2018 VGuide 2018

2018 Winning Photo “Rusty” by Mike Hoath

by Kezia Manning by Arid Area Tours by Joe Bird

2018 Maps, Opals, Tours, Restaurants,
Accommodation and Services www.cooberpedy.com

Welcome to Coober Pedy

The Coober Pedy Retail Business and Tourism Associa-
tion welcomes you to our unique cosmopolitan town. We
trust your stay will be both memorable and enjoyable and
that the information provided will be of assistance. I have
lived in Coober Pedy since 1970 and have a great admi-
ration for the town and also the people that reside here.
Coober Pedy is unique, the deserts and surrounding lands
are nothing that you will see anywhere else. Our town is
worth more than a one day visit. I invite travelers to stay
an extra day or two, we will show you what there is to do!

Thomas Hammermeister, President, CPRBTA

Contents 4
5
South Australian Outback Map 6-7
General Information 8-9
Coober Pedy History 10-13
Coober Pedy Today 14-17
Local Attractions 18-19
Opal Information & Stores 20-21
Town Map 22-23
Restaurants 24-27
Tours 28-31
Accommodation 32-33
Stores & Services 34-36
Outback Attractions
Events

by Grant Hugo



Coober Pedy South Australian Outback

4

General Information Why visit Coober Pedy?

How to get there People are attracted to Coober Pedy for a
Coober Pedy is situated in the Outback of range of reasons. Some are fascinated by our
South Australia, 846km North of Adelaide underground lifestyle which is like nowhere
and 685km South of Alice Springs. else on earth. Many of our homes, hotels,
churches and restaurants are tunnelled into
By Car hillsides and are almost invisible on first
The Stuart Highway is one of the best inspection.
highways in Australia and the journies north
and south of the town is both comfortable Others are drawn by the very thing that has
and interesting. From Adelaide, the journey pulled people from 47 nations to this desert
takes approximately 8-10 hours and 6-8 hours region over the past decade – opal. Then there
from Alice Springs. Please be aware that, are those who come to see the landscapes: the
when venturing off the highway, roads are majesty of The Breakaways, the spectacle of
unsealed and often impassable after heavy the Painted Desert and the bizarre, moon-like
rain so please check weather forecasts and surface of the mining fields.
road conditions before you travel.
Of course it’s the combination of all these
By Coach elements that truly make Coober Pedy a place
like nowhere on earth. We encourage you to
National coach Greyhound travel through explore all of Coober Pedy and understand how
Coober Pedy, providing various daily services. they are in fact all quite intertwined.
www.greyhound.com.au
Climate Between March and November,
By Air
the weather is very pleasant. Typical
Regional Express Airlines operate a service to of a semi-desert climate, the days are
and from Adelaide. www.rex.com.au warm but the desert nights are cold.
From December to February, the weather
Wrights Air for Charter Flights. warms up and summer temperatures
www.wrightsair.com.au range upwards from 35ºC in the shade.
The annual rainfall is minimal, at around
By Train 175mm (5 inches) per annum, so summer
dust storms can occur.
The Ghan stops at Manguri, 40km West
of Coober Pedy, allowing passengers to Terrain Coober Pedy lies on the edge of
disembark, transport from the rail siding to
Coober Pedy must be specially arranged. the erosional scarp of the Stuart Ranges,
Since 2015, The Ghan is also offering day on beds of sand and siltstone 30m deep,
tours into Coober Pedy as part of a travel topped with a stony, treeless desert. Very
package. www.greatsouthernrail.com.au little plant life exists in town due to the
region’s low rainfall, sandstone and lack
of topsoil. A popular attraction is the golf
course which, despite its full 18 holes, is
entirely grassless.

