This article isn't about opals, but rather a journey to appreciate the beauty of Australia's opal-producing regions from a different perspective.
A self-guided tour in Australia is always an adventure for the soul. When we think of this beautiful country, images of Sydney's relaxed beaches, Melbourne's artistic vibe, and the Great Barrier Reef's stunning corals come to mind. But now, let's take you to a different world, to a hidden gem in Australia — Coober Pedy. This place, rarely included in tour group itineraries, boasts a unique charm that promises an unforgettable self-guided adventure.
Beyond Your Imagination: The Hidden Town of Coober Pedy
How to Reach the Most Challenging Travel Destination?
1. Self-Drive
Driving from Adelaide along the Stuart Highway leads you to the entrance of this town. Self-driving is highly recommended, as having a car in Australia significantly increases your exploration options. The road from Adelaide to Coober Pedy is spacious and flat, with ample parking and plenty of gas stations along the way. For Hong Kong people, the vast landscapes and blue skies are a refreshing change. The journey from Adelaide to Coober Pedy takes about 9 hours, and it's safer to have two people taking turns driving. As someone who has traveled this route more than ten times, I suggest starting early and aiming to arrive before dark. At night, animals like sheep, kangaroos, or emus may appear on the road, attracted by the lights. To avoid accidents, it's best to reach your destination before nightfall. **One important note: Be aware that in some areas, your phone may only display "SOS", indicating no signal availability. Therefore, you won't be able to make calls. It's advisable to download maps from Google Maps beforehand for these locations.
2. Taking a Small Plane
Despite its size, Coober Pedy is accessible by plane, highlighting the importance of its industry. The tiny airport can accommodate about twenty passengers per flight, with daily flights between Adelaide and Coober Pedy. Note that there's no public transport from Coober Pedy airport to the town center, so arrange a shuttle service with your hotel in advance.
3. The Only Budget-Friendly Option
A bus journey from 7 pm to 6 am the next day, lasting 11 hours, costs between AUD 230 and 236. Buying a round-trip ticket saves AUD 6 per trip. The bus offers small lights, USB charging ports, extendable seats, and restrooms. Although you can't see the scenery at night, you might catch a glimpse of the stars if the bus lights are off, and enjoy some views if you wake up early. However, an 11-hour bus ride can be a test of endurance. Tickets can be purchased directly on the following website, and electronic tickets are accepted for boarding. Secure your tickets through [Greyhound Australia].
Coober Pedy: A Martian Landscape?
With a population of only 1,566, Coober Pedy might be small, but it's equipped with an airport, hospital, schools, post office, museum, churches, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, offices, and jewelry stores.
1. Kanku Breakaways & Dog Fence
The Kanku Breakaways & Dog Fence offer magnificent scenery. This nature reserve features unique terrain with soft soil and mountains made of alternating layers of light yellow, orange, and brown rocks. You can find shell fossils in the soil, adding to the area's unique beauty. The Dog Fence, one of the world's longest fences, stretches over 5,000 kilometers from South to East Australia, separating dingoes from sheep areas. Along the South Australian section of the Dog Fence, you can witness Mars-like landscapes with orange-red soil and small hills rising from the barren land.
2. Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
- Address: 14 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725288
- Website: https://www.umoonaopalmine.com.au
At Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, you can learn about the local Aboriginal history and the role of opals in Coober Pedy. Join a paid tour to delve deeper into how opals are formed, the mining process, and history, taking you back to the 1920s and immersing you in a miner's life. While I recommend the paid tour, the museum also has free areas open to the public. For details, visit [ Umoona Opal Mine Tours]
3. 360 Big Winch Lookout
- Address: Italian Club Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
The Big Winch Lookout showcases a winch and large bucket used for transporting underground minerals to the surface. Enjoy Coober Pedy's most beautiful sunsets here, with clear skies and stunning orange hues. If the weather is warm, consider dining outdoors at the 360 Big Winch restaurant to enjoy dinner with a sunset view. For more details, visit [ 360 Big Winch]
4. Serbian Orthodox Church
- Address: Potch Gully Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886723048
- Open Hours: 24hrs
5. Old Timer’s Mine: Authentic Mining Adventure
- Address: 2190 Crowders Gully Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725555
- Website: https://oldtimersmine.com.au
Put on a safety helmet and embark on an adventure at this experiential museum. A thorough exploration takes about an hour, offering a glimpse into the life and work of Coober Pedy miners around 100 years ago.
***Important Safety Notice for Exploration!
When venturing outside the town center to the mining areas, watch your step. Unfilled holes can be deceptively deep, drilled by miners to test for opals. The town, both in the center and outskirts, is covered in yellow soil, so avoid wearing white shoes as they get dirty easily.
