FAQs

NO

We are a fully functioning, working family farm. To protect our livestock and follow strict biosecurity regulations, we cannot accommodate walk-ins or drop-ins without a prior booking.

Because we juggle daily station operations with hosting, we limit access to pre-booked farm stays and guided tours. This ensures every scheduled guest gets our full Outback hospitality without disruptions!

The best way to secure your spot is right here on our website. 

Simply click [Book Your Stay] to lock in your visit.

WE ARE DRY WEATHER ROAD ACCESS ONLY

Our outback dirt tracks change quickly with wet weather. If it has rained or rain is forecast for your trip, please get in touch with us immediately so we can advise you on current track conditions and the best ways to access the property safely.

Following significant rainfall, the local council will close unsealed roads for safety. If you are already here when a heavy downpour hits, be prepared to relax and extend your stay a little longer until the tracks dry out and open back up!

Please note that driving on officially closed council roads can void your vehicle insurance. If you are on a strict travel timeline and the forecast looks unfavourable, we strongly recommend staying on the sealed roads.

WE ARE ALL ABOUT LOW-IMPACT CAMPING

Water & Toilets: We provide artesian water to top up your tanks. While we prefer guests to be fully self-contained, we do have 3 clean long-drop toilets on-site (Please BYO toilet paper). For warm showers, the artesian thermal springs in town are absolutely wonderful.

Laundry: For your convenience, we have a coin-operated washing machine available near the homestead ($6 per wash, takes $1 coins).

Campfires & Wood: Pre-cut firewood can be purchased ahead of time when booking online. Alternatively, you are welcome to collect fallen wood around the campground—we just ask that you never burn hollow timber or cut down standing trees.

Generators: Generators are permitted! We simply ask that you be mindful of your runtime hours and respectful of your distance from other campers.

Waste & Rubbish: Carinya does not offer rubbish bins or dump points. To help us keep our land pristine, please pack out what you pack in and utilise the free public facilities located in Lightning Ridge.

WE FARM TO THE SEASONS

Outback life is dictated entirely by nature. Because we respond in real-time to the weather, no two visits to Carinya are ever exactly the same. 

If it’s dry, we don't plant crops and we actively sell off livestock to protect the land.

When the seasons favour us, our planting generally kicks off from Anzac Day onwards. 

Our livestock work shifts constantly depending on our current station schedule.

Please note that our major harvest period takes place during the summer months when the property is closed to visitors due to safety issues. 

No matter when you book your stay during our open season, you'll receive an honest, unvarnished look at authentic Australian farming life.

 NO

The Lightning Ridge summer is intense! To ensure the absolute highest welfare for our livestock and a comfortable experience for our guests, we close during the peak heat. This closure also lines up with our summer harvest and gives our family some dedicated downtime.

We open our gates to visitors when the region is at its absolute finest running from:

1st March through to late November.

YES 

Though it can sometimes be limited. On average, you can expect 1–3 bars of both 4G and 5G coverage across the property.

Telstra offers the strongest, most reliable coverage for mobile devices, while Optus provides decent internet connectivity.

We are located just 15km from Lightning Ridge. An easy drive that takes less than 10 minutes.

Approximately 4km of this route is an unsealed dirt road. 

Our access track is generally well-maintained and cleanly graded, making it perfectly suitable for standard 2WD vehicles, SUVs, campervans, and large caravans during dry weather.

 From April to October, our outback weather is incredibly pleasant.

However, desert climates bring major contrasts. While our winter days are crisp and sunny, the nights can drop down to freezing. 

Please ensure you pack plenty of heavy blankets, a good jacket, and warm clothes for around the campfire!

Most importantly, don't forget to pack your swimmers so you can enjoy a warm, relaxing soak in the Lightning Ridge Artesian thermal springs.

 YES

We absolutely love campfires, provided there are no official RFS fire restrictions or total fire bans in place.

When lighting a fire, please remain highly aware of your surroundings and any dry grasses that could easily catch. 

To support our local ecosystem, we are incredibly strict about leaving hollow timber on the ground—these logs act as vital habitats for our native outback animals, so please respect our commitment to conservation practices.

You can purchase pre-cut firewood online when booking, or collect loose, fallen wood around the campground. Most importantly, please ensure all fires are completely extinguished with water before your departure.

 YES

We love welcoming your furry family members to Carinya, but safety on a working station is our absolute top priority!

All pets MUST be kept on a leash and strictly supervised at all times, and kept completely away from our farm animals.

Please be strongly advised that 1080 fox, pig, and wild dog baiting is active in the region. Keeping your dog securely on a short leash isn't just a station rule—it is absolutely vital to keep your beloved pet safe while exploring the outback.