We owe it to the opal mining industry for bringing Coober Pedy to Australian tourism. This isolated, outback town exists purely because of the availability of opals. This self-proclaimed "Opal Capital of the World" has blossomed into a quirky tourist destination in the heart of Australia's harsh wilderness.
The name is derived from an English version of the Aboriginal phrase for "white man in a hole". A town has never been more appropriately named, since the majority of the population lives underground due the blistering heat. But this is just one of the characteristics of Coober Pedy that sets it apart from every other city in Australia.
Experience the unique ways that Coober Pedy residents deal with the blistering heat and isolated living. There's no place in the world like Coober Pedy and you won't soon forget your visit there.
Getting in and around Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy Airport
There are four ways for getting to Coober Pedy. You can fly from Adelaide to Coober Pedy Airport, take The Ghan train, catch a bus or drive. If you choose to drive, prepare, as it is a long distance from any major city.
Coober Pedy Transport
Coober Pedy is small in population but almost endless in physical size due to the sprawling wilderness that surrounds it. Getting around Coober Pedy is best done by car, it can also be done by foot, however because of the heat you may enjoy the luxury of air-conditioning.
Coober Pedy Car Hire
Car hire companies aren't as plentiful in Coober Pedy as they are in larger cities. However, larger companies like Budget and smaller locally owned companies are both options when hiring a car in Coober Pedy.
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Coober Pedy accommodation
In a petite and isolated town like Coober Pedy, travellers shouldn't expect a wide selection of commercial luxury hotels. Accommodation in Coober Pedy stays true to the tradition of underground living. Visitors can expect a handful of quality, yet highly affordable accommodation where they can be comfortable and have a relaxing stay in Coober Pedy.
Luxury
Desert Cave Hotel is an award-winning establishment with luxurious rooms, a delicious on-site restaurant and flawless service. Desert Cave Hotel is an award-winning establishment with luxurious rooms, a delicious on-site restaurant, and flawless service.
Mid-range
Comfort Inn Coober Pedy Experience. This underground motel allows Coober Pedy visitors to live like the locals do. An authentic experience for a very reasonable price.
Down to Erth Bed and Breakfast does underground living with a touch of luxury. Guests are treated to cosy decor and flawless service. Comfort Inn Coober Pedy Experience Motel This underground motel allows Coober Pedy visitors to live like the locals do. An authentic experience for a very reasonable price.
Down to Erth Bed and Breakfast does underground living with a touch of luxury. Guests are treated to cosy decor and flawless service.
Budget
The Opal Inn Hotel offers an authentic outback experience at a price everyone can afford.
Desert View Underground Apartments is comfortable and spacious and gives you everything you need with friendly service. The Opal Inn Hotel is a family owned and operated establishment that offers an authentic outback experience at a price everyone can afford.
The Desert View Motel is comfortable and spacious and gives you everything you need with friendly service.
Backpackers
Radeka Downunder. This underground backpackers accommodation has all of the uniqueness of Coober Pedy as well as the affordability and flexibility that on-the-go travellers expect.
Radeka's Down Under This underground backpacker's accommodation has all of the uniqueness of Coober Pedy as well as the affordability and flexibility that on-the-go travellers expect.
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Things to do in Coober Pedy
Underground Churches. Yes, even the churches are underground. Few experiences are as memorable as visiting an underground church and there are many to choose from in Coober Pedy, from Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church to the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Stargazing. Away from the bright lights of industry and population, the stars look entirely different. Night time stargazing tours allow visitors in Coober Pedy to experience the bright lights of the Australian sky.
Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club. Experience what it's like to play golf at night with glow-in-the-dark golf balls. You'll get to carry around a piece of turf to tee off. Even golf in Coober Pedy has a unique twist.
Coober Pedy Drive In. The people of Coober Pedy are always looking to take advantage of the cooler evening temperatures. Take in a beautiful night under the stars while watching a movie at the nostalgic Coober Pedy Drive In.
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Day trips in and around Coober Pedy
The Breakaways. The Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is located about 30 kilometres outside of Coober Pedy and is a picturesque representation of the arid treeless and grassless region. The red rugged terrain is home to rare plants and animals.
Tours. Coober Pedy has many touring companies offering comprehensive tours of the area or even more focused excursions. See the beauties of the Outback, various open mines and other attractions with a guided tour.
Old Timers Mine. Take a trip back in time as you tour one of the original opal mines dating back to the 1960s. See how the industry used to operate and what working in an antique opal mine would have been like.
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