Carinya Station

08/10/2026

There’s Tim, Tam and Oreo.

Not a care in the world. Just three twits having the time of their lives.

And here we are, running around worrying about rain, bills, bookings and everything else that comes with life on the land.

Maybe they’ve got the right idea.

Eat when you’re hungry. Play when you feel like it. Have a little lie down in the sun.

And try not to end up in the curry pot. 😜

Life’s pretty good at Carinya.

Especially if you’re a goat.

05/10/2026

I’ve been a bit anxious about the farm stay over the last 10 days.

It’s dry. The Marthaguy fleas (those poxy little sticky prickles)have blown in.

First we had the Bogong moth invasion.

Now…. We’ve got flies. And the wind hasn’t exactly been helping.

I’ve been sitting here waiting for the bad review.

Then I get this message this morning…

🤣

02/10/2026

A little reality check from Carinya.

If you’re heading our way over the next couple of weeks, come prepared.

The flies are THICK.
It’s hot.
It’s bloody windy.
And the prickles are out in force.

Spring in the outback isn’t always the prettiest time of year.

So pack the Aerogard, bring enclosed shoes and throw in a fly net if you’ve got one.

We’d love to be able to control the weather, the flies and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at us, but unfortunately that one’s a little above our pay grade.

The sunsets are still beautiful, the stars are still putting on a show and there’s still plenty to love about this place.

It’s not always picture perfect.

It’s just Carinya.

02/10/2026

😂 Big girl thinks she’s Bindi bloody Irwin.

When your nanny from Cronulla decides she’s a wildlife warrior and casually walks over holding what VERY MUCH looks like a snake.

“It’s a legless lizard!”

IT’S LEGLESS, Lily.
THAT’S THE PROBLEM. 😳😂

16/09/2026

🍇 IT’S HAPPENING…
MULBERRY SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! 🍇

There are a few little mulberries starting to ripen on the trees… which means by the time the school holidays roll around, we should be in full-blown MULBERRY EXTRAVAGANZA! 💜

Purple fingers.
Purple mouths.
Probably purple shirts.
Kids parked under the tree eating them faster than we can pick them.

Screaming kids - because the chooks love them as much as the humans - but they think they have the upper hand. And will grab them straight out of your fingers. 😧

And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

There’s something pretty special about watching kids wander over, pick fruit straight from the tree and eat it right there in the paddock.

So if you’re staying with us these school holidays, bring the kids, bring an old shirt and prepare to get messy.

Mulberry season at Carinya is nearly here. 💜

In other news.. what on earth is that audio? 🤣

09/09/2026

“Ahhhh YOU!! Back again!!” ❤️😂

That’s pretty much how I greet our returning guests these days.

Often followed with..
‘When are you leaving?’ 🤣

There’s no formal “Welcome to Carinya” when I recognise the car pulling in.

It’s more likely a big grin, an “Ahhhh you!!”, followed by a huge long winded chat about what’s been happening since the last time they were here.

And I absolutely love it.

This week alone, we’ve had more than 10 guests come back to Carinya who have stayed with us before.

Two of them are here for their 8th visit.

EIGHT TIMES. 🥹

There’s something pretty special about that.

Because somewhere between the first visit and the next… and the next… the relationship changes.

We remember where you like to camp.

We remember your kids.

We notice when they’ve suddenly shot up another six inches.

We remember the stories from last time, and quite often the conversation just picks straight back up where we left it.

You’re not really returning guests anymore.

You’re friends coming back to Carinya.

And THAT is the part of this little farm stay of ours that makes me beam.

So, to all our familiar faces…

How many times have you been through the Carinya gate?

And I’d really love to know…

What keeps bringing you back? ❤️

Family Farm | Family Values | Genuine Country Hospitality

24/08/2026

🌧️ Well… there’s rain predicted. And we’re certainly not complaining.

After the dry conditions we’ve been experiencing, it’s very welcome here at Carinya.

It does, however, mean our unsealed roads need a rest.

We’ll be closed from today through until at least Thursday, giving the rain time to pass and our roads time to dry out before we welcome guests back onto the property.

We’ll reassess later in the week and anyone with a booking affected by the closure will hear from us directly.

For now, we’ll enjoy the sound of rain on the roof, watch the paddocks soak it up and be very grateful for every drop. 🌧️🌱

Carinya Station | Lightning Ridge NSW

06/08/2026

Every farm has one.

The troublemaker.

Unfortunately… ours travels with a friend.

How NOT to muster sheep.
Stick with us.
We’ll show you what not to do.

27/07/2026

Ready to trade the city lights for big outback skies and some real country hospitality? Welcome to Carinya Station!

If you’re planning an adventure to the famous opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, this beautiful 6600-acre family farm is one stop you absolutely cannot miss. Hosted by Joe, Jacinda, and their kids, they’ll welcome you like old mates the second you pull up.

Carinya isn’t a manicured resort with polished bathrooms; it's raw, real, and shaped by the outback, making it the perfect place to ditch the electronics and connect with the land and each other.

Whether you're rolling out a swag at one of their 'leave-no-trace' bush campsites or enjoying a bit of rustic luxury in their gorgeous glamping tents, it caters to all travellers. Spend your days feeding orphaned lambs, exploring the paddocks on a farm tour, or taking a short trip down the road to soak in the famous warm artesian springs. Then, wind down next to a crackling campfire under a massive ceiling of stars.

So, if you're craving wide-open spaces, authentic station life, and outback memories that will stick with you forever, it’s time to pack the car and head to the Ridge. Carinya is waiting for you!

27/07/2026