If you’re looking for one of the most unusual and fascinating places in Australia, you won’t have to look any further than Coober Pedy. Located in the remote South Australian Outback, about 850 km north of Adelaide, this small town has captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. Known as the opal capital of the world and famous for its underground lifestyle, Coober Pedy is not just a town — it’s an experience unlike anywhere else.
Here, houses are carved into the earth, churches sit below the surface, and people go about their lives in subterranean comfort to escape the scorching desert heat. Add to that an otherworldly landscape that has starred in Hollywood films, and you’ll quickly understand why Coober Pedy is often described as bizarre, captivating, and unforgettable.
A Harsh Beginning
The story of Coober Pedy begins in 1915 when a 14-year-old boy named Willie Hutchison discovered opal while prospecting with his father. This gemstone find sparked a rush of fortune seekers to one of the harshest environments in Australia. Early miners lived in tents, but the unforgiving desert climate — where summer temperatures soar above 45°C — forced them to adapt. They began digging homes into the hillsides and old mine shafts, creating “dugouts”, which are still the town’s most iconic feature.
The name Coober Pedy itself is believed to come from the Aboriginal words kupa piti, often translated as “white man’s hole.” Today, the town’s population is around 2,500, made up of more than 45 nationalities, reflecting the diverse waves of migrants who came chasing the dream of opal riches.
Living Underground
Life in Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else. Around half the town’s residents live underground, in dugouts that maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, regardless of the scorching desert heat above.
Walking through an underground home feels both surreal and cozy. Rooms are carved directly out of rock, with cool, smooth walls, and you’ll often see natural rock textures left exposed. Some are simple and functional, while others are surprisingly luxurious, complete with modern kitchens, lounges, and even swimming pools.
Visitors can experience this lifestyle firsthand by staying in one of the underground hotels such as Desert Cave Hotel or The Lookout Cave Hotel, which offer the unique thrill of sleeping beneath the earth. It’s silent, cool, and oddly comforting — like being wrapped in nature’s embrace.
The Opal Capital of the World
Opal is at the heart of Coober Pedy’s identity. More than 90% of the world’s opals are mined here, and mining continues to this day. The town is dotted with thousands of mine shafts, mullock heaps (mounds of discarded rock), and signs warning visitors to be careful where they walk.
Visitors can try their luck at “noodling”, which involves sifting through discarded rock piles in search of small opal pieces missed by miners. Local shops and galleries showcase dazzling opal jewelry and stones, ranging from affordable souvenirs to priceless gems.
To learn more about the industry, a visit to attractions such as Old Timers Mine, Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, or Tom’s Working Opal Mine is a must. These sites offer underground tours, explaining how miners work and giving visitors a chance to see glittering opal seams embedded in the rock.
Unique Attractions
Beyond its mining heritage, Coober Pedy has a wealth of unusual and intriguing attractions.
- Underground Churches: Coober Pedy has several underground churches, including the beautiful Serbian Orthodox Church, with intricate carvings, and the Catacomb Church, offering a peaceful subterranean space for reflection.
- Underground Bookshop: A quirky bookstore set underground, combining literature with the novelty of dugout living.
- Underground Art Galleries: Many local artists showcase their work underground, blending creativity with the surreal environment.
Above ground, the town’s rugged desert surroundings are just as captivating. The stark, barren landscape is often described as “lunar” or “Martian,” which explains why filmmakers have used Coober Pedy as a backdrop for science fiction movies such as Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, Pitch Black, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
The Breakaways and the Moon Plain
A short drive from Coober Pedy reveals some of the Outback’s most dramatic scenery.
- The Breakaways: These colourful, flat-topped hills seem to “break away” from the desert floor, creating a breathtaking panorama of reds, oranges, and whites. They are particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset when the light sets the landscape ablaze. The area is also culturally significant to the local Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people, with Dreamtime stories connected to the formations.
- Moon Plain: A vast, barren expanse of rocky ground that truly looks like another planet. Its surreal beauty has earned it a place in numerous films and makes for unforgettable photography.
Quirky Landmarks
Coober Pedy is not short on eccentric charm. Scattered across the town are oddities that reflect the community’s unique character.
- Big Winch: A large winch overlooking the town, symbolising the mining heritage, with panoramic views of the desert.
- Spaceship in the Desert: A prop from Pitch Black that still sits proudly in the town, a nod to its role in movie history.
- Coober Pedy Golf Club: Perhaps the quirkiest golf course in the world — a grassless course where players carry around small pieces of artificial turf to tee off. The club even has reciprocal rights with St. Andrews in Scotland, the home of golf.
Life in the Harsh Outback
Living in Coober Pedy is not for the faint-hearted. The desert climate is extreme, the environment unforgiving, and the isolation profound. Yet the town has developed a resilient, welcoming community spirit. With residents from dozens of cultural backgrounds, it’s a melting pot of traditions, cuisines, and stories.
The town centre offers a surprising mix of restaurants, serving everything from hearty pub meals to Serbian and Italian dishes, reflecting its migrant history. You’ll also find small shops, a few pubs, and the essential services needed for such a remote community.
Events and Festivals
Coober Pedy celebrates its uniqueness with events that showcase its quirky character. The most famous is the Opal Festival, usually held in June, which brings together locals and visitors for parades, entertainment, opal displays, and a chance to experience Outback hospitality.
Sport also plays a role, with events such as underground soccer matches and golf tournaments adding to the town’s eccentric charm.
Practical Travel Tips
- Getting There: Coober Pedy is located along the Stuart Highway, making it accessible by car on a long but iconic Outback road trip. It’s about 8–9 hours from Adelaide and 7 hours from Alice Springs. Flights also connect Coober Pedy to Adelaide, though schedules can be limited.
- When to Visit: The best time to visit is during the cooler months (April–October), when daytime temperatures are mild. Summer can be brutally hot, often exceeding 45°C, making outdoor exploration challenging.
- Where to Stay: Experience the underground lifestyle by booking an underground hotel or motel. There are also caravan parks and above-ground accommodations for those who prefer traditional stays.
- Safety: Be cautious when exploring around the town, as there are thousands of old mine shafts. Stick to designated areas and heed warning signs.
Why Coober Pedy Belongs on Your Bucket List
Coober Pedy is more than just a town — it’s a testament to human resilience, ingenuity, and adaptability. What began as a harsh mining settlement has become a thriving, multicultural community where life is lived underground, and the desert landscape offers constant wonder.
Visitors come for the opals and the quirky underground experience, but they leave with memories of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating stories, and a deeper appreciation for life in the Outback. Whether you’re sleeping in a dugout hotel, marvelling at the colours of the Breakaways, or simply chatting with locals about life in such an unusual place, Coober Pedy offers an adventure like no other.
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s unforgettable. If you’re planning an Australian road trip or craving a destination that’s off the beaten path, Coober Pedy is a place you simply can’t miss.
