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About 2.5 hours’ drive south of St George and over the border in NSW, Lightning Ridge is an opal-mining town that attracts many prospectors who fossick for the gems, especially rare black opals. There are a few caravan parks around Lightning Ridge with powered and unpowered sites, swimming pools, and self-contained cabins. The Artesian Bore Baths here are sourced from the mountains.
Southwest of St George, the remote Culgoa Floodplain National Park is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle in dry weather, but is an adventurous side trip for self-sufficient campers. Collect a map with camping areas and access tracks from the ranger’s office on arrival. Bush camping is permitted at the Byra Lagoon and Redbank Hut bush camping areas. The park is a treat for keen bird watchers, with some 150 species inhabiting the region.
Flower lovers should visit St George in September or October to check out the beautiful bauhinia flowers that bloom in spring. This part of Southern Queensland is on the edge of the outback and experiences hot summers, with temperatures reaching an average high of 36°C. It’s not unusual for summer floods to cut off access to the town or surrounding areas, especially when the Balonne River rises. Visit outside of the summer months for the most comfortable camping experience.