Explore this fascinating and unique gem of South Australia with our list of the best things to do in Coober Pedy!
Coober Pedy is one of the most famous towns in the Australian Outback.
It’s known for its underground houses, opal mining history, and rugged desert landscapes. Coober Pedy showcases a much different side of Australia compared to the lush coastlines that most tourists frequent.
From touring an underground museum, to golfing at Opal Fields Golf Club, to browsing Aboriginal art, to joining a guided tour of the surrounding desert, Coober Pedy offers lots of ways to connect with the landscape and culture of South Australia.
Though the town is relatively small, there are lots of cool attractions for those who want the full Coober Pedy experience. Stay in an underground hotel, join some guided tours with a local, and soak in those otherworldly views.
Here are the best things to do in Coober Pedy, South Australia!
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13 Top Things To Do In Coober Pedy
Now that we’ve given a brief overview and some travel tips for heading to Coober Pedy, here are the top activities and attractions in this unique part of South Australia.
Explore the remote Outback town of Coober Pedy!
1. Stay in an underground hotel
Because of the desert’s extreme heat, many of Coober Pedy’s residents are living underground. This means there are also several underground hotels for tourists!
These hotels are built into the hills and old opal mines, providing a naturally cool environment that shields guests from the harsh desert heat, where temperatures can soar above 40°C in summer.
It’s a super cool experience to spend the night at a fully equipped hotel that is entirely underground. Many of the underground hotels and underground homes for rent also have above-ground areas for picnics and BBQs.
We’ll recommend some top hotels in the “where to stay in Coober Pedy” section of this article, but you can also browse Booking.com for some top options!
2. Check out the underground churches
Coober Pedy is home to several fascinating underground churches, which serve as both places of worship and unique architectural attractions.
These churches, carved into the town’s sandstone hills, provide a cool and serene refuge from the harsh Outback climate.
Among the most well-known is the Serbian Orthodox Church, with its intricate carvings, vaulted ceilings, and religious icons etched into the rock.
Other notable underground churches include the St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Anglican Catacomb Church, each offering a peaceful and atmospheric setting for prayer and reflection.
These churches not only cater to the spiritual needs of the local community but also attract visitors interested in experiencing Coober Pedy’s underground culture.
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3. Tour the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
Coober Pedy is often called the “Opal Capital of the World”. You can learn about the opal mining heritage of the area with a guided tour of an active mine at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum.
The Umoona Opal Mine & Museum in Coober Pedy is a must-visit attraction that offers a fascinating insight into the town’s opal mining history, Aboriginal art and heritage, and unique underground lifestyle.
Located in a former opal mine, the underground museum features exhibits on the region’s geology, the history of opal mining, and the lives of early miners. You can also check out the Aboriginal interpretive centre to learn about the Indigenous history of Coober Pedy.
Visitors can explore an original underground home, see stunning opal displays, and take guided tours through the historic mine tunnels. It’s a great way to understand the local history and even try your hand at opal hunting.
4. Explore the landscape with a Painted Desert Tour
Though the town centre of Coober Pedy is full of cool attractions, be sure to explore the landscape around the town as well!
The best way to do this is join a small group tour of the magnificent desert surrounding Coober Pedy with a local guide. You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle as you embark on a personalised adventure through the Painted Desert.
See natural landmarks like the Moon Plains and the Arckaringa Hills, and enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Coober Pedy town.
With only 4 people on the tour, you’ll get to know a Coober Pedy local and get some truly spectacular views of the South Australia Outback.
Explore the wilderness outside Coober Pedy.
5. Browse through the Opal Shops and Galleries
If you have some downtime or you’re hoping to buy some souvenirs, spend some time browsing through the local shops and galleries.
The main street of this iconic mining town is lined with opal shops and art galleries, where visitors can admire and purchase some of the world’s finest opals.
These shops, many of which are family-run, offer a dazzling array of opals in various forms, from raw stones to jewelry.
Some well-known establishments, such as the Old Timers Mine and Opal Cave, provide not only retail experiences but also insights into the mining and cutting processes.
Many galleries also feature unique opalized fossils, showcasing the region’s prehistoric past. So if you’re looking for a special souvenir, stop in a local opal shop to admire the craftsmanship in the Opal Capital of the World!
