Are you looking for a unique and adventurous destination in Australia? Do you want to explore the world’s opal capital and live like a local in an underground dugout? If yes, then you should visit Coober Pedy, the underground outback town of Australia.
Coober Pedy is a small town in the heart of the South Australian desert, about 850 km north of Adelaide. It is famous for its opal mining industry, which dates back to 1915, and its underground lifestyle, which developed as a way to escape the harsh climate. Coober Pedy is a place where you can experience the outback culture, history, and landscape in a unique and fascinating way.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Coober Pedy, including how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and some practical tips. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you will find something to suit your interests and budget in Coober Pedy.
Why visit Coober Pedy
There are many reasons to visit Coober Pedy, but here are some of the main ones:
Experience the underground lifestyle: Coober Pedy is known as the underground town, because more than half of its population lives in dugouts, which are homes carved into the hillsides. These dugouts are cool, comfortable, and cozy, and offer a glimpse into the local way of life. You can stay in an underground hotel, shop in an underground bookstore, watch a movie in an underground cinema, and even pray in an underground church.
Explore the opal mines and shops: Coober Pedy is the world’s largest producer of opal, a precious gemstone that comes in various colors and patterns. You can learn about the history and process of opal mining, visit an active or abandoned mine, try your luck at fossicking, and buy some opal souvenirs from the many shops and galleries in town.
Discover the outback wonders: Coober Pedy is surrounded by the stunning and diverse landscape of the outback, which offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and nature lovers. You can visit the Breakaways, a series of colorful hills that look like a moonscape, the Painted Desert, a scenic area of eroded hills and valleys, the Moon Plain, a vast and flat expanse of clay and salt, and the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, a protected area that is home to native wildlife and plants.
Learn about the local culture and history: Coober Pedy is a place where you can immerse yourself in the outback culture and history, which is rich and diverse. You can visit the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, which showcases the history of opal mining and the Aboriginal heritage, the Old Timers Mine and Museum, which displays the life and work of the early miners, and the Coober Pedy Historical Society Museum, which exhibits the artifacts and stories of the town’s past and present.
How to get to Coober Pedy
There are several ways to get to Coober Pedy, depending on your time, budget, and preference. Here are some of the options:
By road:
Driving to Coober Pedy is one of the best ways to enjoy the outback scenery and experience the road trip adventure. You can rent a car or a campervan from Adelaide, Alice Springs, or Darwin, and follow the Stuart Highway, which is a sealed and well-maintained road. The driving distance from Adelaide is about 850 km, which takes about 9 hours, from Alice Springs is about 690 km, which takes about 7 hours, and from Darwin is about 2,030 km, which takes about 22 hours. You can also join a guided tour or a bus service that operates between these cities and Coober Pedy.
By air:
Flying to Coober Pedy is the fastest and most convenient way to get there, especially if you have limited time. You can book a flight from Adelaide, which takes about 2 hours, or from Alice Springs, which takes about 1 hour, to the Coober Pedy Airport, which is located 6 km from the town center. You can also charter a flight from other destinations in Australia, or join a scenic flight that offers aerial views of the outback.
By train:
Taking the train to Coober Pedy is another option, but it is not very common or practical, as there is no direct service to the town. You can take the Ghan, which is a luxury train that runs between Adelaide and Darwin, and stop at Manguri, which is a remote railway siding about 40 km from Coober Pedy. You will need to arrange a transfer from Manguri to Coober Pedy, which can be expensive and unreliable.
When to visit Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy has a desert climate, which means it has hot and dry summers, mild and dry winters, and little rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 19°C to 36°C in summer (December to February), and from 6°C to 20°C in winter (June to August). The best time to visit Coober Pedy is in spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable, and the tourist crowds are low. However, you can visit Coober Pedy anytime of the year, as the underground attractions and activities are not affected by the weather.
