Insider tip on Coober Pedy

Trusted advice from our verified community for authentic experiences

Verified Blogger
Les Manalas
Well, we can tell you that we weren't disappointed! As soon as we arrive, we're already in the atmosphere! There are underground shops, decorations everywhere, sculptures made from car wrecks and everyday objects, red dirt and dust everywhere, etc. You absolutely have to stop by Coober Pedy to simply experience once in your life that feeling of being on Mars or the Moon... it will depend on where you are... And if you love the movie Mad Max, go there because that's where they filmed the movie!
Verified Blogger
Les Manalas
The Coober Pedy mines are world-renowned. Most miners do not have a budget to invest in large machines to dig and reveal the opal. As a result, they mostly dig with pickaxes! There are no large companies extracting the stone, and anyone can rent a plot for the year to dig and search for opal. Thus, most miners live underground after digging a large cavity; they simply finish their work by establishing their home there. Often, when we drove through the town, we would discover a door hidden in the stone around a bend. It's quite unsettling not to really know where the residents live! It is also recommended to never stray from the roads as there are holes everywhere!
Verified Blogger
Les Manalas
The world capital of opal. The city where half of the residents live underground. The city where half of the roads are not paved. The city that has been the backdrop for many films and series around the world!