The town of Coober Pedy is one of the quirkiest and most unique places you’ll ever visit. Nestled in the heart of South Australia’s arid outback, this town has embraced its extreme heat by living underground in cool, subterranean homes known as “dugouts.” These underground dwellings offer a welcome escape from the relentless sun, making them an ingenious solution to the scorching temperatures. Coober Pedy isn’t just about dodging the heat, it’s also renowned as the opal capital of the world. The town is dotted with opal mines, and it’s the place to be if you’re fascinated by these dazzling gemstones. The whole place has an offbeat charm that’s a fascinating blend of mining history, desert living, and sheer whimsy.

If you’re heading north from Adelaide or venturing toward the Northern Territory and the Red Centre, Coober Pedy is a must-stop along your journey. To truly experience its underground allure, I recommend taking one of the fascinating underground tours. You’ll get a firsthand look at what it’s like to mine for opals, see how folks live in these cool subterranean homes, and even shop for some iconic opal jewelry and stones.

When I visited, I stayed at the Old Timers Mine campsite, which is a fantastic donation-based campsite, it does fill up quick though so get in early. You can stay for free if you visit the Old Timers Mine Museum, which has a self-guided tour for just $15.00 It’s a great way to dive into the local history and make your stay in Coober Pedy even more memorable.