Coober Pedy is probably one of the world’s most unique and interesting towns. Located in the hot, dry Outback of southern Australia, Coober Pedy is an oasis that will provide you with one of the most fascinating vacation destinations possible. While there are only around 3,500 permanent residents, the influx of tourists makes this a lively, as well as interesting, destination. While the main attraction has always been opals, there are so many other things to see and do in Coober Pedy, that you will wish that your stay was longer.
Coober Pedy was only another stretch of the desert until the early twentieth century, when an enterprising lad discovered opals. The lure of the precious stones has brought miners and prospectors from all parts of the globe, and there are over 45 nationalities represented in the town, making it more cosmopolitan than many major cities. The people are friendly and relaxed, and you will find a warm welcome in Coober Pedy.
It is true that opals and opal mining are the main reasons that people come to Coober Pedy, but underground living has proven to be a major attraction as well. In order to escape the summer temperatures, the first miners started to dig into the hills to make dugouts. They found that living underground provided them with a comfortable refuge from the outside. The Aborigines were so amused by this digging that they called the spot kupa-piti, “White Man In A Hole”. The name morphed to Coober Pedy, but it remains a good description of the town.
Besides private homes, many businesses have also taken advantage of the coolness of the earth, and you will find many hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and hostels located in Coober Pedy which will afford you a cool and quiet room. If you prefer, there are also above ground rooms available that are fully air-conditioned for your comfort. Caravan parks and camping facilities are also available, with some underground campsites, too!
Also taking refuge from the heat by moving underground are the Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Churches, pottery shop and gallery, restaurants and bars, and museums. Most of the early underground structures were carved out with pick and shovel, but tunneling machines now do the work in one day that that previously might take weeks, or even years. Many of the underground ‘buildings’ began as abandoned mines, and were simply enlarged as needed.
Opals and Kangaroos
If you are interested primarily in opals, however, you will be able to tour working mines, and even take your chance with a pick and shovel. You can always ‘noodle’ through the mine tailings in search of an opal that escaped detection earlier. Besides finding opals yourself, you can always stop in one of the many fine shops that offer these beautiful stones for sale, free standing or set in jewelry.
No visit to Australia would be complete without seeing the kangaroos. Tours are available that will take you to the area surrounding Coober Pedy where you can see these marsupials in their natural environment. However, you will have the opportunity to pet and help care for young kangaroos at the Kangaroo Orphanage connected to Josephine’s Gallery.