Your Guide To Coober Pedy: Above and Below Ground
Have you ever wondered what life is like in a town where homes are carved into the earth? Welcome to Coober Pedy! Nestled in the heart of the Australian Outback, this remote oasis holds a history dating back to the 1915 opal rush, proudly earning its title as the Opal Capital.
Navigating the Journey to Coober Pedy
The journey to Coober Pedy is as captivating as the destination itself! The quickest route to Coober Pedy starts at Port Augusta and follows the Stuart Highway, a route that spans nearly 6 hours to conquer the 540-kilometre stretch. The seemingly barren landscape of the Stuart Highway surprisingly had a lot of wildlife - Kangaroos, Emus, Cattle, and the occasional Camel.
Or embark on a scenic journey from Quorn, venturing through the Flinders Rangers to Maree. Navigate the start of the iconic Oodnadatta Track before turning off to Coward Springs and William Creek. The entire trip from Quorn to Coober Pedy covers 710 kilometers and takes approximately 8 hours, although we recommend allowing a week for this route.
Note: Beyond Marree, the road is unsealed and requires a 4WD vehicle. Ensure you have sufficient fuel, food, and water for the journey. Always check road conditions and closures before embarking on your trip.
If you’re looking to explore the Red Centre of Australia, consider adding Coober Pedy to your bucket list and taking the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs. This journey unfolds on a sealed highway, covering 688 kilometers over 6 and a half hours.
Once you reach the town of Coober Pedy, you’ll be welcomed by the enormous mounds of dirt in the distance, remnants of open mining shafts. These piles are formed by blower trucks, you’ll spot one on the famous Coober Pedy sign as you approach town.
Unique Accommodations: Above and Below Ground
Coober Pedy has a diverse range of accommodation options catering to all budgets, from free camping and caravan parks to home stays and AirBnb’s, hostels, motels, and hotels. Nowhere else in the world offers the option to stay either above or below ground. Most locals choose to live underground in dugouts to escape the dry heat, these dugouts, carved into the earth, maintain a comfortable 23 to 25 degrees Celsius all year round.
Whilst staying underground isn’t the only option for accommodation in Coober Pedy, we highly recommend staying below the surface to truly immerse yourself in the local lifestyle - it’s a unique experience that we guarantee will add a special touch to your stay in Coober Pedy.
We opted for booking a private accomodation option on Airbnb, there are a variety of choices at different price points which made it easy to select the best option for us. We stayed at Earthworm House 2 and Holly Place.
Our Top 10 Must-See Spots While Visiting Coober Pedy
It’s estimated that miners have dug over 1,500,00 open shafts in Coober Pedy, making it a dangerous place to walk around carelessly. But fear not! We’ve crafted a list of nine must-see spots in this unique town. So, tread carefully and explore our top spots that make Coober Pedy an unforgettable destination.
Big Winch 360
Kick off your Coober Pedy adventure with a 360-degree view of the unique town. The panoramic perspective provides the perfect way to get the lowdown on this interesting place. Best part? It doesn’t cost a thing! Ideal for early risers or those who are looking for the perfect sunset backdrop - it won’t disappoint.
It also offers a great viewpoint of The Kanku Breakaways Conservation Park in the distance.
Old Timers Mine & Museum
Make your way to the Old Timers Mine & Museum, conveniently located just down from the Big Winch 360. Dive into the depths of history with a self-guided tour through a hand-dug underground opal mine dating back to 1916. Strap on a hard hat and explore the natural opal seams and fossils, immersing yourself in the mining experience. Once you've soaked up the history, you can have some fun trying your luck noodling in the pits.
Faye’s Historic Underground Home
Have you ever seen an underground indoor pool? Neither had we until we visited Faye’s Underground Home. For $20, the tour guides you through an authentic Coober Pedy dugout where you can truly learn about life below the surface. The underground home was handcrafted with picks and shovels by three incredible women - it’s amazing and worth a visit.
Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage
Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage is a unique hub for incredible local Aboriginal artwork, managed by the dedicated duo, Terry and Joe.
We stopped by at 5:30 pm for the feeding time - not ours, but for the kangaroos. Terry provided valuable insights into the kangaroo species found in Outback Australia. We also learned essential tips for handling kangaroos on the roadside, especially with joeys. It really is a hands-on experience with the opportunity to feed and cuddle a joey!
Note: Regrettably, we observed several kangaroos struck by cars on the roadside. If you do see any wildlife that is distressed or needing assistance, Terry and Jo, offer a 24-hour rescue service across Australia. If they can’t personally respond, they ensure the distressed wildlife receives the right care.
Opal Noodling
Try your luck at noodling at the public noodling area. If you are not on a pegged claim and do not use a pick, shovel or any digging device then a permit is not required.
We stumbled upon an Opal Noodling Pit listed on WikiCamps. Here, you can try your hand at noodling for opals, and the best part is, you get to keep whatever fortune you uncover.
Note: Mentioned earlier, there are estimated over 1,500,000 open mine shafts in Coober Pedy that can be up to 30m deep. Make sure you adhere to the rules and regulations for Coober Pedy Opal Fields. The main two being, it is illegal to go on a pegged claim without the miner’s permission, and do not go onto the opal fields at night.
