Coober Pedy

Far from the wine-soaked hills of the Hunter Valley, Coober Pedy is a surreal outback opal-mining town where most residents live underground to escape the blistering heat. This is a place of lunar-like landscapes, dugout homes, and a fascinating pioneer spirit that feels a world away from the coast. For international travellers on a self-drive adventure, it's an unforgettable detour into the red centre’s quirky heart.

Highlights & What to See

• Underground Homes & Churches – Tour a real dugout house and visit the Serbian Orthodox Church, all carved into the sandstone beneath the earth.
• Opal Mining Tours – Join a guided tour of an active mine, try your hand at noodling for opals, and learn about the town’s gemstone history.
• Breakaways Reserve – Drive through these stunning flat-topped mesa formations at sunset for a palette of ochre, gold and purple.
• Dog Fence & Dingo Fence – See the world’s longest fence, stretching thousands of kilometres, and snap a classic outback photo.
• Underground Bookshop & Art Galleries – Browse books and local art in cool subterranean spaces, a unique shopping experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors stay one to two nights, which gives you time for a sunset drive to the Breakaways, a mine tour, and a wander through the underground town. If you're driving from the Hunter Valley, budget at least two full days on the road each way – it's a long, rewarding haul. Overnight in a dugout motel for the full experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• William Creek – Tiny outpost pub on the Oodnadatta Track, great for a cold beer and a chat with locals.
• Lake Eyre – Australia’s largest salt lake, spectacular after rare rains; scenic flights from Coober Pedy.
• Oodnadatta Track – Classic 4WD route linking Coober Pedy to Marree, passing old railway ruins and mound springs.
• Flinders Ranges – Dramatic mountain landscapes and Wilpena Pound, a few hours' drive south.

Please check official sources for current details.