Coober Pedy: Gourmet Delights in the Desert?
Coober Pedy, surprisingly, has delicious food even it is a desert! Here are some recommendations:
1. Big Winch 360 Cafe
- Address: Italian Club Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 417902224
- Website: https://bigwinch360.com.au/big-winch-360o-cafe/
Enjoy stunning views at the Big Winch 360 Café. Remember to make a reservation if you're in a large group, as it gets busy in the evenings. Try their barbecued pork ribs and lamb shank, tender and flavorful. The restaurant occasionally offers rice dishes, so ask about garlic prawn rice or curry options.
2. Outback Bar & Grill
- Address: 454 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886723250
- Website: https://obgcooberpedy.com.au/menus/
Located next to a gas station, this restaurant's Pork Chop is a must-try. The tender, juicy pork chop, paired with smooth mashed potatoes, creates a delightful combination.
3. John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant
- Address: 1/24 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725561
For pizza lovers, John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant is the place to be. Situated near the main street, it's popular for takeaways. Experience the miners' favorite flavors here.
4. Greek Community Club Coober Pedy
- Address: St Nicholas St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725110
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Greek-Community-Club-Coober-Pedy-100063689523307/
Every Friday, the Greek Community Club hosts an all-you-can-eat barbecue party. Adults pay AUD 25, children AUD 10, excluding drinks. Starting at 6 pm, the indoor fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to experience local vibes.
Accommodations in Coober Pedy | Cave Hotels?
Dugouts are a unique cultural feature of Coober Pedy. Staying in a local cave hotel or guesthouse is a must when visiting. The caves, formed due to opal mining, are cool in summer and warm in winter, making them ideal dwellings in the desert. The only downside is the lack of sunlight, so set an alarm clock!
Comfort Inn
- Address: Crowders Gully Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725777
- Website: www.cooberpedyexperience.com.au/
The entire inn is located inside a cave, with walls bearing mining marks and even visible gypsum and opal. Comfort Inn is a quality-assured chain motel in Australia. The inn offers a lounge area, reading corner, dining area, and rooms equipped with TVs, microwaves, and kettles, all within the mine, offering a unique experience.
Desert Cave Hotel
- Address: 1 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725688
- Website: desertcave.com.au
The only hotel in Coober Pedy and a 4-star establishment, it features a museum, restaurant, and swimming pool. Umberto Coro, who worked in mining and hospitality in Coober Pedy for over 26 years, wanted to share the underground living experience with visitors. Unfortunately, he passed away in a traffic accident in 1986. His son Robert and staff continued his vision, overcoming extreme heat and sandstorms in the desert to open the hotel in 1988.
Lookout Cave Underground Motel
- Address: Lot 1138 Catacomb Road, 5723 Coober Pedy, Australia
- Phone: +61 886725118
Although I haven't stayed here yet, this motel is built into a hillside cave, offering a unique and refined experience. Despite being an "underground" motel, it's situated on a hill, making it a "high-rise" in Coober Pedy.
Opal Inn Hotel, Motel, Caravan Park
- Address: 1 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
- Phone: +61 8867250541
- Website: opalinn.com.au/
If you prefer waking up to sunlight, this classic motel might be your choice. It offers stable hot water supply and camping trailer sites. It's popular among opal buyers who are no longer intrigued by caves. Compared to cave hotels, this motel is more competitively priced and seems to have more stable Wi-Fi.
Cave Camping
Honestly, I learned about this unique accommodation option from MillMilk's videos. It's impressive how MillMilk discovered this town for their content. I stayed with the Wilson family (featured in MillMilk's videos) for a month. One day, while discussing YouTube, Wilson asked if I knew the MillMilk channel and its popularity in Hong Kong. I joked, "You're about to become a star!"
Watch the videos here:
Of course, Coober Pedy offers more than the accommodations listed above. There are many more great places to discover!
Climate in Coober Pedy
April to October is the best time to visit Coober Pedy. The desert climate means significant temperature variations between day and night. It can be hot enough for short sleeves at noon, but temperatures drop quickly in the evening, so bring a coat. Visiting from January to March is not recommended due to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the mornings, making it preferable to stay in caves.
Conclusion
For those of us living in Hong Kong, traveling to Coober Pedy is an adventure. On my first visit, I found it as unique as it looks, a complete escape from the hustle and bustle. If you have the chance to visit, will you share my feelings? Venture to Coober Pedy, discover one of the most incredible treasures on Earth, and experience the unique charm of a self-guided tour!
Lastly, don't forget to take a photo at the Welcome sign at the entrance to Coober Pedy!
