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Welcome to Coober Pedy, a town like no other on Earth! Known as the "Opal Capital of the World," this unique outback destination is a fascinating blend of underground living, dramatic landscapes, and rich mining history. Nestled in the heart of South Australia’s arid desert, Coober Pedy offers an experience unlike anywhere else — with homes, shops, and even hotels built underground to escape the searing heat.
In this 2-day itinerary, you'll explore breathtaking natural wonders, discover the secrets of opal mining, marvel at quirky outback attractions, and witness the magic of a desert sunset. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply curious about this extraordinary town, Coober Pedy promises an unforgettable journey through one of Australia's most unique landscapes.
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Getting there
Coober Pedy is located approximately 850km north of Adelaide and 685km south of Alice Springs, making it a key stop along the iconic Stuart Highway.
The most adventurous way to reach Coober Pedy is by embarking on a road trip through the heart of the Australian outback. From Adelaide, the journey takes approximately nine hours, while from Alice Springs, it’s around seven hours. Despite its remote location, the drive from Adelaide or Alice Springs is entirely on sealed roads, making it accessible for all vehicle types. However, outback travel requires preparation—distances between towns are vast, and services can be limited. Ensure your vehicle is in top condition, carry plenty of water, and stock up on fuel and essential supplies before setting off.
For those seeking an even more adventurous route, consider travelling via the rugged Oodnadatta Track, which offers breathtaking desert landscapes and a detour to Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia's lowest point. We recommend a 4WD for this route, especially after wet weather, as conditions can become challenging. To learn more about this route, check out our itinerary post: Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre: A Journey to Australia’s Lowest Point.
If you prefer a quicker journey, Regional Express (REX) operates flights from Adelaide to Coober Pedy, getting you there in just over an hour. For those who enjoy a scenic route without the hassle of driving, Greyhound Australia runs coach services between Adelaide and Alice Springs, stopping in Coober Pedy along the way. While it’s a longer journey, it’s a fantastic way to sit back and take in the breathtaking outback landscapes. Whether you're arriving by road, air, or coach, the journey to Coober Pedy is just as unforgettable as the destination itself!
Day 0: Arrival & Underground Experience
Kick off your Coober Pedy experience by checking in at Riba’s Underground Camping & Caravan Park, the only place in the world that offers underground camping!
Kick off your Coober Pedy experience by checking in at Riba’s Underground Camping & Caravan Park, the only place in the world that offers underground camping!
This unique accommodation lets you escape the scorching desert heat by sleeping beneath the surface in a cool, dark, and quiet underground chamber. Whether you're setting up a tent or staying in one of the underground rooms, it’s an experience unlike any other.
Nightly Opal Mine Tour
After dinner, embark on an unforgettable Opal Mine Tour at Riba’s Underground Camping & Caravan Park. This guided evening tour takes you deep into the fascinating world of opal mining, where you'll uncover the history, mining techniques, and sheer determination it takes to extract these mesmerising gemstones from the earth. Equipped with helmets and guided by expert storytellers, you’ll navigate through winding tunnels, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to work underground. While this isn’t a working mine, the tour provides an authentic glimpse into Coober Pedy’s opal industry, giving you the chance to differentiate between common opal and the highly sought-after precious opal. Who knows—you might even spot a hidden gem!
Pro Tip: Pre-booking is essential for this unique experience, and if you're staying at Riba’s, ask about a discount on your accommodation when booking the tour! It’s an offer worth taking advantage of.
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Day 1: Stop 1 - Welcome to Coober Pedy Sign
Your adventure begins with a quick yet essential stop at the Welcome to Coober Pedy sign, a must-visit photo opportunity to mark your arrival in this one-of-a-kind outback town.
The sign, featuring an old opal mining blower mounted on a stand, is a tribute to the region’s rich mining history. This machine, once crucial for extracting opals from underground, is now an iconic landmark, welcoming visitors to Australia’s opal capital. With the vast desert as your backdrop, it’s the perfect spot to capture the start of your journey before heading towards the dramatic landscapes of Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park.
Day 1: Stop 2 - Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
Just beyond Coober Pedy lies the breathtaking Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, an ancient and sacred land that showcases the rugged beauty of the South Australian outback. Do note that you will need a Vehicle Entry Permit to get to Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, which you can buy online on National Parks and Wildlife Service SA's website or you can do so, in person, at the agents listed here. While you can visit Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park in a 2WD vehicle, a 4WD is recommended, especially for the 25km dirt road and to navigate potentially challenging conditions, particularly during or after wet weather.