Coober Pedy

by Melinda Aylett 5

Planning your trip

There is much to discover in and around by Tim Morris
Coober Pedy and a two day/three night
minimum stay is recommended to make the History
most of your visit. Below is a brief suggested
Ancient History Approximately 150
itinerary.
million years ago, the ocean covered the
DAY ONE Coober Pedy region. As the sea water
Morning - Allow at least half a day to visit a receded, climatic changes caused the
museum to learn about the region’s history, lowering of the underground water tables.
mining, geology, landscape, underground Silica solutions were carried down to
lifestyle and Aboriginal culture. You will deposit in cavities, faults and fractures in
explore dugouts and see valuable opals the ground and now, millions of years later,
and fossils, plus the award-winning short these silica solutions have formed into
documentary ‘The Story of Opal’ at Umoona opal.
provides an excellent overview of the area’s
ancient and recent history. Aboriginal History For thousands
Afternoon / Evening - Visit a working mine
to see how opals are traced and extracted, of years, Aboriginal people walked across
both by modern and older methods, and try this area. Living in a desert environment,
‘noodling’ for opal yourself. There are guided the people were nomadic hunters and
and self-guided tours available. gatherers who travelled constantly in
There is a variety of multicultural restaurants search of food and water supplies, as well
as to attend traditional ceremonies. In
to choose from for breakfast, lunch & dinner. June 1975, the Coober Pedy Aboriginal
Community adopted the name “Umoona”,
DAY TWO meaning “long life” – the name also
Morning - Explore the town of Coober Pedy to used for the “Umoona” or mulga tree; a
discover the unique lifestyle. Key attractions common tree in this area.
include the underground churches, the
Coober Pedy grass-less golf course, the Kangaroo Recent History Coober Pedy was
Orphanage and the numerous opal shops &
displays. Take a guided tour or navigate your originally known as the Stuart Range Opal
own way. Field, named after John McDouall Stuart
Afternoon / Evening - Venture out of town to who, in 1858, was the first European
see the stunning Breakaways rock formation, explorer to visit the area. In 1920 a
Moon Plain and the Dingo Fence – this is the new name was needed so a post office
perfect setting for a sunset experience. You could be established, Stuart Range being
may also recognise some sites used as film unsuitable owing to the similarity to
locations along the way. Stewart Range in Western Australia.
At a Progress Committee meeting the opal
DAY THREE / FOUR - There are day trips miners chose Coober Pedy, an Aboriginal
available out of Coober Pedy that take you to, term meaning white man in a hole.
through or over some stunning landscapes
and remote Outback towns. Options include:
The Mail Run – spend a day with Outback
character Rowie as he delivers the mail to
historic Outback towns and stations.
Arid Area Tours & Noble Australia Tours -
Painted Desert Tour – a full day 4WD tour
through the Moon Plains and past cattle
stations and waterholes to the Painted
Desert.
Wrights Air Flights over the Painted Desert,

William Creek, Cattle Stations & Lake Eyre.

6

The Discovery of Opal Iron Man – Jim Shaw Coober Pedy

In January 1915 – 100 years ago – a small Over the 100 years of European settlement
group of men named the New Colorado in Coober Pedy, there have been many
Prospecting Syndicate had unsuccessfully interesting and varied stories of how
been searching for gold just south of people came to the opal field.
Coober Pedy. Jim Shaw earned the name “Iron Man”
following his epic walk to Coober Pedy
On February 1, they had set up camp and from Tarcoola, a distance of about 200 kms.
were searching for water when the 15
year-old (William Hutchison) son of one It was in February 1920, that he arrived
of the men found pieces of surface opal. at Tarcoola after the train trip from Perth.
Eight days later, the first opal claim was He had been a gold miner in the west and
pegged. had pushed his
possessions
Due to lack of water and the extreme heat, from field to
the party left on February 18th and headed field in a wheel
to William Creek. A few months later, the barrow. Now his
O’Neill brothers & Fred Blakeley arrived and intention was to
became the earliest opal mining pioneers push it to Coober
and introduced the unique method of living Pedy to go opal
underground in “dugouts”. The flies were mining.
bad and there were no building materials.
He also had
In 1917, the Trans Continental Railway was the reputation
completed and a number of construction of being “the
workers came to the opal fields. They Human Buckjumper”. Men would put bets
were followed by soldiers returning from on being able to ride on his back while
the First World War. Conditions were harsh Jim cavorted around on the floor. It was
and water and provisions had to be carted an easy way for Jim to earn a quick quid
great distances and under very trying because no one lasted too long on his
conditions. back.

During the Great Depression of the late Though being warned that he was mad
1930s and 1940s, opal prices plummeted to set off walking to Coober Pedy at that
and production almost came to a time of year, Jim did just that with his
standstill. But then, typical of Coober prospector’s outfit of pick, shovel, 2 rock
Pedy’s history of boom and bust cycles, drills and hammer, camping needs, food
an Aboriginal woman named Tottie Bryant and water all in his trusty wheel barrow.
made a sensational opal find at the Eight
Mile field in 1946 starting a new rush to Much to the amazement of the Coober
the fields. During the 1960s, the mining Pedy locals who had been warned that he
industry expanded rapidly as many was attempting the trip, Jim made it.
European But what really confounded his audience
migrants came on his arrival, was that Jim arrived fresh as
to seek their a daisy, having washed, shaved and put on
fortunes. Opal clean clothes at the last waterhole before
mining town.
developed into
a multi-million Needless to say, his reputation and name of
dollar industry “Iron man” became a legend in Coober Pedy,
and Coober and followed him to Andamooka, where he
Pedy became lived out the rest of his life.
a modern
mining town. Article by: Coober Pedy Historical Society

