Coober Pedy
Town
Population 1470
On 1 February 1915 a group of gold prospectors discovered opal in the area surrounding Coober Pedy. It was to become the biggest opal field in the world, which today provides around 80 per cent of the world's gem-quality opals. The name Coober Pedy is derived from the Aboriginal phrase 'Kupa Piti', loosely translating to 'white man's hole in the ground'. The town's unique underground style of living was first established by soldiers returning from World War I who were used to trench life. Today much of the population call the 'dugouts' home – as ideal places to escape the severe summer temperatures and cold winter nights. The landscape of Coober Pedy is desolate and harsh, dotted with thousands of mines. It is also home to one of the most unique golf courses in the world.
Visitor Information
Coober Pedy Information Centre, Hutchison St; (08) 8672 5298 or 1800 637 076
Nearby national parks
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Lake Eyre National Park
Lake Eyre National Park encircles a desolate landscape of saltpans and waterless tracts of red desert. On rare occasions, the generally dry...more -
Lake Gairdner National Park
The vast whiteness of Lake Gairdner rests in the foothills on the northern side of the Gawler Ranges. This is one of the largest salt lakes...more
Nearby towns
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Oodnadatta
Oodnadatta is a gutsy outback town on the legendary Oodnadatta Track. It was once a major railway town, but the line's closure in 1981...more
In Town
Umoona Opal Mine and Museum This award-winning underground centre provides an all-round look at Coober Pedy. A detailed town history and an Aboriginal interpretive centre comprehensively document Coober Pedy's evolution. Experience 'dugout' life in an underground home or mine life on an on-site mine tour. An excellent documentary on Coober Pedy is shown in the underground cinema. Hutchison St; (08) 8672 5228.Old Timers Mine: museum in an original 1916 mine featuring 3 large opal seams and interpretive centre with self-guide walk; Crowders Gully Rd. Underground churches: St Peter and St Pauls was the first underground church in the world; Hutchison St. Other interesting churches include the Catacomb Church on Catacomb Rd and the Serbian Orthodox Church with its 'ballroom' style. Desert Cave: international underground hotel with shopping complex and display gallery detailing the early hardships of miners in Coober Pedy; 8am–8pm daily; Hutchison St. Underground Art Gallery: works of central Australian artists, including Aboriginal pieces; Hutchison St. Opal retailers: outlets offer jewellery and stone sales. Many demonstrate the skill required to cut and polish opals; 10am-6pm; (08) 8672 5985. Big Winch Lookout: monument and lookout over town; Italian Club Rd. Outback scenic and charter flights: local and outback tours; depart from airport; bookings (08) 8672 3067. Mine tours: to local mines; contact visitor centre.
Nearby
Moon Plain and the Breakaways The rocky landscape of Moon Plain (15 km NE) has been the backdrop for many movies, especially those with a science-fiction bent. Likewise, the 40 sq km reserve of the Breakaways (30 km N). The unique arid landscape of flat-topped outcrops and stony gibber desert is breathtaking, as is the wildlife that has adapted to these harsh conditions. Passes to the reserve are available from the visitor centre and other outlets in town. Return via the road past part of the Dog Fence, a 5300 km fence built to protect sheep properties in the south from wild dogs. Coober Pedy Golf Course Play on a unique 18-hole grassless course. The only golf club in the world with reciprocal playing rights with the 'home of golf', St. Andrews in Scotland. Night Golf is available by appointment. Minimum of 4 people; (08) 8672 3535; 3.5km N. The Mail Run This overland adventure is a unique way of discovering the remote outback. Travelling with Coober Pedy's mailman, the tour travels past waterholes and through scenic landscapes on its delivery run to Oodnadatta, William Creek and the remote cattle stations in between. Travelling 600 km over outback roads and the renowned Oodnadatta Track, the mailman offers up fascinating stories and history of the landscape and people. Tours depart from the Underground Bookshop at 9am on Mon and Thurs; bookings (08) 8672 5226 or 1800 069 911.Underground Pottery: handmade pottery depicting the colours and landscape of the desert; 2 km W. William Creek: the smallest town in the state, situated in Anna Creek station, the world's largest cattle station. A race meeting is held the weekend before Easter each year. Flights offered over Lake Eyre; 166 km E. Painted Desert: rich colours paint the Arckaringa Hills, also noted for flora and fauna; 234 km N. Travellers note: Opal fields are pocked with diggings. Beware of unprotected mine shafts. Avoid entering any field area unless escorted. For safety reasons, visitors to the mines are advised to join a tour. Trespassers on claims can be fined a minimum of $1000. Coober Pedy is the last stop for petrol between Cadney Homestead (151 km N) and Glendambo (252 km S).