The park is renowned for its vibrant mesas, deep ochre-coloured escarpments, and vast desert plains, creating a surreal and almost extraterrestrial landscape. The Breakaways get their name from the way they appear to have "broken away" from the surrounding flat terrain. This area is especially significant to the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara people, who have cared for this land for thousands of years. With the soft morning light casting golden hues over the rocky formations, this is one of the best times to take in its beauty.
Day 1: Stop 3 - Salt & Pepper Hills
One of the most striking natural formations in the area is the Salt & Pepper hills, also known as The Castle.
One of the most striking natural formations in the area is the Salt & Pepper hills, also known as The Castle.
These two contrasting mounds, one bright white due to silica deposits and the other dark from ironstone, resemble oversized salt and pepper shakers standing against the desert horizon. Their unique appearance makes them a fascinating geological spectacle, shaped over millions of years by wind and erosion. The formations change colour depending on the time of day, glowing orange and red at sunrise and sunset, making them a favourite subject for photographers and nature lovers alike.
These two contrasting mounds, one bright white due to silica deposits and the other dark from ironstone, resemble oversized salt and pepper shakers standing against the desert horizon. Their unique appearance makes them a fascinating geological spectacle, shaped over millions of years by wind and erosion. The formations change colour depending on the time of day, glowing orange and red at sunrise and sunset, making them a favourite subject for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Day 1: Stop 4 - The Dingo Fence or Dog Fence
Stretching over 5,600km, the Dog Fence (also known as, Dingo Fence) is the longest fence in the world, originally constructed to keep dingoes away from sheep farms in southern Australia.
Stretching over 5,600km, the Dog Fence (also known as, Dingo Fence) is the longest fence in the world, originally constructed to keep dingoes away from sheep farms in southern Australia.
This incredible feat of engineering runs through several states, acting as a barrier between the wild outback and agricultural lands. Standing beside the fence, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the sheer scale of Australia’s remote regions. While it might seem like just a fence at first glance, its historical and environmental significance makes it a compelling stop on your journey!
After a morning of exploring the stunning landscapes of Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park and marvelling at the unique rock formations of Salt & Pepper, and the Dog Fence, it’s time to take a well-deserved lunch break in the heart of Coober Pedy. Whether you’re enjoying a meal indoors or opting for an alfresco experience, this is the perfect moment to take in the unique sights and sounds of Coober Pedy, where dust-covered 4WDs, opal shops, and underground dwellings shape the landscape.
Day 1: Stop 5 - Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre
After lunch, stop by the Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre, where you can learn more about the town’s history, geology, and mining industry. The centre offers interactive exhibits and maps to help you navigate Coober Pedy’s many attractions.
After lunch, stop by the Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre, where you can learn more about the town’s history, geology, and mining industry. The centre offers interactive exhibits and maps to help you navigate Coober Pedy’s many attractions.
Day 1: Stop 6 - Serbian Orthodox Church
One of Coober Pedy’s most breathtaking underground structures, the Serbian Orthodox Church, is a masterpiece of subterranean architecture.
Carved into the sandstone, this place of worship features stunning handcrafted reliefs and stained glass, creating an ethereal atmosphere. It’s a peaceful retreat that highlights the ingenuity of Coober Pedy’s underground living.
Carved into the sandstone, this place of worship features stunning handcrafted reliefs and stained glass, creating an ethereal atmosphere. It’s a peaceful retreat that highlights the ingenuity of Coober Pedy’s underground living.
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Day 1: Last Stop - Crocodile Harry's Underground Nest & Dugout
The final stop for the day is Crocodile Harry's Underground Nest & Dugout, a truly unique and eccentric attraction.
This underground home belonged to Crocodile Harry, a former crocodile hunter turned opal miner, whose larger-than-life personality is reflected in every corner of his dugout. The walls are adorned with quirky art, odd memorabilia, and messages left by visitors from around the world. Adding to its fame, this unusual dwelling was even featured as a filming location in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. However, due to its unconventional decor and some adult-themed elements, this attraction is not suitable for kids. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Coober Pedy, diving into the town’s most legendary and outlandish stories.
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After an adventurous day exploring Coober Pedy’s most unique attractions, head back to your accommodation to unwind. Enjoy a hearty dinner and take in the breathtaking outback sunset—where the vast desert sky is painted in fiery reds, oranges, and deep purples. As the night sets in, embrace the underground lifestyle by spending another night in your underground tent, or switch things up by opting for an underground cabin for added comfort. Whichever option you choose, the experience is unlike any other—offering a cool, quiet, and restful retreat from the desert heat, ensuring you're refreshed for another exciting day ahead.
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Day 2: Stop #1 - Iconic Outback Sculptures & Landmarks
Spend the morning driving around town and spotting some of Coober Pedy’s most unusual landmarks. Note that with the exception of The Big Miner on Simos Street, all other attractions can be easily explored on foot by parking your car in the town centre near Central Lookout.