Some of the events and festivals that you can enjoy in Coober Pedy are:
Opal Festival: This is the biggest event in Coober Pedy, which celebrates the town’s opal industry and culture. It is held on the Easter weekend, and features live music, street parades, market stalls, fireworks, and more.
Coober Pedy Races: This is a popular event in Coober Pedy, which showcases the town’s horse racing tradition. It is held on the second weekend of August, and attracts locals and visitors alike. You can watch the races, bet on your favorite horse, and join the fun and festivities.
Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show: This is a professional event in Coober Pedy, which showcases the town’s opal and gemstone products and services. It is held in July, and attracts buyers and sellers from around the world. You can browse the exhibits, network with the industry experts, and learn about the latest trends and innovations.
Where to stay in Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy offers a range of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget, from underground hotels and motels, to above-ground caravan parks and campgrounds. Here are some of the options:
Underground hotels and motels:
These are the most unique and popular accommodation options in Coober Pedy, as they allow you to experience the underground lifestyle and enjoy the cool and quiet atmosphere. Some of the underground hotels and motels that you can choose from are the Desert Cave Hotel, the Comfort Inn Coober Pedy Experience, the Underground Bed and Breakfast, and the Radeka Downunder Underground Motel and Backpacker Inn. The prices range from $100 to $300 per night, depending on the type and size of the room.
Above-ground hotels and motels:
These are the more conventional and affordable accommodation options in Coober Pedy, as they offer the standard amenities and services. Some of the above-ground hotels and motels that you can choose from are the Mud Hut Motel, the Opal Inn Hotel Motel and Caravan Park, the BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort, and the Coober Pedy Hotel. The prices range from $80 to $200 per night, depending on the type and size of the room.
Caravan parks and campgrounds:
These are the cheapest and most basic accommodation options in Coober Pedy, as they offer the opportunity to camp in the outback and enjoy the natural surroundings. Some of the caravan parks and campgrounds that you can choose from are the Oasis Tourist Park, the Riba’s Underground Camping, the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club, and the Coober Pedy Drive In. The prices range from $10 to $40 per night, depending on the type and size of the site.
What to see and do in Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy has a lot to offer to visitors, from underground attractions and activities, to outback wonders and adventures. Here are some of the things that you can see and do in Coober Pedy:
Opal
Opal is the main attraction and activity in Coober Pedy, as it is the world’s largest producer and supplier of the gemstone. You can:
- Learn about the history and process of opal mining at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, which is a former working mine that has been converted into a museum and a tourist attraction. You can take a guided tour of the mine, see the opal displays and exhibits, and watch a documentary film about the town and its opal industry.
- Visit an active or abandoned mine, such as the Old Timers Mine and Museum, the Tom’s Working Opal Mine, or the Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage, and see how the miners work and live. You can take a guided tour of the mine, see the mining equipment and machinery, and learn about the challenges.
- Learn about the challenges and dangers of opal mining at the Faye’s Underground Home, which is a dugout that was built by a female opal miner in the 1960s. You can take a self-guided tour of the home, which has 10 rooms, a swimming pool, and a wine cellar, and see the memorabilia and photos of the owner and her family.
- Try your luck at fossicking, which is the activity of searching for opal in the discarded piles of dirt and rocks from the mines. You can rent or buy a pick, a shovel, and a bucket, and head to the public fossicking area, which is located near the Old Timers Mine. You can keep any opal that you find, as long as it is not worth more than $250.
- Buy some opal souvenirs from the many shops and galleries in town, which offer a variety of opal products, such as jewelry, carvings, sculptures, and ornaments. You can also learn about the different types and qualities of opal, and how to identify and value them. Some of the shops and galleries that you can visit are the Opalios, the John’s Pizza Bar and Opal Cave, the Opal Bug, and the Coober Pedy Opal Centre.
