The Opal Capital of the World
Coober Pedy is approximately 850kms north of Adelaide and 680km south of Alice Springs
on the fully sealed Stuart Highway. Situated in the middle of South Australia, Coober Pedy is
the Opal Capital Of The World and has become one of the iconic tourism destinations within
Australia.
Underground living, the unique landscape, multicultural diversity and the quirky characters
truly makes Coober Pedy a tourism icon. Coupled with the brilliant colours of Australia’s
National Gemstone, Coober Pedy is a must see destination.
The first opal in the area was discovered in 1915 by a 14 year old boy searching for water.
Since that time, opal miners have eked out a living by fossicking, mining, blasting and noodling.
Today, Coober Pedy is home to some 3000 people. The demographics are changing but the
true heart of the town beats in time to Opal!
If you are driving up from Adelaide, it will take you approximately 10 hours at a comfortable
speed. Please remember to take plenty of water with you if you undertake this journey. Fuel
stops are well signposted along the Stuart Highway.