The Big Miner at the Entrance of Simos Jewellery
Standing tall at the entrance of Simos Jewellery, The Big Miner is a striking tribute to Coober Pedy’s rich opal mining heritage. This towering statue, dressed in classic miner’s attire with a pickaxe in hand, symbolises the resilience and dedication of the miners who have toiled beneath the earth in search of precious opals.
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The BIG Opal Beetle (The Opal Bug) & The BIG Goanna
A whimsical and eye-catching creation, The BIG Opal Beetle, also known as The Opal Bug, is a giant insect sculpture made from recycled mining materials. Perched atop a opal shop, this quirky installation represents the industriousness of Coober Pedy’s miners, who dig through the earth in search of opal treasures — just like a beetle burrowing underground. This fun and unexpected roadside attraction is a perfect example of Coober Pedy’s creative spirit and love for the unusual.
The BIG Goanna, situated near The Big Opal Bug, is a giant reptilian sculpture that adds a touch of wildlife-inspired artistry to the town. Goannas are commonly found in the Australian outback, symbolising resilience and survival in harsh desert conditions. This oversized version, crafted with outback charm, is one of the many playful and distinctive "BIG" sculptures scattered across Australia!
Mining Bus & The BIG Boomerang
A relic of Coober Pedy’s mining history, the Mining Bus is an old, weathered vehicle that once transported miners to and from the opal fields. Now standing as an outdoor attraction, this abandoned bus serves as a reminder of the gruelling conditions miners endured daily. With its rusted frame and faded paint, the bus blends seamlessly into the outback’s rugged landscape, creating an almost post-apocalyptic aesthetic. It’s a great spot for photos, particularly for those who love abandoned and vintage vehicles.
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Located next to Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage, The BIG Boomerang is a nod to Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage. Boomerangs have been used for hunting, sport, and cultural ceremonies by Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. This oversized version is a tribute to the traditions of the land’s First Nations people, making it not only a fun roadside attraction but also a meaningful landmark. While here, you can also explore Indigenous art at Josephine’s Gallery and learn about the orphaned kangaroos being rehabilitated.
Central Lookout
For a panoramic view of Coober Pedy’s surreal, lunar-like landscape, Central Lookout is the perfect spot. Accessible via a flight of stairs next to Opal Cave, the lookout requires a short uphill walk. From here, you can take in the vast desert plains, scattered dugouts (underground homes), and the unique mounds of earth created by decades of opal mining. The viewpoint provides an excellent perspective on how Coober Pedy’s underground lifestyle works—above ground, you see little more than ventilation shafts and mining heaps, but beneath the surface lies an entire town! Sunrise and sunset offer particularly stunning views, with golden hues lighting up the landscape.
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The Big Miner & The Spaceship
Another tribute to the town’s opal mining heritage, The Big Miner at the entrance of the Opal Shop at Opal Cave is a striking statue that welcomes visitors to one of Coober Pedy’s many opal stores. It serves as a reminder that the town’s economy and culture are built on these precious gemstones. Whether you’re buying an opal souvenir or just passing by, this miner is a great symbol of the town’s underground industry.
One of the most unusual landmarks in Coober Pedy just opposite to The Big Miner, The Spaceship is a remnant from the 2000 sci-fi film Pitch Black, starring Vin Diesel. This prop was left behind after filming and has since become an iconic roadside attraction. Its weathered, otherworldly appearance fits perfectly with Coober Pedy’s almost Martian landscape, making it a fun stop for movie buffs and sci-fi enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of cinematic history or just want a cool, offbeat photo, this spaceship is a must-see!
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After an exciting morning exploring Coober Pedy’s quirky "big things," it’s time to refuel before diving into the fascinating underground world of Tom’s Opal Mine. Take a break from the outback sun and find a shaded spot to enjoy your meal while reflecting on the surreal landscapes and attractions you’ve encountered!
Day 2: Stop #2 - Tom’s Opal Mine
After lunch, experience the thrill of exploring a working opal mine at Tom’s Opal Mine, where you'll gain fascinating insights into Coober Pedy’s rich mining history and the techniques used to unearth these prized gemstones.
This guided tour takes you deep into the mining process, covering everything from traditional opal extraction methods to modern innovations like noodling and black lighting. Watch a live demonstration of a working Blower and Bosun Chair, which are essential tools in the mining industry. Young adventurers will love the chance to participate in an opal hunt along the way, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tour!
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Day 2: Stop #3 - Coober Pedy Town Sign
A visit to Coober Pedy wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the iconic Coober Pedy Town Sign, perched on a small hill overlooking the rugged outback landscape. This landmark serves as a perfect backdrop for a memorable photo, marking your adventure in the opal capital of the world.
