Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live underground? No, I’m not talking about the mole people or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I’m talking about the residents of Coober Pedy, a town in South Australia that is known as the “opal capital of the world”.
Coober Pedy is a fascinating place with a rich history and unique attractions. In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing town and why you should visit it at least once in your lifetime.
The history of Coober Pedy dates back to 1915, when a 14-year-old boy named Willie Hutchison discovered opal while looking for water in the desert. Opal is a precious gemstone that comes in various colors and patterns, and is highly valued by collectors and jewelers. Willie’s discovery sparked a rush of prospectors who came to Coober Pedy in search of fortune.
However, life in the desert was not easy. The temperatures could reach up to 50 degrees Celsius in the summer and drop below zero in the winter. The water was scarce and expensive, and the dust storms were frequent and fierce. To cope with these harsh conditions, the miners decided to dig their homes underground, where it was cooler and quieter. They also built underground churches, shops, hotels, museums, and even a golf course.
Today, Coober Pedy has about 1,700 residents, of whom more than half live underground. The town attracts thousands of tourists every year who want to experience the subterranean lifestyle and see the opal fields. There are many things to do and see in Coober Pedy, such as:
- Visit the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Coober Pedy, see a working opal mine, and buy some opal souvenirs.
- Stay at the Desert Cave Hotel, where you can sleep in a luxurious underground room, enjoy a fine dining restaurant, and relax in a spa.
- Explore the Breakaways Reserve, where you can admire the stunning landscape of colorful hills and rock formations that have been featured in movies like Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
- Play a round of golf at the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club, where you can use artificial grass or a piece of carpet as a tee, and avoid hitting the kangaroos that roam around the course.
- Watch a movie at the Underground Drive-In Cinema, where you can park your car in a dug-out cave and enjoy a classic film on a big screen.
As you can see, Coober Pedy is a place like no other. It is a testament to the human spirit of adaptation and innovation. It is also a place where you can find some of the most beautiful and rare opals in the world. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Coober Pedy today and discover this hidden gem of Australia!