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6. Golf at the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Course
Another one of the best things to do in Coober Pedy is spend an afternoon at the Opal Fields Golf Course.
Even if you’re not really into golfing, the landscape at the golf course is just incredible so it’s worth checking out.
Unlike traditional courses, the Opal Fields Golf Course has no grass. There is just a rugged, desert landscape with fairways made of compacted sand and oiled greens, known as “scrapes.”
Players carry a small piece of artificial turf to tee off from, adapting to the extreme environment where temperatures can soar.
Despite its barren appearance, the club has a passionate golfing community and even boasts a reciprocal membership with Scotland’s famous St Andrews Links.
Playing at the Opal Fields Golf Course is not just a game, it’s an adventure that perfectly reflects the resourcefulness and character of Coober Pedy.
7. Join an Old Timers Mine Tour
Another way to connect with the history of this famous mining town is to join a tour at the Old Timers Mine.
The Old Timers Mine Tour in Coober Pedy is a fascinating journey into the town’s mining past, offering visitors a firsthand look at how miners lived and worked underground over a century ago.
Originally dug in 1916 and later rediscovered in the 1960s, the mine has been preserved as a museum, showcasing original hand-dug tunnels, historic mining equipment, and even a traditional underground home.
Visitors can explore the winding passages, see opal seams still embedded in the rock, and try their hand at “noodling” for opals.
With its rich history, interactive exhibits, and authentic underground setting, the Old Timers Mine Tour is one of the best things to do in Coober Pedy!
8. Go stargazing
While you’re so far out in the Australian Outback, don’t miss the chance to stargaze.
Coober Pedy is an amazing place to stargaze after dark. There is very little civilization outside the town centre!
Hop in your car and cruise along the Outback roads on a clear night. Make sure you pull over safely, but then you can really admire the immense, starry sky.
Views of the night sky near Coober Pedy
9. Spend a day with the Outback Mail Man
If guided tours are your favorite way to explore a place, consider a day with the Outback Mail Man while you’re in Coober Pedy!
This small-group tour of only 10 guests starts and ends in Coober Pedy. Get picked up by the Outback Mail Man, a.k.a. your tour guide for the day.
Join the Outback Mail Man on his daily route through the Outback, visiting historic towns like Oodnadatta and William Creek as well as five remote cattle stations including Anna Creek Station (the world’s largest).
Throughout your day exploring the Outback, you’ll get to see iconic landmarks like the famous Dingo Fence. This is the longest fence in the world! You’ll also get to visit a Railway Museum and enjoy an included lunch at a cosy country pub.
Your guide will also share his knowledge and experience about the area, including Indigenous history, fun facts about Lake Eyre and other landmarks, and the stories of the Outback’s early explorers. This is a super fun and laid-back way to learn about the history of Coober Pedy and South Australia.
10. Visit Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage
Last but not least on our list of fun things to do in Coober Pedy is Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage.
Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage is a unique blend of Indigenous art, opal displays, and wildlife rescue.
The art gallery showcases an impressive collection of authentic Aboriginal artwork, including dot paintings and artifacts, while also offering high-quality opals for sale.
Beyond the art, the facility serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured kangaroos. Check out the Kangaroo Orphanage to witness the nurturing safe haven for these iconic Australian animals.
Visitors can learn about Aboriginal culture, admire stunning artwork, and even interact with rescued kangaroos during feeding times.
Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage is a beloved attraction in Coober Pedy! This combination of art, culture, and wildlife conservation makes Josephine’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection to Coober Pedy’s heritage and natural environment.
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11. See Crocodile Harry’s Underground Nest and Dugout
Crocodile Harry’s Underground Nest is one of Coober Pedy’s most eccentric and legendary attractions, offering a glimpse into the life of one of the town’s most colorful characters.
Crocodile Harry is a former crocodile hunter from Latvia who became an opal miner. He transformed an underground dugout into a uniquely decorated home filled with quirky memorabilia, carvings, and messages left by visitors from around the world.
The walls of Crocodile Harry’s underground home are covered in graffiti, old relics, and odd trinkets, giving the place a cave-like, artistic atmosphere.
The nest of Crocodile Harry also gained fame for being featured in the cult classic film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. A visit to Crocodile Harry’s Underground Nest is an unforgettable experience in Coober Pedy.
12. Visit the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
A short drive from town, this stunning conservation park offers dramatic, lunar-like landscapes that are perfect for photography, sunset watching, and a peaceful escape from the town.
