Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy SA 5723 (Pop 2 000)
Pic: by Matt Malone

Coober Pedy is a fascinating and cosmopolitan Outback opal mining town. It is located 846 km north of Adelaide and 685 south of Alice Springs. This ethnically diverse community is made up of 45 nationalities, 60% of them Europeans. With summer temps rising to 50 deg C, 80% of the population live underground. Opals were first discovered in 1915 and the township derives its name from Aboriginal ‘kupa piti' meaning ‘white men down holes’. Opal Festival (Easter), Coober Pedy Greek Glendi (July), Amateur Race Meeting and Gymkhana (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Underground Churches include the world’s first, St Peter & St Pauls (Hutchison St), Anglican (Catacomb Rd) and the Serbian Orthodox. Old Timers Mine, Crowders Gully Rd is a mining museum located in a 1916 opal mine.

Nearby:
Moon Plain (15 km n-e) and the Breakaways (30 km north) are both unique and diverse landscapes of stony deserts and rocky outcrops. Rich in wildlife and spectacular scenery. William Creek (166 km east) is the state’s smallest village (population 12) located within the world’s largest cattle station, Anna Creek. Painted Desert (234 km north) the rich colours of the Arckaringa Hills created by millions of years of erosion and climatic conditions, result in this exceptional vista.

Accommodation:
Coober Pedy has half a dozen motels, 3 hotels, holiday apartments and cabins in the 4 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Council offices, Hutchison St. Tel (08) 8672 5298 or 1800 637 076 (Mon-Fri).

Airport:
Coober Pedy Airport (CPD), Airport Rd off Stuart Hwy. Tel (08) 8672 5298.

Hospital:
Coober Pedy Hospital, Hospital Rd. Tel (08) 8672 5009.