Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else on Earth. This remote outback town in South Australia is famous for its opal mines and underground homes, where residents escape the scorching desert heat by living in dugouts carved into the hillsides. The landscape is a surreal, moonlike expanse of mullock heaps and red dust, with a quirky, pioneering spirit that draws travellers seeking something truly offbeat.

Highlights & What to See

• Underground Homes & Churches: Tour a real underground house to see how locals live, and visit the Serbian Orthodox Church – the world’s first underground church – carved entirely by hand.
• Opal Mine Tours: Join a guided tour of an opal mine to learn about the gem’s history and try your luck at noodling (searching through tailings) for a tiny treasure.
• Faye’s Underground Home: A classic example of a dugout home, furnished in 1960s style, offering a fascinating glimpse into early opal mining life.
• The Breakaways: A stunning moonscape of colourful flat-topped mesas and gorges, about 30 km north of town – especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
• Dog Fence & Dingo Fence: See the longest fence in the world (over 5,600 km) that stretches across the outback to keep dingoes out of sheep country.
• Underground Art Gallery: A cool escape showcasing local Aboriginal and outback art, often with a working opal-cutting display.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal to experience Coober Pedy’s unique underground lifestyle and explore the surrounding desert landscapes. Arrive early on day one for a mine tour and underground homes, then head to the Breakaways for sunset. Day two can be spent opal noodling, visiting the dog fence, and browsing local galleries. If you’re driving the Lasseter Highway, it makes a perfect overnight stop between Alice Springs and the South Australian coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• William Creek: A tiny pub and roadhouse on the Oodnadatta Track, about 100 km south – a classic outback pitstop.
• Lake Eyre: Australia’s largest salt lake, accessible by scenic flight from Coober Pedy (especially spectacular after rare rains).
• Oodnadatta Track: A historic outback route linking Coober Pedy to Marree, passing ancient Aboriginal sites and old railway ruins.
• Mintabie: A remote opal mining settlement north of Coober Pedy, offering a raw, off-grid experience.
• Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park: For those with a 4WD, this park protects the lake’s fragile ecosystem and offers stark desert beauty.

Please check official sources for current details.