Underground
Underground is another attraction and activity in Coober Pedy, as it is the town’s distinctive feature and lifestyle. You can:
Stay in an underground hotel, which is a unique and comfortable way to experience the underground living. Some of the underground hotels that you can choose from are the Desert Cave Hotel, the Comfort Inn Coober Pedy Experience, the Underground Bed and Breakfast, and the Radeka Downunder Underground Motel and Backpacker Inn. These hotels offer rooms that are spacious, cozy, and cool, with modern amenities and facilities.
Shop in an underground bookstore, which is a rare and interesting place to find some books and magazines. The Bookshop in the Desert is the only underground bookstore in Coober Pedy, and it has a large collection of books on various topics, such as opal, outback, history, and fiction. You can also browse the souvenirs, postcards, and maps that are available for sale.
Watch a movie in an underground cinema, which is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy some entertainment. The Umoona Opal Mine and Museum has an underground cinema, which shows a documentary film about the town and its opal industry. The film is about 20 minutes long, and it is free to watch. You can also visit the underground art gallery, which displays some paintings and sculptures by local artists.
Pray in an underground church, which is a spiritual and peaceful way to connect with your faith. Coober Pedy has several underground churches, which cater to different denominations and religions. Some of the underground churches that you can visit are the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Catacomb Church, the St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, and the Anglican Church of Coober Pedy. These churches are decorated with opal, stained glass, and icons, and they have a serene and solemn atmosphere.
Outback
Outback is another attraction and activity in Coober Pedy, as it is the town’s natural and scenic backdrop. You can:
Visit the Breakaways, which are a series of colorful hills that look like a moonscape. The Breakaways are located about 30 km north of Coober Pedy, and they offer spectacular views of the desert landscape. You can drive or join a tour to the Breakaways, and enjoy the sunrise or sunset from the lookout points. You can also spot some wildlife, such as kangaroos, emus, and eagles, along the way.
Visit the Painted Desert, which is a scenic area of eroded hills and valleys that have different hues and shades. The Painted Desert is located about 90 km south of Coober Pedy, and it is a geological wonder that was formed by millions of years of weathering and erosion. You can drive or join a tour to the Painted Desert, and admire the changing colors of the landscape throughout the day.
Visit the Moon Plain, which is a vast and flat expanse of clay and salt that resembles the surface of the moon. The Moon Plain is located about 15 km east of Coober Pedy, and it is a surreal and barren place that has been used as a filming location for several movies, such as Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Pitch Black. You can drive or join a tour to the Moon Plain, and experience the feeling of being in another world.
Visit the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, which is a protected area that is home to native wildlife and plants. The Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is located about 35 km north of Coober Pedy, and it covers an area of 15,000 hectares. You can drive or join a tour to the park, and explore the walking trails, the cultural sites, and the scenic spots. You can also see some of the animals and plants that live in the park, such as dingoes, lizards, and wildflowers.
Other
There are some other things that you can see and do in Coober Pedy, which are not related to opal, underground, or outback, but are still worth checking out. You can:
Play golf at the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club, which is a unique and challenging golf course that has no grass, but sand and rocks. The golf club is located in the middle of the opal fields, and it is the only golf course in the world that is a member of both the Australian and the International Sand Greens Golf Associations. You can rent or buy a set of clubs, balls, and tees, and play a round of golf in the desert. You can also swap your membership card with the club’s card, which is made of opal.
Watch a movie at the Coober Pedy Drive In, which is one of the last remaining drive-in cinemas in Australia. The drive-in is located on the outskirts of the town, and it shows movies every Saturday night, weather permitting. You can drive your car or rent a car to the drive-in, and enjoy a movie under the stars. You can also buy some snacks and drinks from the kiosk, or bring your own.
Shop at the Coober Pedy IGA, which is the largest supermarket in the outback. The IGA is located in the town center, and it sells a variety of products, such as groceries, fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery, liquor, and more. You can also find some local specialties, such as kangaroo meat, camel milk, and bush tucker. You can shop at the IGA for your daily needs, or stock up for your road trip.