by Sue Britt

7

Coober Pedy Today

The Opal Capital of the World

Coober Pedy Coober Pedy and its surrounds is often Water Supply
described as being moon-like, with its
landscape dotted with shafts and mullock The region’s low rainfall along with no
heaps from opal mining activities. The permanent natural water source prompted
township offers all the facilities expected in the 1922 Government to construct an
a large country town as well as numerous underground water tank to hold 500,000
opal shops. As many of the buildings are gallons (approx. 2 million litres). This
partially or completely underground, a map supply remained unreliable so the State
or guide is recommended to help you find Government in 1967 developed a solar
your way around. desalination plant to produce fresh water
from salty water pumped from 100m
Population below the surface. However, this did not
produce enough water and was often
The District Council of Coober Pedy damaged by high winds.
estimates the population to be around
2,500. Approximately 60% of the people Since 1985, a modern water desalination
are of European heritage, having migrated plant using a reverse osmosis process has
from southern and eastern Europe after the been operated by the Coober Pedy District
Second World War. In all, there are more Council. Raw water is pumped from 60m
than 45 nationalities represented creating a deep artesian bores located 23 km north
very ethnically diverse community. east of Coober Pedy, via a 200mm pipeline
alongside the Oodnadatta Road to the
Industry and Income town water tanks. Bore water pumps
operate automatically via radio signals
Coober Pedy is a major regional service transmitted from the town Treatment
centre for Outback South Australia, with Plant. The water quality is now excellent.
essential services including medical,
health, welfare, law and order, education For travellers, a coin operated water
and leisure. The four main industries are dispensers are available on Hutchison
opal mining, tourism, primary production Street.
and support services. Together with nearby
Andamooka and Mintabie, Coober Pedy Coober Pedy Area School
produces 85% of the world’s opal supply.
Pre-school to Year 12.
The Coober Pedy Hospital Coober Pedy Area School is offering a qual-
ity education for preschool to year 12 stu-
Part of the Whyalla Eastern Eyre and Far dents. It incorporates a child parent centre,
North Health Services. Our hospital is a 24 innovative programs, community connec-
bed facility with 14 acute beds, 10 high level tions, and modern facilities. A range of
residential aged care beds. Our staff work pathways are available, including tertiary
in close partnership with community health study, school to work, VET and apprentice-
services and Aboriginal health providers to ships. Our students represent 49 different
ensure that optimum care is delivered to all cultures, with one-third of the enrolment
areas of the community. being made up of Aboriginal students.
We are an accelerated literacy school and
use a method of teaching that helps stu-
dents to read and write complex texts.

8

by Irene Spillmann by Monica Harding

Underground Living Wildlife

In “Dugouts” There is a large variety of native wildlife
found around the Coober Pedy area
It is believed that the soldiers who such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus,
returned from the trenches of France dur- sand goannas, bearded dragons, geckos,
ing the First World War introduced the idea perentie lizards and a few species of
of living underground in homes commonly snakes. Dingoes are found outside the dog
known as “dugouts”. fence. There are numerous desert varieties
of bird life such as eagles, bustards or
The miners quickly discovered the advan- bush turkeys, budgerigars, galahs, parrots
tages of living underground to escape and finches to name a few. Some pelicans
the heat of the summer and winter’s cool and black swans can be found on nearby
desert nights. No matter how harsh the lakes after rain.
climate, the underground rooms maintain
a comfortable, even temperature ranging
from 19ºC to 25ºC day and night through-
out the year.

It is estimated that about 50% of the
population live underground now. Most
dugout homes are excavated into hillsides
rather than dug from shafts.

The soil in the Coober Pedy hillside is sta-
ble enough to allow huge ceiling spans in
rooms and it is not unusual for a mining
family to buy an adjoining property and
tunnel to link two dwellings, or even three
or four. Some mansion style homes spread
up to 450 square metres underground.

by Kezia Manning Coober Pedy

9

Local Attractions

Boxed letters and numbers refer to Map pages 18 & 19

Underground Churches

B Serbian Orthodox Church TOWN
E
Church of Saint Elijah the Prophet is
the Serbian Orthodox church in Coober MAP
Pedy, South Australia, built in 1993 and is
dedicated to Saint Elijah. E Revival Fellowship

D St Peter and Paul Catholic Church Built in 1989 in part of an original opal
mine. Sea Shells in Situ. Open for viewing
The first purpose built underground 9am - 7pm. Meetings held 3 times a week
Catholic Church of its type in the world
opened June 25 1967 and extensions com-
pleted September 1984

G The Catacomb Church

The Catacomb Underground Church was
dug out in the mid 1970’s and dedicated
by the Anglican Church thereafter. It is very
quiet and a great place to meditate, pray, or
just sit and be still.

