Coober Pedy is a town in northern South Australia, 846 kilometers north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway. According to the 2011 census, its population was 1,695. On the surface, the place looks pretty deserted. A treeless plain on the edge of the Stuart Ranges, with a few sparsely spaced houses, a couple of inns and restaurants, a police station, a school and a hospital further north. But that’s only half the town. The other half lives underground in spacious caves and tunnels called “dugouts” where the town’s residents have built homes, hotels, restaurants, bars, churches and more.
Coober Pedy History
Coober Pedy was established in 1915 following the discovery of opal by a 14-year old boy who was camping with his father’s gold prospecting party. Within a few years hundreds of prospectors were tearing up the turf. But people who flocked here to mine the previous stones soon discovered life above ground was pretty tough. In the summer, the temperature often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. On these hot days, the relative humidity rarely gets over 20%, and the skies usually remained cloud-free.
One of the most famous signs of Coober Pedy. The town has around 250,000 mine shafts and signs like this warn visitors about the dangers of walking without looking. This sign is now reproduced in t-shirts, coffee mugs, flags, bags and plenty more things which you can buy as souvenirs.
Why People Lived Underground?
The Residents Of This Australian Town Live Underground For A Very Good Reason. Coober Pedy is a small Australian town, known for its very bizarre living arrangements. Because this remote community is located in the outback, it endures seasonal dust storms, with temperatures that reach up to 118 degrees in the shade. To stay cool during the summer and warm in the winter, residents have built homes underground that protect them from the harsh elements.
Aerial view of Coober Pedy City
To escape the scorching daytime temperatures, the residents began to live underground. The early Coober Pedy houses were built in the holes that had already been dug in search for opal. Modern homes are dug into the hill sides and include all the amenities of an above-ground home including living rooms, kitchens, walk-in closets, bar and cellar. The entrance is usually at street level, and the rooms extend towards the back into the hill. All the rooms are ventilated with a vertical shaft, keeping the temperature regulated.
Major attraction of Coober Pedy is this underground church
This ingenious style of living was introduced by soldiers returning from the First World War to prospect from opal mining. Coober Pedy was originally known as the Stuart Range Opal Field, named after John McDouall Stuart, who in 1858 was the first European explorer in the area. In 1920 it was re-named Coober Pedy, an anglicised version of Aboriginal words “kupa piti”, which is assumed to mean “white man’s hole”.
Underground Bookstore
Coober Pedy – Opal capital of the world
open mine shaft.
Today Coober Pedy is the leading supplier of gem-quality opal, producing the bulk of the world’s white opal. The town has over 70 opal fields and is the largest opal mining area in the world. While the name “Coober Pedy” comes from the local Aboriginal term kupa-piti, meaning “white man’s hole,” the town itself is made up of more than 45 different nationalities. And while this place doesn’t seem like the most ideal setting to call home, opal mining is an incredibly lucrative business.
Underground Living Room
There is a local golf course – mostly played at night with glowing balls, to avoid daytime temperatures. It’s completely free of grass and golfers take a small piece of “turf” around to use for teeing off. The lack of grass hasn’t discouraged them to put up this sign in the golf course though.
Extreme Town Coober Pedy, South Australia
Opal Coober Pedy Video
A walk through the opal capital of the world in Coober Pedy in Australia’s remote outback near Adelaide. The majority of the inhabitants live underground in depleted opal mines to hide from the burning heat.
Coober Pedy Weather
Climate – Between April and October the weather is very pleasant. Typical of a semi desert climate, the days (16 to 20° C) are mild to warm but the desert nights are cold. From November to March the weather warms up and summer temperatures can range from 35° C to the 45° C in the shade, with occasional dust storms. The annual rainfall in the area is minimal at around 175 mm (5 inches) per annum and can fall during any time of the year.
