This mining town is one of Australia’s best known outback settlements. Situated 535km north of Adelaide and with a resident population of around 2,700, most of Coober Pedy is built underground to escape the searing heat of the outback summer and the cold of the outback winter. Coober Pedy’s other claim to fame is the profitable opal mining, which sustains the town’s economy.

Coober Pedy Opal Mines
Courtesy Flinders Ranges and Outback South Australia

The area is extremely inhospitable and basic necessities such as water are expensive. The township and surrounding area are dotted with numerous mine shafts and it is extremely wise to adhere to the warning signs that are positioned everywhere around town. There are a number of tours that can be taken to visit some of the old mining areas and other features of the town, or to experience the harsh outback land that surrounds the town and beyond.