Coober Pedy is the most unusual town in Australia. Its defining feature is that many of the houses are underground, making it one of the most unique communities in the world.
The town is also renowned as the Opal Capital of the World, where some of the largest and most spectacular opals continue to be mined in great quantities. As you approach Coober Pedy, the landscape itself tells the story: scattered machinery, especially blowers, and countless small hills formed by mining operations create a distinctive, almost otherworldly scene.
Opal hunting—known locally as noodling—remains a popular pastime. While once a serious pursuit, today it is largely a tourist attraction and a source of fun, especially for children. The opals found here vary enormously in shape, size, quality, and price, adding to the fascination.
Although Coober Pedy might not be beautiful in the traditional sense, it more than compensates with its attractions. The town has become a thriving tourist destination, with museums, galleries, and shops showcasing its mining heritage. In fact, nearly every second building is dedicated to opals in some form.
The name itself reflects its unusual character: Coober Pedy translates to “White Man in a Hole.”
Riba’s Campground – Coober Pedy’s only underground campsite
During our stay in Coober Pedy this July, we chose Riba’s campground—the town’s only underground campsite—for a unique experience. Pulling a caravan, however, made underground camping impractical. The subterranean area is designed for tents, which must be carried inside along with all belongings. Since our kitchen is attached to the vehicle, we had to cook and eat outside regardless.
Fortunately, Riba’s also offers above-ground sites, which turned out to be more affordable. Still, we couldn’t resist peeking into the underground section. Had we been traveling with tents, we would have seriously considered it—the constant, comfortable temperature below ground is a welcome contrast to the chilly winter nights outside.
The campground host also runs mining tours, which are are informative but not particularly engaging for young children. While our boys are older, our younger son is very energetic and would have quickly grown restless without something hands-on. Luckily, Coober Pedy offers plenty of other tours to keep families entertained.
Tom’s Opal Mine Tour – A Coober Pedy Highlight
To keep the kids entertained while learning something practical about opal mining, we booked Tom’s Opal Mine Tour in Coober Pedy. It did not disappoint. The tour was engaging and informative, with plenty of detail about mining techniques and noodling. While the children had to be patient during the explanations, their excitement grew once they had a chance to try things for themselves.
They had the chance to search for opals and then trade their finds back to the mine’s owner. The exchange was sweets or pocket money—a highlight for our younger son. Another hands-on moment came during a live demonstration. The kids helped shovel sand into the Blower, giving them a taste of the physical side of mining.
A delightful surprise awaited us at the end: complimentary tea served with scones, jam, and cream at the café. The hospitality extended to catering for allergies and dietary requirements, which was especially appreciated by our family.
Old Timers Mine Museum
Another highlight of our stay in Coober Pedy was visiting the Old Timers Mine Museum, a hand-dug opal mine dating back to 1916 that has been carefully preserved as a museum.
Visitors can embark on a self-guided underground tour, moving at their own pace through the authentic tunnels and chambers. Along the way, you’ll see natural seams of opal embedded in the rock and gain fascinating insights into both the mining process and the daily lives of the miners who once worked here.
The experience is not only educational but also genuinely fun, offering a rare chance to step back in time and feel the atmosphere of an early opal mine. And of course, the visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the gift shop, where opals and souvenirs are available for purchase.
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park – out of this world experience
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park lies just 35 km from Coober Pedy and is celebrated for its striking landscapes and rich geological heritage. With its surreal scenery, the park feels like a world apart—so much so that it has served as the backdrop for several films.
The most magical time to visit is at sunset, when the shifting light paints the hills in breathtaking colours.
Please note: entry permits and fees apply, and bookings must be made online in advance.
We stayed even when the sun went down, waiting for the sky to illuminate with stars and Milky Way.
Coober Pedy, located in South Australia, lies roughly halfway between Alice Springs and Adelaide along the Stuart Highway. Set within a hot, arid desert, the town’s extreme climate explains why so many residents choose to live in underground homes.