The Catacomb Church Ph 08 8672 5038

Catacomb Rd Coober Pedy Service 9:30am Sun
A Bible Believing Anglican Fellowship
www.catacombchurch.com.au

Coober Pedy Christian Fellowship by Kezia Manning
Paxton Rd Coober Pedy Ph 0439004144
A Stuart Monument
Services 10am Sunday, 7pm Friday Bible Study
The monument commemorating John
Family Church, Multi National, ACC Affiliated McDouall Stuart’s contribution to the
opening up of the continent and, in par-
ticular his journey to this area in 1858,
was erected by the Coober Pedy Historical
Society and the John McDouall Stuart
Society with the help of the District
Council in 1993.

by Lisa Roper C Wind Turbine Generator

Coober Pedy F Boot Hill The Nordex Wind Turbine Generator was
installed in 1991 and supplied around
Interesting tombstones 4% of the town’s power supply. This was
dating from the early South Australia 1st 150kw Wind Turbine
1970’s including a 18 and was decommissioned in 2017.
gallon beer keg for
Mr Karl Bratz, K Coober Pedy’s 1st Cemetery
“Have a drink on me!”
Coober Pedy first Cemetery dates back to 1921
and is located near the Greek Orthodox Church

10

H Noodling and Mining Coober Pedy
Amateur Race Club
The public noodling area is open to
the public. If you are not on a pegged The Coober Pedy Racing Club was started up in
claim and do not use a pick, shovel or 1969 with the aim of bringing together town and
any digging device, then a permit is not station people – “to make new friendships and
required. Trespassers on claims can be renew old ones”
fined. If you wish to mine in anyway using Charley Kunoth, donated the land, for the
tools, machinery or explosives, a precious racecourse. Charlie said, “I’m not going to
stones prospecting permit must be let you fellows have this land for nothing. I
obtained from the Mines & Energy Office. want a cent a year for it.”
For some thirty-eight years the race
I Kanku Breakaways & Dog Fence meeting was held over the Labour Day
long weekend in October, but, as this
Beautiful picturesque escarpment. 70km was almost always a time of very windy,
round trip through our National Reserve. hot weather, as well as clashing with the
Further information on page 35 Oysterfest at Ceduna and other events in
South Australia, in 2007 it was moved to
by Damien Buchmann early August.

J Big Winch

This 8m high structure which overlooks the

town was built by Klaus Wirries in the 1970’s to

celebrate the Opal Capital of the World. The Big

Winch was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire

in 1986.

by Pamela Bulotano by Dale Manuel Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy
Opal Fields Golf Club

This 18-hole, 72 par grass-less golf course
appears in various list of the top 10 most
unusual golf courses in the world. Golfers use
a piece of artificial grass to tee off. The putting
greens, called scrapes, are oiled down sand
which is raked smooth.

11

L Energy Developments’ Coober Pedy Renewable Hybrid Project

Coober Pedy relied mainly on diesel-fired generators to provide electricity. Energy Develop-

ments has built, owns and operates the Coober Pedy Renewable Hybrid Power Project.
This Project is an advanced approach to off-grid renew-ables. This project is the unique
combination of 1MW solar, 4MW wind, a 1MW, 0.5MWh battery storage and inverter
system as well as a range of proven enabling technologies to ensure reliability and power
quality, integrated with Energy Developments’ existing 3.9MW diesel power station.
The project aims to provide Coober Pedy with the highest penetration of renewable energy
globally at MW scale in a remote from the grid location with no reduction in reliability. The
project is expected to reduce diesel usage by approximately 70% throughout a 20 year
project life. Operations commenced in July 2017.

Centenary Mosaic Garden Crocodile Harry

The mosaic garden in front of the Lions Avid von Blumenthal was a baron from
rotunda was created by members of the Latvia who fought for Germany in WWII.
Coober Pedy Mosaic Group. The Seventh He came to Australia where he hunted
stone at the entrance features a mosaic of crocodile for 13 years before coming to
the centenary logo. A sign tells about the Coober Pedy in 1975. His dugout which
people who made the mosaics and their features sculptures, painting, graffiti and
stories. The area is paved with over 100 displays of women’s underwear, became a
personalised pavers, featuring the names tourist site and a set used in movies.
of people who once lived in Coober Pedy
and those who still do.

by Lisa RoperCoober Pedy

12

Coober Pedy Drive-In Outback Open Air Cinema Inc.

One of the last surviving drive-ins in Australia. Built in 1965 it has been a central part of
community gatherings, in 2015 it was upgraded to a digital projector ensuring excellent
quality for many years to come. Enjoy this unique cinematic experience and remember
explosives are not allowed to be brought in to this theatre! For Screening times please
contact www.cooberpedydrivein.org.au or like us on facebook - Coober Pedy Drive-in

Opal Fields by Kezia Mannng

The Coober Pedy Opal Fields are pitted with
abandoned prospecting drill holes up to
30m deep. Estimated over 1,500,000 open
shafts. Please beware and adhere to the
following warnings.

