Andamooka

Andamooka SA 5722 (Pop 550)
Pic: by Mike Thurn

Andamooka is a quirky and disorganized Outback opal mining town located 590 km north of Adelaide. Opals were first discovered here in 1930 and amongst them, the famous ‘Andamooka’ opal weighing 203 carats presented to Queen Elizabeth in 1954. This extraordinary and ultimately temporary settlement is made up of a number of underground homes to combat the oppressive summer temperatures and otherwise ramshackle buildings built of whatever materials can be found. Andamooka markets held long weekends (Easter/June/Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Opal shops, historic miners’ shacks and Andamooka cemetery.

Nearby:
Lake Torrens (s-e) one of SA’s largest salt lakes where 4WD is recommended.

Accommodation:
Andamooka has a hotel/motel and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre Tel 1800 633 060 or Dukes Bottlehouse Motel, (08) 8672 7007.

Airports:
Olympic Dam Airport (OLP), Blinman Rd. Tel (08) 8671 1655 (41 km west); Port Augusta Airport (PUG), off Eyre Hwy. (287 km south).

Hospital:
Roxby Downs Hospital, Burgoyne St. Tel (08) 8671 9020. (33 km s-w).