Coober Pedy SA
Coober Pedy is a unique and fascinating destination in South Australia that is famous for its opal mining history and underground homes. Here is a suggested travel guide to help you plan your visit to Coober Pedy.
Opal Mine Tour: Coober Pedy is known as the "opal capital of the world," and a visit to an opal mine is a must-do activity. You can take a tour of an operational mine and learn about the history of opal mining in the area. Popular mines include Tom's Working Opal Mine and Old Timers Mine.
Underground Homes: A significant feature of Coober Pedy is its underground homes, which are built to provide a comfortable living environment in the extreme desert climate. You can visit the Underground Serbian Orthodox Church, Faye's Underground Home, and the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, which is an underground museum and gift shop.
Breakaways Conservation Park: The Breakaways Conservation Park is a stunning landscape that features colorful sandstone formations and is an ideal place to watch the sunset. You can take a scenic drive or a guided tour to explore the area.
Moon Plain: The Moon Plain is a unique landscape that looks like a lunar surface. You can take a scenic drive to explore the area and see the unique rock formations.
Coober Pedy Golf Course: If you're a golfer, you can't miss playing a round of golf at the Coober Pedy Golf Course. It is an 18-hole course that is entirely grassless and provides a unique golfing experience.
Coober Pedy Museum: The Coober Pedy Museum provides an insight into the history of the town and its opal mining industry. You can learn about the local Aboriginal culture, the lives of early settlers, and the history of opal mining in the area.
Desert Cave Hotel: The Desert Cave Hotel is an iconic hotel in Coober Pedy that is entirely underground. It offers comfortable accommodation, a restaurant, and a bar, and is an excellent place to stay during your visit.
In summary, Coober Pedy offers a range of unique experiences that are unlike anywhere else in the world. From opal mining tours to underground homes and golf courses, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Alice Springs, which is approximately 684 kilometers south from Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway interstate route.
Coober Pedy is not directly off a major highway or freeway, but it is accessible by road. The town is located on the Stuart Highway, which is the main north-south route in central Australia, and it is approximately 850 km north of Adelaide and 680 km south of Alice Springs. The road to Coober Pedy is sealed and suitable for all types of vehicles, including cars, campervans, and buses. However, visitors should be aware that it is a remote area, and services and amenities may be limited, so it is always recommended to plan and prepare accordingly before traveling to Coober Pedy.
Coober Pedy is actually located on the Stuart Highway, which is the main north-south highway in central Australia that runs through the town. So, there is no distance between Coober Pedy and the Stuart Highway itself as the town is situated directly on the highway.
Yes, there are several tourist van parks in Coober Pedy that cater to visitors traveling in campervans, caravans, and other recreational vehicles. Some of the most popular van parks in the area include the Oasis Tourist Park, the BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort, and the Coober Pedy CP Villas & Van Park. These parks typically offer a range of facilities and amenities, such as powered sites, dump stations, shower and toilet blocks, BBQ areas, swimming pools, and more. It is recommended to book a site in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
Image courtesy of uncle JimB