1. It is illegal to go on a pegged claim
without the miner’s permission.
2. Beware of machinery in operation.
3. Do not go onto the opal fields at night.
4. Watch where you walk and do not
walk backwards, especially when taking

photographs.

by Elodie Courtois Coober Pedy

13

Opal Information

“For in them you shall see the living fire of ruby, by Kezia Manning
the glorious purple of the amethyst,
the sea green of the emerald,

all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light”

Written by Roman Pliny in the 1st Century AD

Australia has 95% of the world’s supply of Today truck-mounted blowers which operate
commercial opal and the largest like vacuum cleaners are more commonly
percentage still comes from the 70 opal used.
fields around Coober Pedy.
Opal is a true precious stone composed
of amorphous silica and water. 85% of all
opal found is called potch (opal without
fiery colours) which has little value. It is
the other 10% of vividly coloured opal that
qualifies as the precious opal admired
throughout the world.

Coober Pedy Mining Opal by Kezia Manning

Miners, with a Mining Permit, can peg a Opal Processing and Classing
claim either 50m x 50m or 50m x 100m to
mine for opal. Once the rough or raw opal has been
mined it is placed in a small water-filled
The earlier form of mining was by sinking tumbler or a cement mixer. The agitation
or digging a shaft then tunnelling along cleans about 95% of the dirt (sandstone)
the level with a pick and shovel. A hand- from the rough opal and whatever dirt
pick or screwdriver was used when traces remains is then snipped off.
of opal were found. The opal is sorted or classed in different
grades by size and of course colour and
Since the 1970’s, there has been a rapid quality. Colour in precious opal is caused
increase in the use of mining machines. by the regular array of silica spheres
diffracting white light and breaking it up
These days, most if not all prospecting into the various colours of the spectrum.
shafts are made by using a Calweld-type There are a number of things to assess
drill which is used to excavate holes about when classing opal colour. These include
one metre in diameter using an auger the quality, brilliance, clarity, variety and
bucket. The drills can dig to a maximum pattern.
depth of about 28m to 30m. The main factors in determining the price
paid for opal are as follows.
Today’s opal fields are subsequently pitted
with thousands of abandoned Calweld by Ishka Maat
shafts.

Tunnelling machines with revolving
cutting heads and small underground
front-end loaders called boggers are used
while bulldozers are employed to remove
overburden and expose the level where it
is shallow.

Spotters follow behind watching for opal
and the seam is then worked over by
hand-pick.

Waste material (or mullock) from the
shafts and drives was originally lifted to
the surface by hand windlass, then by
power winches (Yorke hoists) or automatic
bucket tippers.

14

Base Colour. Black opal (a gem with a by Joe Bird
dark base) is more valuable than crystal
opal (almost transparent) which in turn is They are classified:
more valuable than the white or milky opal. Solid opals that nat-
urally occur in one
Dominant Colour Red fire opal is more piece.
valuable than a predominantly green opal, Doublet a 2 part
which in turn is more valuable than a stone stone consisting of a
showing only blue colour. precious opal glued to
another stone, either
Colour Pattern Harlequin opal, where potch or some other
the colour occurs in defined patches, is material like glass or
generally more sought after and valuable iron stone.
than pin-fire opal where the colour Triplet a three part
generally appears in small specks. stone with a precious
opal centre, a clear top
Once the opal has been classed in various and darkened base,
grades, each grade is weighed in Troy usually glass or potch.
ounces then valued at a rate of dollars per
ounce before being placed into a bag.
Each bag is then identified by grade and
weight. Collectively these bags are
known as a PARCEL of opal.

Cut opal is valued at a price based on qual-
ity, brilliance, clarity, variety of colour and
pattern per carat weight.

Opals may be cut and polished in a number
of ways, depending on the nature and
thickness of the colour band.

Opals are the softess of the precious gems
and need delicate care when shaping and
polishing a stone. Always ensure your
jeweller is familiar with opal when taking
your jewellery for polishing.

by Wayne Borrett TOWN
22
MAP

TOWN Coober Pedy
20
MAP

TOWN
24
MAP

15

by Arid Areas Tours

Noodling

is the process of searching through heaps of discarded mullock for pieces of opal
missed by the miners. Many locals make a living from this method and it is also very
popular with tourists.

Noodling machines, in which mullock is passed through a darkroom on a conveyor belt
beneath ultra-violet lights are also used, and this is another form of mining.

Some people get lucky and find their fortune, others find little chips to keep for memories.
Have a look around town, most of the stores have little noodling pits & little bottles of
chips for purchase.