Coober Pedy Travel Information
Air
Flights between Adelaide and Coober Pedy Monday – Friday & Sunday
Regional Express Airlines
Further Information
Web Site: http://www.rex.com.au/
Phone: 13 17 13
For REX Backpacker Specials – Click here
Coach
Adelaide to Coober Pedy – departs 7.25pm arrives 6.15am. Alice Springs to Coober Pedy – departs 10.30am arrives 7.30pm.
Greyhound Pioneer
Website: http://www.greyhound.com.au/
Road
Adelaide 846kms Alice Springs 685kms Darwin 2,170kms Port Augusta 535kms Tennant Creek 1,173kms Yulara 725kms
The Stuart (Explorer) Hwy, Hwy 87
Coober Pedy can also be accessed by rail via the Ghan route from Adelaide to Alice Springs. Transportation from Manguri Station, 47kms from Coober Pedy, would have to be arranged prior to departure from Adelaide or Alice Springs. Departs Adelaide on Sundays & Fridays and arrives at Manguri Station on Mondays & Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions for Coober Pedy
Why is Coober Pedy known as the opal capital of the world?
Coober Pedy is known as the opal capital of the world because it produces the majority of the world’s high-quality opals. The town has over 70 opal fields and is a leading supplier of gem-quality opal.
How did Coober Pedy get its name?
Coober Pedy got its name from the local Aboriginal term “kupa-piti,” which is believed to mean “white man’s hole.” The name was anglicized to Coober Pedy and has been used since 1920.
Why do the residents of Coober Pedy live underground?
The residents of Coober Pedy live underground to escape the extreme temperatures and harsh elements of the outback. The underground homes provide insulation, keeping them cool in the scorching summer and warm in the winter.
What are the living conditions like in Coober Pedy?
Living conditions in Coober Pedy are unique and fascinating. The homes are dug into hillsides, and the underground spaces include all the amenities of above-ground homes, such as living rooms, kitchens, and even bars and cellars. The rooms are ventilated to maintain a comfortable temperature.
How did the tradition of living underground in Coober Pedy begin?
The tradition of living underground in Coober Pedy began with soldiers returning from World War I who sought shelter in the opal mines to escape the heat. Over time, this style of living became popular among the residents, and they started building their homes underground.
What is the climate like in Coober Pedy?
Coober Pedy has a semi-desert climate. Between April and October, the weather is pleasant with mild to warm days (16 to 20°C) and cold desert nights. From November to March, the temperatures rise, reaching up to 45°C in the shade, and occasional dust storms occur. The area receives minimal rainfall throughout the year.
How is opal mining conducted in Coober Pedy?
Opal mining in Coober Pedy involves digging mine shafts and tunnels to extract the precious gemstones. The town has numerous opal fields, and mining is a significant industry. Opal miners search for opal deposits underground and carefully extract the opals using specialized tools and techniques.
What are the major attractions in Coober Pedy?
Some major attractions in Coober Pedy include the underground church, where visitors can experience a unique place of worship, and the underground bookstore, where you can browse books in an extraordinary setting. The town also offers opal shopping opportunities, allowing visitors to admire and purchase beautiful opal jewelry and souvenirs.
How can one travel to Coober Pedy?
Coober Pedy can be reached by air, coach, or road. Flights are available between Adelaide and Coober Pedy on specific days. Coach services connect Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy, providing convenient transportation. The town is accessible by road via the Stuart Highway, and it is located at various distances from major cities in the region.
What are some unique features or activities in Coober Pedy?
A unique feature of Coober Pedy is its nighttime golf course, where golfers play with glowing balls to avoid the daytime heat. The lack of grass on the course doesn’t deter enthusiasts, who carry a small piece of “turf” for teeing off. Additionally, exploring the opal mines and experiencing the underground lifestyle are activities that offer a truly distinctive experience in Coober Pedy.
H/T: Outback Australia Travel Secrets / Opals Down Under / www.cooberpedy.sa.gov.au / Wikipedia