The Bimble Box - opal field retreat

The Bimble Box is a much loved opal miners' camp, built from stone, conveniently located and beautifully renovated to create a light-filled, open-plan interior with stunning views. Inside there's a relaxing lounge area, large dining/work table, modern kitchen and comfortable new beds. This beautiful little off-grid opal field home is solar powered, water conserving, clean, comfortable and just a short drive or leisurely walk to the shops, cafés and hot artesian baths. The space Stay at The Bimble Box and experience opal field life. Listen to the breeze in the bimble box trees and marvel at the glorious sunrises and sunsets. The property comprises an open-plan space with east-facing windows providing magnificent views, and a separate bathroom with shower, toilet, vanity and handbasin. The kitchen includes a gas stove, microwave, fridge and toaster, sink, ample bench space and under-bench storage equipped with basic kitchenware. The large dining table also makes The Bimble Box a wonderful working retreat. The rustic hand-built stone fireplace and vintage fuel stove are not in use, but provide beautiful ambience. During the cooler months, you're welcome to bring your own wood and use the fire pit outside. Two cosy sleeping nooks offer comfortable beds (queen in one space, two king singles in the other) and organic cotton bedlinen. Separated by a floor to ceiling wall, the bedrooms are open to stunning sunrise views through the panoramic kitchen windows. There's an outdoor seating area for daytime use or night-time star gazing. The Bimble Box is solar powered and off grid. It isn't suited to travellers who want to run air con 24/7 - when it's hot, it's hot and when it's cold, it's time to rug up! There's ample power for the fridge, microwave, lights, fan, your laptop and phone chargers, and for air conditioning (cooling or heating) if needed during the day – but not to run heating or cooling overnight. Fans are provided for your comfort. The open lounge area contains a 3-seater lounge and two single-seater recliners to relax in. There is no television, but for guests' convenience we have installed Starlink wifi with limited data. Everyone is welcome at The Bimble Box but due to its construction and location, our home is not accessible to wheelchairs or ideal for people with mobility issues. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about accessibility. The Bimble Box is ideally located in opal field surrounds, just a couple of minutes' drive or a comfortable walk from the supermarket, hospital, cafés and centre of town. The famous hot Artesian Bore Baths are a short drive or 15-minute walk away and at a similar distance in the other direction are Lightning Ridge Swimming Pool & Water Theme Park. Our closest neighbour is the Ridge Castle, a highlight on the self-guided Red Door car door tour. Guest access The Bimble Box is in the opal fields, conveniently located 500 metres from a main road via a short stretch of well-maintained, unsealed all-weather road. Prior to arrival, guests will be given directions to the Bimble Box, the code for a key lock box and instructions for entry. If you'd prefer a personal welcome, let us know and we'll meet you in person if we're able to. For guests' safety and neighbours' privacy, guests should stay close to The Bimble Box and use only the main access road. Other things to note The Bimble Box is a rustic miners' camp. Renovated for comfort, it remains true to the Lightning Ridge spirit of re-use and recycling, respect for materials and environment, and economical use of power and water. Being solar powered and off grid, the Bimble Box is not suited to travellers who expect unlimited power or water. There is power for the fridge, microwave, lights, fans, your laptop and phone chargers, and for air conditioning (cooling or heating) if needed during the day. At night, we rely on fans in summer and warm clothes in winter - or snuggle up under the cosy rugs provided. We will provide information to help make your stay comfortable and ensure you're familiar with our off-grid power and water systems. This home is located on an opal field. You may occasionally see local wildlife, including birds, lizards, kangaroos and wallabies. While there are no exposed mine shafts, ground levels are uneven, the property is unfenced and we have no control over neighbouring properties. Guests must take responsibility for their own safety and not wander onto surrounding properties. Due to the nature of its original construction and location, the Bimble Box is not accessible to wheelchairs or ideal for people with mobility issues. The ground is somewhat uneven outside. There are a couple of steps up to the front and back doors and inside, there is a step (approx. 100mm) up to the bedrooms. Please contact us if you have questions about accessibility. Children are welcome, but must always have adult supervision. We strongly recommend a stay of at least 3 nights and ideally longer, so you have time to unwind and experience Lightning Ridge at a relaxed pace. In our experience, those who don't allow at least 3 nights regret not booking for longer! Discounts apply for stays of 7 nights or more and if you're interested in staying two weeks or longer, please contact us for availability and pricing. Subject to availability, we welcome repeat bookings and short-term rentals of 2 – 8 weeks. Registration Details PID-STRA-81501