Where to eat and drink in Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy has a variety of dining and drinking options to suit your taste and budget, from underground restaurants and cafes, to above-ground pubs and supermarkets. Here are some of the options:
Underground restaurants and cafes:
These are the most unique and cozy dining options in Coober Pedy, as they offer a delicious and diverse menu in an underground setting. Some of the underground restaurants and cafes that you can choose from are the Umberto’s Restaurant, the Crystal Cafe, the Desert Cave Cafe, and the TAFE SA Coober Pedy Campus Restaurant. These restaurants and cafes offer dishes such as pizza, pasta, steak, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. The prices range from $10 to $30 per dish, depending on the type and size of the dish.
Above-ground pubs and supermarkets:
These are the more casual and affordable dining options in Coober Pedy, as they offer a simple and satisfying menu in an above-ground setting. Some of the above-ground pubs and supermarkets that you can choose from are the John’s Pizza Bar and Opal Cave, the Opal Inn Hotel Motel and Caravan Park, the Coober Pedy Hotel, and the Coober Pedy IGA. These pubs and supermarkets offer dishes such as pizza, fish and chips, chicken schnitzel, pies, and more. The prices range from $5 to $20 per dish, depending on the type and size of the dish.
Practical tips for Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is a friendly and safe town, but it also has some challenges and risks that you should be aware of and prepared for. Here are some of the practical tips that you should follow when visiting Coober Pedy:
Fuel: Coober Pedy is a remote town, and the nearest fuel station is about 250 km away. You should always fill up your tank before leaving Coober Pedy, and carry some spare fuel with you, especially if you are driving to the outback attractions. You can find fuel stations in the town center, and the prices are usually higher than in the cities.
Water: Coober Pedy has a limited and precious water supply, which comes from an underground bore. You should always conserve water when staying in Coober Pedy, and avoid wasting it on activities such as washing your car, taking long showers, or leaving the tap running. You can find water taps in the town center, and the water is safe to drink, but you may also want to bring some bottled water with you, as the water may have a slight taste or smell of minerals.
Shopping: Coober Pedy has a few shops and markets where you can buy some essentials, souvenirs, and opals. You can find shops and markets in the town center, and the opening hours are usually from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. You can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card, but some places may charge a fee for card transactions. You can also find some ATMs and banks in the town center, but they may have limited services and availability.
Banking: Coober Pedy has a few ATMs and banks where you can withdraw or exchange money, but they may have limited services and availability. You can find ATMs and banks in the town center, and the opening hours are usually from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. You can use Australian dollars, which is the official currency of Australia, or you can exchange some foreign currencies, such as US dollars, euros, or pounds, at the banks or the post office. You can also use your credit card or debit card, but some places may charge a fee for card transactions.
Health: Coober Pedy has a small hospital and a medical center where you can get some basic health care and emergency services, but they may not have the facilities or equipment to deal with serious or complex cases. You can find the hospital and the medical center in the town center, and the opening hours are usually from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 12 pm, Saturday and Sunday. You can also call the emergency number, which is 000, if you need urgent assistance. You should always have a travel insurance that covers your medical expenses and evacuation, and carry some first aid kit and medications with you, especially if you have any allergies or chronic conditions.
Coober Pedy is a unique and adventurous destination in Australia, where you can experience the underground outback town of opal. You can visit Coober Pedy anytime of the year, and enjoy the underground attractions and activities, such as staying in a dugout, exploring the opal mines and shops, watching a movie in an underground cinema, and praying in an underground church.
You can also discover the outback wonders and adventures, such as visiting the Breakaways, the Painted Desert, the Moon Plain, and the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park. You can also learn about the local culture and history, which is rich and diverse, and sample the dining and drinking options, which are varied and tasty. Coober Pedy is a place where you can have a memorable and fun-filled trip, and we hope that this guide has helped you plan your visit.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!