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is located about 25 km north of Coober Pedy, so it’s an easy drive.
Covering approximately 15,000 hectares, the park is known for its striking desert full of flat-topped mesas, vibrant rock formations, and expansive plains that change color throughout the day.
The area holds deep cultural significance for the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people, who manage the park in partnership with the South Australian government.
Visitors to the park can explore scenic lookouts, encounter unique flora and fauna, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Outback, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
There are some incredible mountains and landscapes outside Coober Pedy.
13. Catch a movie at the Big Winch 360º Cinema Experience
The Big Winch Cinema in Coober Pedy is a modern entertainment hub that brings a touch of luxury to the remote Outback town.
Located at the iconic Big Winch 360 complex, the cinema offers visitors a state-of-the-art viewing experience with comfortable seating, high-quality sound, and a carefully curated selection of films. You can watch everything from new releases, to classics and locally relevant documentaries.
They also offer food at the on-site cafe, and have lovely views from the Big Winch Lookout.
Its intimate setting provides a relaxing escape, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring Coober Pedy’s rugged landscapes.
With its combination of cutting-edge technology and a uniquely Outback atmosphere, the Big Winch Cinema adds a vibrant cultural experience to Coober Pedy!
Coober Pedy Travel Guide
For anyone who has visited Coober Pedy, they can tell you that a little planning goes a long way! Coober Pedy is such a remote town in the Outback, so you’ll want to plan much of your trip in advance.
Here are some travel tips to help you organise your stay in Coober Pedy!
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When to visit Coober Pedy
The best time to visit Coober Pedy is during the cooler months of the year. So autumn (March – May), winter, (June – August), and spring (September – November) are ideal.
You’ll just want to avoid Coober Pedy in the summer months, when the heat of the desert is extreme. Often, the whole town shuts down in summer and many attractions are closed because it’s too hot!
Coober Pedy is pretty hot year-round, but spring, winter, and autumn have much more comfortable temperatures for exploring.
How long should you spend in Coober Pedy?
2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in Coober Pedy. If you’re on a tighter schedule you can stick to 2 days, but 3 days gives you more opportunities for cool activities besides just sightseeing.
Do you need a car in Coober Pedy?
Yes! Unless you’re riding the Ghan train and you have a guided excursion in Coober Pedy, you’ll need your own car to explore the surrounding area.
Whether you’re on a road trip from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Sydney, Perth, or the Red Centre, make sure your car is well-equipped to handle the remote roads of the Australian Outback!
Coober Pedy does have an airport, but most travellers will likely visit Coober Pedy while road-tripping through the Outback on the Stuart Highway.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Is Coober Pedy worth visiting?
Coober Pedy is definitely worth visiting because of its wild desert landscapes, fascinating mining and Indigenous history, and cool underground attractions.
For anyone who wants to see a unique and mesmerising side of Australia, venture into the heart of the Outback and explore Coober Pedy!
Where to Stay in Coober Pedy
Now that we’ve covered the best things to do in Coober Pedy, here are our top recommendations for places to stay.
Half the fun of visiting Coober Pedy is staying in an underground hotel, so make sure you take the time to choose a cool place for relaxing after seeing the tourist attractions.
Here are some top-rated Coober Pedy accommodation options to suit all budgets!
Budget – Radeka Downunder Underground Motel
For an underground stay on a budget in Coober Pedy, check out the Radeka Downunder Underground Motel. You can get double and twin rooms for amazing prices, and you can experience the iconic underground stay in Coober Pedy.
It’s located right on the main street and has a fully equipped communal kitchen and coin-operated laundry. Perfect for budget travelers!
Mid Range – Underground Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy a slightly more upscale stay at this Underground Bed and Breakfast! It’s in a slightly quieter location off the main street so you can have a relaxed and peaceful stay. The bed and breakfast has gardens, BBQ areas, lounges, free shuttles, a shared kitchen, and air-conditioning.
Luxury – Ali’s Underground Home
You won’t find any 5-star resorts in this desert Outback town, but you can reserve an entire underground house for yourself during your stay.
Ali’s Underground Home is a rustic and cosy underground living area. You also get to enjoy mountain views, picnic areas, a sun terrace, and outdoor fireplace when you feel like getting outside!
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