. Please be safe as you explore.
There are wood fired stoves in the Castle, but these cannot be used. Just admired.
Other things to note
We have a 2 night minimum stay but highly recommend a 3 night minimum (ideally 5-7 nights) so you have time to relax, enjoy the slower Ridge time and still experience all the delights Lightning Ridge and the surrounding opal fields have to offer! You will have driven a long way to get here so you might as well make the most of it!
This is a rustic mining camp. This is why you are coming to experience life like the locals. It is not the Hilton so Paris would be sad.
Winter nights in the Ridge can get cold. There is no internal heating so please bring warm clothes. Our solar stored energy is not strong enough to run the heating system without the generator.
You can have an open campfire outside or perhaps even at the turret. We suggest warm clothes for inside and outside. Wood is available to purchase in town, we can provide a contact if needed.
There is an active mine on site. We currently call it a dirt mine. One day we hope to call it an Opal mine.
Though the Castle could accommodate an invading army, we allow a maximum of 7 guests. Children welcome but must always have adult supervision on site.
Registration Details
PID-STRA-6054-2
