Coober Pedy: Life Underground

Coober Pedy is a unique destination for a traveler who likes deviating from usual tourist patterns. It's a remote town with a fascinating history and various attractions for all visitors.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, the inland sea covered the area. It subsided, and the silica solutions in the water accumulated inside the sandstone pores, forming into gems.

The 'Opal capital of the world' first appeared on the European traveler's radar in 1858 when John McDouall Stuart visited the area. It didn't surface again until years later. In 1915, Wille Hutchison, a teenage boy, found the first gem. This small event established Coober Pedy's opal mining industry.

Hundreds of miners relocated here, forming the one-of-a-kind multicultural community. Today, the desert landscape of South Australia hosts a sun-scorched destination with a secret underground life.

Don't Underestimate the Desert

If you're wondering what you can find in a city with only a couple of thousand people, we suggest you look deeper. Literally.

The underground city concept is also more marketable than you think. Coober Pedy has upped its advertising and SEO game in recent years, which Click Intelligence, an internet marketing company, mentions can help to get a higher ranking no matter how competitive the industry. It’s definitely worked in this instance. The town’s campaigns have been charming, plus, the various awards have certainly paid off.

If the Tourism Industry Council's 2018 award is any indication, it has an excellent destination marketing strategy.

We wouldn't risk underestimating the power of marketing. However, the town's history, natural resources, and creative approach have made this an excellent stop for everybody.

Quick Facts

• According to the 2016 census data, 1762 people live in the town

• Around 80% of the city is underground

• About 70% of the opal in the world originates here

• More than 150,000 tourists visit the city every year

• Coober Pedy was the filming location for a few films, including 1985's Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome and 1994’s The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the desert.

Why Underground?

'Underground living' sounds like a modern performance art concept. In Coober Pedy, it's, undoubtedly, something more.

'Dugouts' - underground houses - are practical.

Solving a housing problem in a remote desert could prove quite problematic. Still, the first miners found a way to befriend the peculiar natural environment and 'built' their houses underground.

Subterranean houses offer natural climate control.

Extreme temperature fluctuations are standard here, but the porous sandstone controls the temperatures inside the 'dugouts.'

People populated already dug-up spaces.

Locals took advantage of the shafts and tunnels in the abandoned mines. As new permits aren't easy to get, some dwellers even 'extend' their homes, hoping to find more space (and maybe a gem or two?).

Top Attractions to Try

For a History Nerd: The Dugout Museum

Inside one of the first mines, the locals arranged a cozy museum. Umoona Opal Mine and Museum invites you to learn about aboriginal times, mining history, and opals.

For a Golf Aficionado: The Nighttime Game

As it's too hot outside during the day for golf, Coober Pedy residents managed to find a way to make their favorite pastime possible. Opal Fields Golf Club offers nighttime game sessions played using glowing balls.

For a Classic Fun-Lover: The Yearly Festival

Coober Pedy Opal Festival is the biggest event of the year. Not only does it draw a lot of tourists, but it also entertains the town folk. The usual drill consists of street parades, concerts, entertainers, and sideshows all over the city. Magical nights and a world of fun is guaranteed.

For a Sustainability Enthusiast: The Renewable Energy Project

Coober Pedy is a green city. Well, obviously, this item isn't about greenery thriving on the red desert landscape. It's all about solar and wind farms. As a remote location, the town always had issues with electricity.

In 2017, it embraced its abundant natural resources in a new way. Currently, the award-winning Hybrid Renewable Project is supplying 70% of the town's electricity.

Take Away

Coober Pedy is a fascinating location. Visiting it is an excellent adventure for lone tourists, families, and couples. It's also an eye-opening experience about persistence, community, and organic charm.