Coober Pedy Where did the term “Noodling” come from? TOWN
21
Who really knows, the urban myth says that MAP
it comes from the term “wet noodle”
A man who does not have the courage or is
not strong/powerful or ‘man’ enough to
mine for opal underground was called a
“wet noodle”. This ‘wet noodle’ looks for
opal on the surface where it is safe. So
maybe not a nice term but an amusing one!

16

Opal Displays

Coober Pedy shops have more opal on display than anywhere else in the world. You will
find different types of opal from all around Australia, so all you need to do is shop around
for your special choice. All reputable shops will guarantee their opals in writing. Some
shops also offer opal cutting demonstrations.

Other Members Opal Stores TOWN Coober Pedy
8
Gaea Gems.......................................8672 5179
5 Mud Hut Motel............................................8672 3003 MAP
11 Radeka’s Dugout Motel & Backpackers..8. 672 5223
29 Comfort Inn - The Opal Room..............8672 5777 TOWN
30 Old Timers Mine....................................8672 5555 23
36 Josephine’s Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage.8672 5931 MAP
43 Toms Working Opal Mine.....................8672 3966
51 Waffles & Gems................................0437 735 914 17
52 Michelle’s Opal/Opal Bug....................0419 034 756





Coober PedyRestaurants

Coober Pedy’s multicultural community have
produced a great selection of eateries. With our
current restaurant scene you can try something
different every night and enjoy the authentic
cuisines.

by Wayne Borrett

Other Members Restaurants/Cafes

4 Opal Inn Bistro...........................................8672 5054
31 Caltex Oliver St Cafe...............................8672 5703
47 The Italian Miners Club...........................8672 5101
70 Mediterranean Street Food Tavern.... 0400 251 851
71 Waffles & Gems.................................0437 735 914

Nostimo Pizza...................................8672 5179
Orange & Olive ......................................8672 5272

TOWN
38
MAP

20

TOWN
10
MAP

TOWN
10
MAP

Coober Pedy

21

Tours

There are many town tours offering a broad and fascinating look at our unique lifestyle, taking
people through opal mines, underground homes, along with opal cutting demonstrations,
the beautiful Breakaways and the Dog Fence. More extensive tours include trips to the
spectacular Painted Desert, Lake Eyre and the Mail Run to Oodnadatta and William Creek.

TOWN
59
MAP

TOWN
J

MAP

Coober PedyLights! Camera! Action! Other Members Tours
18 Umoona Mine Tour......................... 8672 5288
Coober Pedy has a diverse and unique terrain, 24 Faye’s Underground House............ 8672 5028
subject to an atmospherically changing 27 Oasis Tours..................................... 8672 5169
landscape causing its popularity as a sought 41 Noble Australia Tours ............... 0499 500 932
after location by local and international film
companies. Many Stuart Range outback Tours.. 8672 5179
popular movies have
been filmed in Coober by Dale Manuel
Pedy including
Mad Max Beyond

Thunderdome 1995,
Priscilla Queen of the

Desert 1994,
Pitch Black 2000,
The Red Planet 2000,
Kangaroo Jack 2003,
and most recently
SFV1 The Orisis Child 2015.

22

TOWN TOWN
30 35
MAP MAP
TOWN TOWN
39 36
MAP MAP
TOWN
43
MAP

TOWN Coober Pedy
1

MAP

23

Coober Pedy 24

Accommodation TOWN
53
Like to sleep ‘under the stars’ or motel MAP
comfort?
Coober Pedy offers a variety of top TOWN
quality hotels and motels, self-con- 5
tained cottages, backpackers accom-
modation and ‘rockbottom’ priced MAP
camping (don’t look for the lawn
though).
Where else in the world can you
choose to stay either above or below
ground?

TOWN
33
MAP

Coober Pedy

25

TOWN
37
MAP

TOWN
4

MAP

Other Members Accommodation

1 Ribas.............................................................8672 5703
11 Radeka Downunder......................................8672 5223
18 Umoona Group Accommodation................8672 5228
20 Opal Cave.....................................................8672 5028
34 Down to Erth BnB........................................8672 5762
50 Potch n Colour........................................0437 735 914

