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Welcome :: Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari

Journey to the outback

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Written by Rebel BLACK
Tuesday, 10 June 2008 22:00
It’s a brave soul who embarks on a journey across the outback alone; battling the dust, the distance and the dunes. In fact, there is many a shattered traveller who have given up their dreams of conquering the mighty outback, despite their kitted out 4WD and excessive camping accessories, and turned back, fearing for their fate and despairing at the futility. It is for these reasons that, in the unique opal mining outback town of Lightning Ridge NSW, a committed crew of volunteers continue to rally together to develop a touring itinerary for those who dare, to embark, collectively, on the road less travelled and venture into the great outback – on Safari...a Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari. . The 2008 trip will mark the 18th year of the Bush Safari and the new committee are celebrating with the an adventure to Birdsville and back. Audacious motorists, families, 4WD enthusiasts and spirited adventure seekers are encouraged to join the Safari, which departs Lightning Ridge on the 28th of September (registration the day before). . The 14 day trip will cover in excess of 3600 kilometres, much of which is unsealed, from Lightning Ridge to Innamincka via historic Eulo and Thargomindah and the famous Dig Tree. From Innamincka the road will lead onto Diamantina Crossing – now better known as Birdsville and further west to Boulia. The Safari will water at the famous Walkabout Creek Hotel in the little town of McKinley and onto Winton via Kynuna. The Waltzing Matilda Centre will be a highlight in Winton as will the Stockman’s’ Hall of Fame in Longreach, on route to Ilfracombe. The trekkers will make their way to Augathella via Isisford and Blackall, the town made famous by shearer Jackie Howe. From Augathella it is all down hill to Bollon and return to Lightning Ridge. . Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari Committee member, Laurie Cree, said that though the organising committees change from year to year, and the trips vary significantly, the philosophy of the Bush Safari remains. . “It is not a race,” he said. . “It is a leisurely jaunt through the outback with a view to providing the most scenic, entertaining experiential trip for those who dare.” . “We look after our Safari participants, we organise activities during the evenings, including balls, talent quests, trivia competitions and a good old sing-along around the campfire. . “On most nights we organise a charity or local organisation in the town we are staying to cater for us so there is no need to cook each night. . “The trips are always very well planned and the best and most interesting sites and experiences are made available to our group. . “This is such an amazing opportunity for people to get out and see their country in an undaunting way – while also contributing to the Lightning Ridge Community,” Laurie said. . In the 18 years of operation, the Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari has guided people to all corners of the country, from the Top End to Cape York, from the Barossa to the far reaches of Western Australia and in doing so, the committees have collectively raised in excess of $250.000 that has been donated back into the Lightning Ridge community in the form of small grants. It is the generosity of the people, ‘Safarists’, who join the trips who not only make the grand adventure possible – and fun, but reward the community for their generosity and hospitality with cold hard cash. “We enjoy organising these trips because we know that everyone has a great time and the community benefits – it is a win-win situation,” Laurie said. . Registrations for the 2008 Birdsville and Back Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari are being taken now – to book your place early contact Lightning Ridge Police Station on 02 68 299799, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details further details.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 June 2008 22:31 )

History of the Bush Safari

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Written by Toothy
Friday, 06 June 2008 11:34
Every year, in the New South Wales September / October school holidays, between 70 – 90 vehicles set off from the NSW opal mining community of Lightning Ridge for the 10 – 13 day Lightning Ridge Police Bush Safari. Trekking through a different part of Australia each year the Bush Safari is a meandering tag-along adventure. It is also the biggest fundraiser in Lightning Ridge. Organised by members of the Police, Ambulance and SES, as well as Lightning Ridge community members, the Bush Safari has made its way to NSW, Western Victoria, Western and Northern Queensland and part of South Australia. Former Lightning Ridge based Police Sergeant, Stan Single, started the Bush Safari back in 1990 as a fundraiser for the Lightning Ridge SES and the local school. Since then, the annual event has raised over $250 000 for community groups that operate within the township. Mr Single said he was determined to start the Safari after seeing the dedication of the SES who had been working hard and had more call outs than usual due to an opal-mining boom that took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The venture was an immediate success with the proceeds of the Safari enabling the committee to purchase a new rescue truck and equipment for the SES as well as a 22-seater bus for the Lightning Ridge Central School so the children could go on annual excursions. SES controller Dave Lane, who has been on the Bush Safari committee since 1992, said the early trips took place out west with rough camping and old bombs for cars. "We had the Army come along as well as Ambulance, SES and Police," Mr Lane said. But when Australian troops became involved in Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor the Army dropped out. Local members of the Police, Ambulance and SES continue to organise the Safari each year. This event sees participants come from all walks of life and from all areas of the country. Since the early days, the Safari has become bigger, better and more comfortable. This years Safari will be no exception. Once again, the Bush Safari members and members of the Lightning Ridge community are enthusiastic about making this years trek memorable for all participants. 2008 has seen new committee members, the local police Sergeant Steve Lincoln has signed on as President along with two other officers, Senior Constable David TOOTH and Constable Shane PITT attached to Lightning Ridge Police Station. The safari also has a Lightning Ridge based Ambulance officer and new members from the SES. The main thing to remember is that the safari is not a race, but a chance to travel with support and enjoy some of what this great country of ours has to offer, take your time and have a look around.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 June 2008 23:07 )

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