Coober Pedy, South Australia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that over 50% of Coober Pedy’s residents live underground in homes called “dugouts” to escape the scorching desert heat that can reach 45°C (113°F) in summer? This extraordinary outback town, known as the “Opal Capital of the World,” produces more than 85% of the world’s precious opals. Located 846 km (526 miles) north of Adelaide in the South Australian outback, Coober Pedy offers visitors one of the most unique travel experiences on the planet.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey to Coober Pedy, South Australia

Reaching this remote outback gem requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. Here are your options for getting to Coober Pedy:

By Air

The fastest way to reach Coober Pedy is by air. Rex Airlines operates direct flights from Adelaide to Coober Pedy Airport several times per week. The flight takes approximately 2 hours. From the airport, it’s a short 5-minute drive to the town center.

By Road

If you prefer a road trip, Coober Pedy is located on the Stuart Highway:

• From Adelaide: 846 km (526 miles), approximately 9-10 hours driving time
• From Alice Springs: 688 km (428 miles), approximately 7-8 hours driving time
• From Port Augusta: 540 km (335 miles), approximately 5-6 hours driving time

By Bus

Greyhound Australia offers daily coach services from Adelaide to Coober Pedy. The journey takes approximately 11 hours.

By Train

The famous Ghan train passes near Coober Pedy, stopping at Manguri Siding, 42 km (26 miles) from town. Passengers must arrange transport in advance if they wish to disembark here, as the siding is quite remote.

Best Time to Visit Coober Pedy

Spectacular sunset over Coober Pedy’s desert landscape

Coober Pedy experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, which significantly impacts the visitor experience. Understanding the climate will help you plan your trip effectively.

Recommended Seasons

Seasons to Avoid

Getting Around Locally

Coober Pedy is a relatively small town with most attractions within walking distance of the town center. However, to explore the surrounding areas and key attractions, you’ll need transportation.

Rental Cars

The most convenient way to explore Coober Pedy and its surroundings is by renting a car. Several rental agencies operate in town, but it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season. A 4WD vehicle is recommended if you plan to venture off the main roads to explore remote areas like the Breakaways Conservation Park.

Local Tours

Numerous tour operators offer guided excursions of the town and surrounding attractions. These tours are an excellent way to learn about the area’s history, opal mining, and unique lifestyle from knowledgeable local guides.

Walking

The main street (Hutchison Street) contains most shops, restaurants, and some attractions. Many underground homes, churches, and museums are within walking distance of the town center. Just remember to carry water and sun protection if walking during daylight hours.

Where to Stay in Coober Pedy

Unique underground accommodation in Coober Pedy

One of the most memorable aspects of visiting Coober Pedy is the opportunity to stay underground. These “dugout” accommodations maintain a constant temperature of 19-25°C (66-77°F) year-round, providing a cool retreat from summer heat and cozy warmth during winter nights.

Underground Hotels

Several hotels offer the authentic underground experience with rooms carved into the sandstone:

• Desert Cave Hotel – The premier accommodation option featuring underground rooms, an underground bar, restaurant, and shopping arcade.
• Comfort Inn Coober Pedy Experience – Offers both underground and above-ground rooms with modern amenities.
• The Underground Motel – A budget-friendly option with clean, comfortable underground rooms.

Above-Ground Options

If you prefer traditional accommodation:

• Opal Inn Hotel Motel – Centrally located with a restaurant, pub, and supermarket on-site.
• Mud Hut Motel – Unique above-ground rooms designed to mimic underground living.

Budget Accommodation

For travelers on a budget:

• Radeka Downunder Underground Backpackers – Offers dormitory and private rooms below ground.
• Opal Inn Caravan Park – Provides powered sites and basic cabins.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Enjoying local cuisine in an underground restaurant

Despite its remote location, Coober Pedy offers surprising culinary diversity, reflecting its multicultural population. Many restaurants are family-owned and showcase European influences alongside traditional Australian fare.

