Crocodile Caravan Park offers a unique and central base for exploring the fascinating world of Lightning Ridge, the home of the elusive Black Opal. Located right in the heart of town on Morilla Street, this park prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and convenience. Unlike the vast, dusty mining camps on the outskirts, Crocodile Caravan Park provides a green and shady oasis with well-maintained sites and facilities, making it the perfect respite after a day of fossicking or exploring the rugged outback landscape.
The park features a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller. Whether you are towing a large caravan, driving a motorhome, or pitching a tent, you will find spacious powered and unpowered sites, many of which are drive-through for easy access. For those seeking a bit more comfort, the park offers self-contained cabins that are clean, cool, and fully equipped. The grounds are dotted with trees providing welcome shade during the hot summer months, and the swimming pool is a favourite spot to cool off after a dusty day on the opal fields.
Staying at Crocodile Caravan Park puts you within walking distance of Lightning Ridge’s most famous attractions. You can easily stroll to the John Murray Art Gallery, the Australian Opal Centre, and a variety of quirky local shops and cafes. The famous Artesian Bore Baths are just a short drive away, offering a therapeutic soak in mineral-rich waters under the stars. With its central location, excellent facilities, and pet-friendly policy (on sites), Crocodile Caravan Park is the ideal choice for your Lightning Ridge adventure.
Immerse yourself in the eccentric charm of “The Ridge,” explore the underground mines, discover the colourful Car Door Tours, and then return to the comfort and convenience of your campsite at Crocodile Caravan Park.
Crocodile Caravan Park – NSW Location Map
Park Information
- Name: Crocodile Caravan Park
- Address: 5 Morilla St, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834, Australia
- Phone: +61 2 6829 0542
- Website: crocodilecaravanpark.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -29.42925, 147.97535
Park Location (Satellite View)
Site Information
- Location: Centrally located in the Lightning Ridge township, close to the main shopping strip and bowling club.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, fifth-wheelers, and tents. Drive-through sites are available.
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access via Morilla Street. Internal roads are sealed/gravel and easy to navigate.
- Site Surface: Gravel and grass sites, well-maintained and level.
Available Facilities
- Swimming Pool
- Camp Kitchen
- BBQ Facilities
- Amenities Block (Toilets & Showers)
- Coin-operated Laundry
- Kiosk / Reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dump Point (Nearby in town)
- Pet Friendly (On sites)
Essentials to Bring
- Drinking-water-safe hose for connecting to site water.
- 15A rated power lead for powered sites.
- Levelling blocks (although sites are generally flat).
- Fly net and insect repellent (flies can be prevalent in the outback).
- Sunscreen and hat.
- Bathers and towel for the pool and Artesian Bore Baths.
- Warm clothes for winter nights (temperatures drop significantly).
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is Pet Friendly on powered and unpowered sites. Pets must be kept on a lead at all times. Pets are generally not permitted in cabins (check with management for exceptions).
- Fishing: No fishing on-site. The nearest fishing is in the Barwon River at Collarenebri or Walgett (approx. 70-80km away).
- Short Walks: Easy walking distance to the town centre, galleries, and cafes.
- Artesian Baths: The famous Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore Baths are located approx. 2km from the park (free entry).
Local Amenities (Lightning Ridge Township)
Local Pubs & Clubs
- Lightning Ridge Bowling Club: (Morilla St) Approx. 400m – Excellent bistro and entertainment.
- Nobbies Bar (Outback Resort): (Onyx St) Approx. 1.5km.
- Sheepyard Inn: (Grawin Opal Fields) Approx. 70km – Authentic bush pub experience.
Places to Eat
- Opal Street Cafe: (Opal St) Approx. 300m – Popular breakfast and lunch spot.
- Morilla’s Cafe: (Morilla St) Approx. 200m – Coffee and light meals.
- Bruno’s Italian Restaurant: (Morilla St) Approx. 500m.
- Lightning Ridge Bakery: (Morilla St) Approx. 400m.
Local Attractions
- Artesian Bore Baths: (Pandora St) Approx. 2.2km – Natural hot spring baths (Free).
- John Murray Art Gallery: (Opal St) Approx. 600m – Iconic outback art.
- Australian Opal Centre: (Morilla St) Approx. 500m – Fossils and opal displays.
- Chambers of the Black Hand: (Three Mile Rd) Approx. 4km – Underground mine tour and carvings.
- Car Door Tours: (Various routes) Start from town – Self-guided driving tours.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Opal Caravan Park: (Pandora St) Approx. 1.5km.
- Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park: (Onyx St) Approx. 1.5km.
- Lorne Station: (Kangaroo Hill Rd) Approx. 5km.
Nearest Free Camps
- There are no free camps within the town limits.
- Angledool Rest Area: (Castlereagh Hwy) Approx. 45km North.
- Walgett Rest Area: (Castlereagh Hwy) Approx. 75km South.
Nearest Dump Points
- Lightning Ridge Public Dump Point: (Lot 73 Onyx St) Approx. 600m.
- Walgett: Approx. 80km South.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- BP Lightning Ridge: (21 Opal St) Approx. 300m.
- Ampol Lightning Ridge: (Morilla St) Approx. 100m (Almost opposite).
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site at Crocodile Caravan Park: Town water available.
- Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre: (Morilla St) Approx. 600m.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Lions Park: (Morilla St) Approx. 400m.
- Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre: (Morilla St) Approx. 600m.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Lightning Ridge
- Summer (December – February): Very hot. Average highs 35°C – 38°C, frequently exceeding 40°C. Air conditioning or pool access is essential.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild. Lovely days (24°C – 30°C) and cooler nights. A popular time for visiting.
- Winter (June – August): Mild days (17°C – 20°C) and cold nights (4°C – 6°C). Perfect for soaking in the Artesian Baths.
- Spring (September – November): Warming up quickly. Highs 26°C – 32°C. Wildflowers may be visible after rain.