A visit to Coober Pedy wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the iconic Coober Pedy Town Sign, perched on a small hill overlooking the rugged outback landscape. This landmark serves as a perfect backdrop for a memorable photo, marking your adventure in the opal capital of the world.
To reach the sign, you’ll need to tackle approximately 100 metres of uphill walking from the car park along Naylor Place. While the incline is short, it can be a bit of a challenge under the midday sun, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The effort is well worth it, though — the elevated position offers panoramic views of Coober Pedy’s surreal, desert-like terrain, making it an excellent spot to take in the vastness of the outback.
Day 2: Stop #4 - The Big Winch & The Big Metal Tree
Next, a standout attraction in Coober Pedy, The Big Winch is a giant mining winch that symbolises the vital role of winching equipment in opal extraction. Park at the Big Winch 360° Carpark to visit The Big Winch and The Big Metal Tree.
The winch overlooks the town, serving as both a historic tribute and an excellent vantage point, making it a must-visit attraction. From the top, you can soak in sweeping views of the town and surrounding desert, especially magical during sunset.
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Adding to Coober Pedy’s collection of quirky attractions, The Big Metal Tree next to The Big Winch is a striking piece of artistic ingenuity. In a town where traditional trees struggle to survive in the arid climate, this sculpted metal tree stands as a creative alternative, symbolising resilience and adaptation in the outback. With its metallic branches reaching skyward, it blends industrial elements with the beauty of nature, reflecting Coober Pedy’s resourcefulness and artistic spirit.
Day 2: Last Stop - The Big Winch 360° Experience
End your day with a visit to Big Winch 360°, where you’ll experience Australia’s first permanent 360° Circlevision cinematic experience. This immersive film showcases the history, culture, and landscapes of Coober Pedy in a visually stunning way.
Afterward, relax and enjoy a delicious meal at Big Winch 360° Café, taking in the last moments of your adventure. After dinner, return to your accommodation for a well-earned rest after two days of exploring the underground wonders of Coober Pedy!
Note: If you have extra time in Coober Pedy, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its world-famous opal shops and museums. Known as the "Opal Capital of the World," Coober Pedy offers a fascinating insight into the opal industry, from mining to cutting and polishing these dazzling gemstones. Several renowned opal shops, such as Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, Josephine’s Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage, and The Opal Cave, not only sell high-quality opals but also provide educational experiences about the history and significance of opal mining in the region. A visit to the Museums in town is a fantastic way to step back in time and see what life was like for early opal miners, with preserved underground homes and mining tunnels open for exploration. Whether you're looking for a special souvenir or just want to learn more about these mesmerising gemstones, spending time at Coober Pedy’s opal shops and museums is a must for any visitor keen to dive deeper into the town’s unique heritage.
Coober Pedy is a place like no other, where underground life meets outback charm, and quirky attractions blend seamlessly with breathtaking landscapes. From staying underground and exploring opal mines to marvelling at natural wonders and embracing the town’s eccentricities, this 2-day itinerary captures the very essence of Coober Pedy. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, this town will leave you with lasting memories of Australia’s most unique outback gem!
Discover White Cliffs – Australia’s Other Underground Town:
While Coober Pedy is the most well-known underground town in Australia, White Cliffs in New South Wales is another fascinating destination where opal mining has shaped an entire community. This remote outback town, famous for its dugout homes and opal fields, offers a unique glimpse into underground living, much like Coober Pedy. Visitors can explore the historic White Cliffs Underground Motel, visit working opal mines, and marvel at the Lunar-Like Landscapes created by decades of mining activity. The town is also home to the White Cliffs Solar Power Station, Australia’s first solar power plant, adding another layer of intrigue to its rich history. If you're planning a road trip to Broken Hill, White Cliffs makes for an incredible stop along the way. Check out our Sydney to Broken Hill road trip itinerary for all the details on visiting this hidden gem of the outback!
While Coober Pedy is the most well-known underground town in Australia, White Cliffs in New South Wales is another fascinating destination where opal mining has shaped an entire community. This remote outback town, famous for its dugout homes and opal fields, offers a unique glimpse into underground living, much like Coober Pedy. Visitors can explore the historic White Cliffs Underground Motel, visit working opal mines, and marvel at the Lunar-Like Landscapes created by decades of mining activity. The town is also home to the White Cliffs Solar Power Station, Australia’s first solar power plant, adding another layer of intrigue to its rich history. If you're planning a road trip to Broken Hill, White Cliffs makes for an incredible stop along the way. Check out our Sydney to Broken Hill road trip itinerary for all the details on visiting this hidden gem of the outback!
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