Must-Try Restaurants

• John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant – A local institution serving Italian cuisine and Australian favorites since 1972.
• Umberto’s Restaurant – Authentic Italian dishes in an underground setting.
• The Desert Cave Hotel Restaurant – Fine dining with a focus on Australian cuisine including kangaroo, emu, and crocodile.
• Outback Bar & Grill – Classic pub meals and cold drinks in a friendly atmosphere.

Local Specialties

While visiting Coober Pedy, try these regional specialties:

• Kangaroo steak – Lean, gamey meat that’s a staple in outback cuisine
• Quandong pie – Dessert made with native peach-like fruit
• Damper – Traditional Australian soda bread often cooked over campfires
• Bush tucker – Indigenous foods incorporating native plants and animals

Cafés & Quick Bites

For coffee and casual meals:

• Opal City Bakery – Fresh pastries, pies, and sandwiches
• Down to Earth Café – Coffee, smoothies, and light meals

Most restaurants in Coober Pedy close relatively early (around 8:30-9:00 PM), so plan your dining accordingly. It’s also worth noting that some establishments may close during the low season or operate with reduced hours.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

The stunning Breakaways Conservation Park near Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy offers a wealth of unique attractions that showcase its opal mining heritage, underground living, and the stunning surrounding desert landscape.

Underground Attractions

• Umoona Opal Mine & Museum – A comprehensive introduction to opal mining with displays of precious opals and Aboriginal artifacts.
• Old Timers Mine – An authentic 1916 opal mine that allows visitors to see how early miners worked and lived.
• Serbian Orthodox Church – A beautiful underground church with intricate carvings and religious icons.
• Catacomb Church – Another impressive underground place of worship open to visitors.
• Faye’s Underground Home – A fully furnished dugout home hand-excavated by three women in the 1960s.

Above-Ground Attractions

Movie prop spaceship from “Pitch Black” in Coober Pedy

• The Big Winch Lookout – Offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.
• Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park – Stunning multicolored rock formations 33 km (20 miles) north of town.
• Dog Fence – The world’s longest fence, stretching 5,614 km (3,488 miles) to keep dingoes away from sheep grazing areas.
• Moon Plain – Lunar-like landscape that has featured in numerous films including Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Pitch Black.
• Crocodile Harry’s Underground Nest – The eccentric former home of a Latvian crocodile hunter turned opal miner.

Activities & Experiences

Tourists trying their luck at noodling for opals

• Opal Mining Experience – Try your hand at “noodling” (searching through mine tailings for opals that miners might have missed).
• Opal Cutting Demonstrations – Watch skilled artisans transform rough opals into polished gemstones.
• Sunset Tours – Witness the spectacular changing colors of the outback landscape at dusk.
• Coober Pedy Drive-In – Experience one of Australia’s last remaining drive-in theaters (operates seasonally).
• Coober Pedy Golf Course – Play a round on the unique grassless golf course where players carry a piece of artificial turf for teeing off.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Stunning opal display at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum

Coober Pedy’s rich multicultural heritage and opal mining history have created a unique cultural landscape worth exploring.

Museums

• Umoona Opal Mine & Museum – Features exhibits on opal formation, mining techniques, and Aboriginal culture.
• Old Timers Mine & Museum – Displays historical mining equipment and an impressive opal collection.
• The Coober Pedy Historical Society – Preserves and showcases the town’s unique history through photographs and artifacts.

Cultural Experiences

• Aboriginal Interpretive Walking Trail – Learn about indigenous connections to the land.
• Josephine’s Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage – Features Aboriginal art and rescued kangaroos.
• Underground Churches – Visit several denominations including Catholic, Serbian Orthodox, and Catacomb Church.

Annual Events & Festivals

• Coober Pedy Opal Festival – Held annually in April, featuring opal exhibitions, mining competitions, and community celebrations.
• Coober Pedy Races – A unique outback horse racing event held each August.
• Desert Cave Classic Golf Tournament – An annual golfing event on the town’s distinctive grassless course.