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Stores and Town Services

Coober Pedy Emergency TOWN
Police .....................................Ph 8672 5056 17
SES / Mine Rescue ...............Ph 8672 5009 MAP
CFS -Fire Brigade ..................Ph 8672 5000
Coober Pedy Hospital.............Ph 8672 5009 Radio
Ambulance ..............................Ph 000. Dusty Radio 104.5FM
The Royal Flying Doctor for emergencies. Swimming Pool ideal for laps, fun and aerobics.
Dentist ...................................Ph 8672 5207 Located in the school grounds. Seasonal
changes for opening times www.cooberpedy.
17 Pharmacy ............................. Ph 8672 3444 sa.gov.au.
Air Services Sports Facilities are available for swimming,
REX.....................................www.rex.com.au badminton, basketball, football, cricket, judo,
8-ball, soccer, golf, tennis, darts and netball.
59 Wright’s Air .............................Ph 8670 7962 Clubs: , Coober Pedy Amateur Race
Airport Refuelling .............Ph 0428 829 795 Club, Lions, Motor and Rifle Club as well as
Banking numerous ethnic clubs, Croation, Greek, Italian
Westpac Bank 10am to 2pm....Ph 8672 4100 & Serbian - just to name a few.
Commonwealth Bank Agency .....Post Office
Post Office ............................Ph 8672 5062

Supermarkets
& Newsagency
BP/Truevalue Hardware

Car Hire
Budget Ph 8672 3003
Kupa Piti Kampers Ph.0477 038 258

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by Kezia ManningCoober Pedy

Other Member Services

12 360Private (Accountants & Lawyers)...8672 5979
Absolute Media+Markerting.......0438873809
Allsite Transport ......................0400298164
Bagman Distribution Services..........8641 0030
Coober Pedy Historical Society..........8672 5210
Cu-River Mining Australia Pty Ltd
EDL
Impossible Project................. 0488 599 467
Kupa Piti Kampers................. 0477 038 258
Kupi Kupi Coober Pedy Gliding Club Inc

............................0408 030 974
RDA (Far North)............................8672 5579

Coober Pedy............... ......0407 023 995
Shell...............................................8672 5350

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Outback Attractions

The outback of SA offers a unique and Oodnadatta is an historic centre that has
fascinating experience. Base yourself in Coober
Pedy and we will help you to discover some of retained its outback character. Its crossroads
these exciting destinations. were once thronged with drovers, cameleers,
Follow the official mail run route, or the old goldminers and Aboriginal people and the
‘Ghan’ narrow gauge railway line. Travel into outpost became a rollicking railhead when
the spectacular Painted Desert or to William the transcontinental railway ceased its
Creek through the world’s largest cattle construction in 1891. Until completed in 1929,
station ‘Anna Creek’ (24,000 sq km), call mail, freight and
into Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, Australia’s travellers were carried
longest place name and experience just some six days on camel back
of what Outback SA has to offer. For those to Alice Springs.
who like to travel to remote areas and like to
get a bird’s-eye perspective of the country, a Oodnadatta Track
charter flight might appeal. Some charter flight The 619km track from
operators also have access to remote areas Marree to Marla follows
where permits are usually required. These the route of the explorer
areas include missions where some of our John McDouall Stuart.
most famous Aboriginal arts and crafts are It is an unsealed road
produced. with sandy patches
which can become
impassable after rain

Painted Desert Witjira National Park and The Simpson Desert
The 776,900ha Park is located 160km north of
Some of Australia’s most spectacular Oodnadatta. It features the Dalhousie Thermal
Mound Springs, the largest, most active artesian
breakaway country has taken over 80 million springs in Australia as well as the Mt Dare
years to evolve from the time of the ancient homestead complex. The Parks mainly consist
inland sea. This area has eroded away over of desert landscapes, gibber plains, sand dunes,
time, and combined with the leaching of salt pans, flat-topped mesa hills and breakaway
minerals from the soil, create this magical area country. The turn off to the Park is 17km north
where colours change during the day, making it of Oodnadatta and 4WD is recommended. A
a photographer’s delight. Desert Park’s Pass is required and the best time
to visit is during the winter.
William Creek
Coober Pedy
This is SA’s smallest village with a population
of 12, its attraction being a unique bush pub.
From the junction, the road 202kms north to
Oodnadatta follows the ancient Aboriginal trade
route, famous for its permanent springs. Camel
trains and cattlemen passed this way, as did
the Overland Telegraph Line from Port Augusta
to Darwin (completed in 1870) and the original
‘Ghan’ narrow gauge railway.

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Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park Port Augusta
538km south of Coober Pedy and situated at
Australia’s largest Salt lake - 144km long & the northern top of Spencer Gulf, Port Augusta
77km wide and at 15.2 metres below sea level, is the most northerly port in South Australia
it is the lowest point in Australia. and an important link on the east-west Indian
This 1,228,000 hectare remote and arid Park Pacific Railway as well as the famous Ghan
includes all of Lake Eyre North and the Tirari Train to Darwin.
Desert, conserving the desert wilderness.
Lake Eyre is a dry salt lake that occasionally NORTH
floods and it was here that the late Sir Donald Explorer Highway (Stuart Highway)
Campbell once set the world land speed record
of 645km/h in a jet-powered car. Access is Marla
7km east of William Creek then 53km east to
Halligan Bay or 3km west from Marree and then 233km north of Coober Pedy, one of SA’s
90km north. Roads are 4WD only and careful newest outback communities, Marla’s name
planning and preparation is required. A Desert is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘marlu’
Parks Pass is required. meaning kangaroos. The small town straddles
the Ghan railway line and the Stuart Highway,
both critical lifelines to the south and north.
Marla also marks the northern access to the
Oodnadatta Track. A road west leads 33kms
to the opal fields and settlement of Mintabie.
Prior to entry, a permit must be obtained from
the Marla Police Station.
159km north of Marla lies the Northern
Territory border.