Cafes & restaurants around town
Campsites around town
Goorikiana Creek camping area (bush camping) 124 km
Self-sufficient bush camping beside Goorikiana Creek is 7 km east of the famous Painted Desert, a stark yet vividly hued landscape beloved by photographers and painters. Signposted access is provided along... Find out moreTallaringa camping area (bush camping) 139 km
Bush camping is permitted (with permit) in cleared areas within 50 m of the Anne Beadell Hwy.... Find out moreWilliam Creek Campground 154 km
Basic camping is offered across the road from the pub in this tiny settlement on the old Ghan Line. A popular lift-off point for scenic flights over Lake Eyre, it’s 204 km west of Marree and halfway to Oodnadatta.... Find out moreWilliam Creek Hotel camping area 154 km
Dating from 1887 William Creek’s classic timber-and-iron hotel is an SA outback legend – with an interior like no other. The camping area is tucked among scattered trees in the grounds behind the pub; bring... Find out moreOodnadatta Caravan Park 174 km
Camping and van sites are offered in the centre of this famous outback outpost, along with cabin accommodation, 406 km north-west of Marree. Bring your own wood and water.... Find out moreCoward Springs Campground 205 km
This heritage-listed former railway siding on the old Ghan Line is now a comfortable stopover for self-sufficient campers on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s surrounded by Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park, a wetland fed... Find out moreHalligan Point camping area 213 km
The only designated camping area on the lake rim has sites along the western shores of Halligan Point, 71 km east of William Creek. A great place to birdwatch, relax and absorb the dazzling white open spaces. Access is... Find out moreMarla Travellers Rest 218 km
A sprawling roadhouse-cum-motel and caravan park, this traveller hub is 233 km north of Coober Pedy on the busy junction of the Oodnadatta Track and Stuart Hwy.... Find out moreMount Finke camping area (bush camping) 225 km
At 369 m high, Mt Finke is a major landmark in this desert landscape, with outstanding views from its craggy summit. It also has diverse plant communities, including a grevillea endemic to the area. Basic bush camping... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Oasis Tourist Park 1 km
Located at the eastern end of the main street, this is a well-established, good quality park with a range of features, including an indoor pool. The park owners also offer opal mine tours. Water is a scarce commodity in... Find out moreThis centrally located park is part of a large hotel complex. It is ideally suited to tourists, has good clean facilities and is within easy walking distance of the shopping centre. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more
Stuart Range Caravan Park 3 km
Located close to the Stuart Highway, this spacious park has good facilities and a range of accommodation. The shower blocks now boast granite benchtops. We recommend the park’s pizza bar for those who enjoy pizza.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
This two-bedroom subterranean apartment offers smart, self-contained accommodation in classic Coober Pedy style. In addition to the surprisingly spacious underground living and sleeping areas, there is a shaded outdoor... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Pootnoura Rest Area 69 km
76 km N of Coober Pedy (R) or 76 km S of Cadney (L) Large area just off the highway. NOTE: Emergency phone only. GPS: S28 33.326 E134 15.317 ... Find out moreIngomar Rest Area 87 km
161 km N of Glendambo (L) or 91 km S of Coober Pedy (R) Large open area just off the highway. NOTE: Emergency phone only. GPS: S29 42.739 E135 07.699... Find out moreMathesons Bore Rest Area 101 km
111 km N of Coober Pedy (L) or 41 km S of Cadney (R) Large secluded area well off the highway in the scrub. GPS: S28 15.486 E134 09.258... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Opal Festival: Easter.
Coober Pedy Greek Glendi: celebration of Greek culture; July.
Horseracing: Aug.
