Best time
April – October
Ideal length
1–3 days
Base yourself
Coober Pedy
Around 846 km north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway, Coober Pedy produces much of the world's opal. To escape the summer heat, many residents live in 'dugouts' carved into the hillsides, and visitors can sleep, shop and even go to church underground.
Tour highlights
Underground opal mine tours
Walk through old hand-dug mines and see how opal is found. Tours cost roughly $15–$40 per adult.
Kanku-Breakaways
Flat-topped mesas in white, ochre and orange, about 30 km north of town, best at sunset.
The Dog Fence
A section of one of the world's longest fences, built to keep dingoes out of sheep country.
Insider tips
- Book an underground hotel room — it stays cool all year.
- Don't wander off marked paths: old mine shafts are unfenced and deep.
- Coober Pedy is a natural stop on the Adelaide–Uluru drive or The Ghan journey.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Coober Pedy from Adelaide?
About 846 km by road, roughly a 9-hour drive north on the Stuart Highway. Flights also run from Adelaide.
Can you stay underground in Coober Pedy?
Yes. Several hotels, B&Bs and campgrounds offer underground rooms that stay at a comfortable temperature year round.