Film Heritage

Coober Pedy’s otherworldly landscape has made it a popular filming location. Movies shot here include:

• Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
• The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
• Pitch Black (2000)
• Red Planet (2000)
• Kangaroo Jack (2003)

Several film locations can be visited, and some tours specifically highlight these cinematic connections.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Dramatic sunset over Coober Pedy’s desert landscape

The seemingly harsh environment around Coober Pedy reveals surprising beauty and biodiversity when you know where to look.

Natural Attractions

• Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park – Located 33 km (20 miles) north of town, these colorful mesas and escarpments were formed by the erosion of an ancient inland sea. The stunning rock formations change color throughout the day, with sunset offering the most spectacular views.
• Moon Plain – A vast, lunar-like gibber plain that stretches to the horizon, creating an otherworldly landscape.
• The Painted Desert – Located further north (150 km/93 miles from town), this ancient seabed features hills in a rainbow of colors from ochre to mauve.
• Salt Lakes – After rare rainfall events, nearby salt lakes can fill with water, attracting birdlife and creating mirror-like reflections.

Wildlife Spotting

Despite the arid conditions, the region supports diverse wildlife:

• Birds – Eagles, falcons, budgerigars, galahs, and occasionally emus
• Reptiles – Bearded dragons, sand goannas, and various lizard species
• Mammals – Red kangaroos, dingoes (outside the dog fence), and introduced feral camels

Outdoor Activities

• Stargazing – The clear desert air and minimal light pollution make Coober Pedy ideal for observing the night sky.
• Photography – The unique landscapes offer endless opportunities for stunning photographs, especially during golden hour.
• 4WD Adventures – Guided tours or self-drive explorations (with proper preparation) can take you to remote areas around Coober Pedy.
• Bushwalking – Short walks are available in the Breakaways Conservation Park (always carry water and inform someone of your plans).

Safety, Etiquette & Practical Travel Tips

Staying hydrated is essential in Coober Pedy’s arid climate

Safety Considerations

• Mine Shafts – Stay on marked paths and roads. The area around Coober Pedy has thousands of unmarked mine shafts.
• Extreme Weather – Be prepared for intense heat in summer and surprisingly cold nights in winter.
• Hydration – Carry water at all times, even for short walks around town.
• Sun Protection – The UV index is extremely high. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Remote Travel – If driving to outlying areas, inform someone of your plans and expected return time.

Local Etiquette

• Mining Claims – Never enter active mining areas without permission.
• Aboriginal Land – Some areas around Coober Pedy are traditional Aboriginal lands. Respect signage and obtain permits if required.
• Photography – Ask permission before photographing people, especially Aboriginal residents.
• Water Conservation – Water is precious in Coober Pedy. Use it sparingly.

Practical Tips

• Banking – There’s an ATM in town, but it’s wise to bring cash as backup.
• Mobile Coverage – Telstra provides the most reliable service in town, but coverage can be patchy in surrounding areas.
• Shopping Hours – Most businesses close early (around 5:00 PM) and some close for lunch.
• Fuel – Fill up in town before exploring remote areas. The next fuel stops can be hundreds of kilometers away.
• Opal Purchases – Buy opals only from reputable dealers. Ask for a certificate of authenticity for significant purchases.

What to Pack

• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Lightweight, breathable clothing for day
• Warm layers for evenings (even in summer)
• Closed walking shoes with good grip
• Camera with extra batteries
• Basic first aid supplies

Ready for Your Coober Pedy Adventure?

Exploring Coober Pedy’s fascinating underground world

Coober Pedy offers one of Australia’s most unique travel experiences. This extraordinary outback town, where people live underground and hunt for precious gems, represents the pioneering spirit and adaptability that defines the Australian outback. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by its otherworldly landscapes, fascinating underground dwellings, and the warm hospitality of its multicultural community.

Whether you’re searching for opals, exploring underground churches, marveling at the painted desert landscapes, or simply experiencing the novelty of sleeping beneath the earth, Coober Pedy will leave you with memories unlike any other destination. The journey may be long, but discovering this gem in the South Australian desert is truly worth the effort.