Coober Pedy’s Hollywood Hill Sign
If you’ve searched for Coober Pedy on social media, I can guarantee that one of the first pictures that comes up is of the famous Coober Pedy Hill Sign. It’s an iconic spot to take a photo to remember your time in the unique town. It is reminiscent of the Hollywood sign which is fitting as it really is ‘Hollywood of the Outback’ and proudly overlooks the town. Coober Pedy has been the set for a few Hollywood movies including, Pitch Black, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Red Plant.
On the Main Street of Coober Pedy you’ll find a collection of weird items including a spaceship parked in front of the Umuna Opal Shop which is prop left behind from the movie Pick Black.
If you feel like catching a movie Hollywood style, Coober Pedy is home to the last remaining drive-in movie theatre in South Australia. Check opening times and see what’s playing here.
Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club
Play at one of the most unusual golf courses in the world! The greens are black and the fairways are white, and you might even find yourself some opal whilst you’re playing a round. Even if you’re not looking to play a round of golf, it’s worthwhile driving by and having a look.
If you’re looking to play a round of golf, contact the Old Timers Mine & Museum or head out to the Coober Pedy Golf Club on a Friday evening 6pm for tee off in a social Ambrose.
Coober Pedy Well Being Labyrinth
If you’re looking to try something new try walking the Coober Pedy Well Being Labyrinth - it's a form of active meditation. There is only one path in and one path out allowing you to slowly walk, clear your mind and relax. Even if you don’t have a spiritual side, it’s nice to slow down and reflect.
Kanku Breakaways Conservation Park
The landscape at Kanku Breakaways Conservation Park looks like you’re visiting the moon - the groves and colours are very unique. We haven’t found a landscape like it on our travels around Australia. The park consists of colourful low hills which have broken away from the Stuart Range. The two lookout points are a great spot to watch sunrise or sunset as the colours change with the light.
Note: It is recommended for 4WD vehicles only and you do need to purchase a permit online.
John’s Pizza Bar
Lastly, a visit to Coober Pedy isn’t complete without a visit to John’s Pizza Bar - crowned as the fifth-best pizza spot in Australia according to TripAdvisor. The menu offers 33 diverse pizzas, noteworthy are the three native pizza selections featuring Emu and Kangaroo. Beyond pizzas, the menu extends to pasta, seafood, grills, burgers and more. The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, be prepared it does get very busy!
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of opal mining or immersing yourself in the town’s unique atmosphere, Coober Pedy is a place not to be missed. Who knows, you might find an opal and depart with a newfound fortune.
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Adelaide: 8 hr 55 min (848 kilometres)
Alice Springs: 7 hr 5 min (688 kilometres)
Darwin: 22 hr 15 min (2186 kilometres)
Melbourne: 17 hr 9 min (1560 kilometres)
Perth: 1 day 4 hr (2501 kilometres)
Sydney: 21 hr 52 min (2060 kilometres)
Brisbane: 1 day 2 hr (2498 kilometres)
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Absolutely! There are two supermarkets on the main town street offering a wide range of groceries including fresh meat, milk and bread. While prices are more expensive than larger supermarket chains, it’s a convenient option to avoid going without essential supplies.
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It's HOT and very dry! In the summer, expect scorching temperatures around 36 degrees during the day. Winters bring a dry and cool vibe, with daytime averages around 18 degrees. Regardless of the season, be prepared for a significant drop in temperature at night throughout the year.
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For the most comfortable temperatures, plan your trip between April and October. With a desert climate and limited shade, this period makes for a more pleasant experience. Keep in mind, though, that it's peak season, so booking accommodation and tours in advance is recommended to avoid any disappointments.
We've explored Coober Pedy during the summer, and while it added to the Australian Outback experience, the heat can be intense. Accommodation is more accessible during these months, but be aware that some attractions and shops may be closed.
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We suggest dedicating 2-3 days in Coober Pedy to truly immerse yourself in exploring the town. If you're staying in a dugout, having some downtime adds to the unique experience, making your visit even more memorable. Plus, with the considerable drive, it's nice to have a break before continuing your journey.
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Yes, there are campgrounds in Coober Pedy. If you’re seeking a free camp spot, check out the Old Timers Mine in town. While there, don’t miss the chance to explore the Old Timers Mine & Museum for a self-guided tour of an opal mind from 1916.
For those preferring caravan parks, there are three close to the main town of Coober Pedy, including Big4 Stuart Range Outback Resort, Opal Inn Caravan Park, and Oasis Tourist Park. Tomcat Hill Caravan Park is just outside of town.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can even camp underground at Ribas Underground Camping and Caravan Park. There is also a HipCamp just outside of town with a stellar view!
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Yes, if you’re looking to try your luck at opal mining head to the public noodling area. If you are not on a pegged claim and do not use a pick, shovel or any digging device then a permit is not required.
We stumbled upon an Opal Noodling Pit listed on WikiCamps. Here, you can try your hand at noodling for opals, and the best part is, you get to keep whatever fortune you uncover.