Inland northern NSW - Lightning Ridge & Walgett area
The name ‘Lightning Ridge’ is synonymous with the glittering black opals that have made the area famous worldwide. Yet there is so much more of value to discover in this area, which offers the priceless benefits of a peaceful environment and stress-free living.
The Lightning Ridge and Walgett area embraces friendly communities while many sporting and recreational pursuits are on offer. Home to some 30 plus different nationalities, it is a culturally rich and diverse place to live and work.
Take advantage of the proximity of the Narran Lakes to watch the abundant birdlife, throw in a fishing line or relax in the warmth of the hot artesian baths.
Schools in the area are dedicated to the delivery of quality learning and play a key role in the local community.
Enhance your career while making a difference in the lives of students. Working in one of the local schools, you could also be eligible for a rural teacher incentive plus additional training and development days and more.
It's a multicultural area which is unique in western New South Wales. There’s an interesting mix of people. It's a very supportive community where people are never left to struggle alone. The community is very innovative and very self-sufficient. They make things happen. - Kerry
What is it like to live and work in the Lightning Ridge & Walgett area?
Walgett is well connected to the rest of NSW and beyond by road, rail and coach.
Google Maps: Walgett Shire, NSWExternal link.
Road
Walgett is in the far north of NSW about 720km from Sydney on the Castlereagh Highway (8-hour drive). It’s 80km further north to remote Lightning Ridge (an hour’s drive).
Rail
If you’re not driving, the easiest way to get up here is on a NSW TrainlinkExternal link rail service to Dubbo, with a connecting coach service to Walgett and Lightning Ridge.
Air
AirLinkExternal link operates limited scheduled services between Dubbo and Walgett, then onwards to Lightning Ridge.
QantaslinkExternal link and Regional ExpressExternal link operate regular scheduled services between Dubbo and Sydney.
Schools in this area are dedicated to the delivery of quality learning and play a key role in the local community.
- Burren Junction Public SchoolExternal link
- Carinda Public SchoolExternal link
- Collarenebri Central SchoolExternal link
- Goodooga Central SchoolExternal link
- Lightning Ridge Central SchoolExternal link
- Rowena Public SchoolExternal link
- Walgett Community College - High SchoolExternal link
- Walgett Community College - Primary SchoolExternal link
- Weilmoringle Public SchoolExternal link
Here are just a few of the many attractions to see and experience in the Walgett area:
- Australian Opal CentreExternal link
- Big Opal Underground Mine TourExternal link
- Bottle House MuseumExternal link
- Chambers of the Black HandExternal link
- Dharriwaa Elders Group Exhibition CentreExternal link
- John Murray Art GalleryExternal link
- Lightning Ridge FestivalsExternal link
- Walgett Artesian Bore BathsExternal link
View the below links to learn more about up-to-date community information that the Walgett area has to offer:
- Community servicesExternal link
- Library servicesExternal link
- Lightning Ridge Neighbourhood CentreExternal link
- LiveBetterExternal link
- NSW Aboriginal Land CouncilExternal link
- Walgett Community DirectoryExternal link
- Walgett Community Services Centre – Service NSWExternal link
- Walgett Shire CouncilExternal link
- Waste & recyclingExternal link
- Wellways Lightning RidgeExternal link
- Telstra has good 3G coverage in Lightning Ridge, but Optus is better for 4G and Vodafone is currently the only carrier offering 5G.
- Check availability of NBN at your address hereExternal link.
Lightning Ride and Walgett have a wide range of health services and medical facilities:
Some of the key family services in the Walgett area include:
Benefits and incentives
Learn more about the specific financial benefits available across a range of rural and remote NSW destinations.
FAQs
Get answers to your questions about teaching in rural and remote schools.
Contact us
For more information regarding rural and remote benefits and incentives please contact EdConnect.
- Existing employees of the department, phone 1300 32 32 32 (select option 3) or log an online enquiryExternal link.
- New applicants to the department, phone 1300 30 04 98.