Finding opals in Coober Pedy South Australia

Coober Pedy, South Australia looms so large in the Australian imagination, many people are surprised to learn that the town's permanent population numbers just 3,500. Although it is a small town, Coober Pedy can be said to be one of the world's most cosmopolitan, with permanent residents coming from 45 different countries.

The explorer, John Stuart, was the first European known to have visited the Coober Pedy region. While Stuart passed through the region in 1858, the hot, dry area remained of little interest to settlers until Willy Hutchinson discovered the rich deposits of opal hidden in the desert rocks in 1915. By 1916, Coober Pedy had become a permanent settlement and continued to grow. In 1999, the Australian government finally decided that it was time to limit the exploitation of the region after a survey discovered over 250,000 mine shafts in the Coober Pedy area. Today, large scale mining operations are forbidden in the area, but small scale mining continues on claims not exceeding 165 square feet.

Because of the searing heat of the outback, opal miners and other residents prefer living in caves to living above ground. These 'dugouts', as they are called, are not cramped, primitive dwellings, though. On the contrary, they are fully furnished two and three bedroom homes that include water, electricity, kitchens, bathrooms and everything else you can expect to find in a home.

In 1987, the Stuart Highway, the only road that runs between Adelaide and Alice Springs, was sealed. Coober Pedy marks the halfway point between these two destinations and it became a popular stopover. Now it is a tourist destination in its own right, with opals, the unique lifestyle of the locals and the breathtaking scenery being its biggest tourist attractions.

Buying opals in Coober Pedy is a much more fascinating experience than buying them in a shop far removed from their source. For many tourists, the biggest drawcard of Coober Pedy is opals, which they buy from underground shops or even go mining for. While they are there, they discover an amazing underground world of shops, restaurants, accommodations, churches and museums.

Coober Pedy's most remarkable above ground attraction may be the Coober Pedy Golf Course. This 18 hole course has the distinction of holding reciprocal playing rights with St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland, the "birthplace of golf." Another distinction of the Coober Pedy Golf Club is that it has been included in the list of the 10 most unusual golf courses in the world. It is a grassless course and night golf with glow-in-the-dark balls is very popular, partly because, with daytime temperatures that can become intolerably hot, the only time golf can be played is at night.

If you are looking for a unique place to stay, then look no further than a Coober Pedy accommodation. You will be able to take your pick of "caves" to stay in, from basic to luxurious. For a completely unique experience you will thoroughly enjoy, go a little out of your way and stay in Coober Pedy.


Take a few days off, find Accommodation in Coober Pedy, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.