Coober Pedy, located in the heart of outback South Australia, is known worldwide as the opal capital of the world. This remarkable underground town produces over 70% of the world's gem-quality opals and offers visitors a truly unique Australian experience.
The name "Coober Pedy" comes from the Aboriginal words "kupa piti" meaning "white man's hole" - a fitting description for a town where much of the population lives underground. The extreme desert climate, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, led early miners to dig underground homes called dugouts where temperatures remain a comfortable 22-24°C year-round.
Opal was first discovered here in 1915 by teenager Willie Hutchison while his father searched for water. This discovery sparked a mining rush that continues today. The town grew as miners from over 45 nationalities came seeking their fortune, creating a multicultural community unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Today, Coober Pedy welcomes thousands of visitors annually who come to experience underground living, tour working opal mines, and purchase opals direct from the source. The lunar-like landscape has made it a popular filming location for movies including Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Pitch Black.
Visitors can explore underground churches, museums, and even stay in underground hotels. The town offers a fascinating glimpse into a way of life adapted to one of Earth's harshest environments. Don't miss the spectacular desert sunsets that paint the mullock heaps in brilliant oranges and reds.