Explorer Highway (Stuart Highway) SOUTH The Kulgera Roadhouse is located 19km from
the border and the Erldunda Roadhouse 74km
Glendambo north of Kulgera. From Erldunda the sealed
Lasseter Highway leads 244km to Yulara, the
252km south of Coober Pedy. The Glendambo base for the world renowned Uluru and Kata
Roadhouse complex is built from natural Tjuta National Park, also known as Ayers Rock
materials and has been designed as a and the Olgas. From the Lasseter Highway
traditional outback homestead and woolshed. Luritja Road leads north to the majestic
The Roadhouse provides all main services. Watarrka National Park, also known as Kings
Canyon.
Pimba
Set almost in the geographic centre of
366km south of Coober Pedy. Pimba lies at the Australia lies the most famous town in the
junction for travellers going to Roxby Downs, a Northern Territory, Alice Springs, (685km north
service town for the Olympic Dam Mine (82km), of Coober Pedy). The town offers a host of
the historic opal mining town of Andamooka attractions as well as modern facilities to cater
(110km) or the Oodnadatta Track (216km). It for almost all requirements.
also lies next to the Trans Australian Railway
line where both the Indian Pacific and Ghan IANLFICOERMSPARTIINOGNSCVEINSTITROER
Trains pass through. There are several salt
lakes near Pimba such as Lake Hart in the north BOOK ACCOMMODATION,TOURS & CAR HIRE THROUGH US!
and Island Lagoon in the south. Both can be
seen from lookout points along the Highway.

Woomera Corner of Todd Mall & Parsons Street Coober Pedy
8km north of Pimba, Woomera was established Bookings: 1800 645 199 or
in 1947 as a site for the launching of British [email protected]
experimental rockets. www.discovercentralaustralia.com

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Coober Pedy Events in Coober Pedy on Saturday is the Opal Inn Coober Pedy Cup held
over 1700m.
Australia Day Celebrations
Sunday features the Tony Wong Ladies Bracelet
26th January 2018 held over 1100m and the Miners Store 1000m
The Coober Pedy Australia Day celebrations stakes. Throughout the weekend there are
will be held outside the Council Chambers on childrens and adults novelty events for patrons to
Hutchison St from 8.30am to 11am. There will join in and enjoy.
be a BBQ raising money for the Royal Flying
Doctors. The CFS, Mine Rescue, Ambulance On Saturday night the town celebrates with the
and many more clubs will attend. Come and Race Club Ball at the Opal Inn Hotel.
have some fun, mix with locals and see the To add to the excitement of the festivities Motor
best that Coober Pedy has to offer. Bike gymkhana events are held over the two days.
The Coober Pedy Races is a true outback
Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show 2018 experience for the family to enjoy.
For more information visit our facebook page
31st March and 1st April 2018 Coober Pedy Amateur Race club Inc.

www.cooberpedygemtradeshow.com.au The Great Breakaways Marathon
The Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show is a Great
Outback Show in the Opal Capital of the The GREAT Breakaways Marathon travels from
World. It provides the opportunity for miners, the Breakaways, along the Dog Fence, down
retailers and wholesalers from around Australia Kempe Road (road to Oodnadatta) and finishes
and the world to showcase their products to at the town oval where it wraps up with a BBQ.
the industry and the broader public. Opal is The event started off as a casual conversation
Australia's national gemstone. Although there between two local Coober Pedy girls, Jayde
is a lot of excitement around the large scale Frew and Melissa Rosewarne. Jayde’s initial
mining activities surrounding Coober Pedy, idea was to run 35km to the Breakaways
opal will always be the heartbeat of the town. from Coober Pedy as a personal challenge.
Melissa then suggested that Jayde should
The Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show aims to raise money to complete the challenge and
develop the sustainability and prosperity of donate to a good cause. Knowing that Tanya
this colourful industry full of character and Lauder had been trying to raise money for a
characters. Specialising in rough and cut new playground, the chat between the two girls
opal, the trade show will coincide with the soon evolved into the idea of a marathon style
Opal Festival, offering visitors a vast array of fundraising event.
entertainment options. The Croatian Club will This would involve the whole community
once again host the Gem Trade Show providing with donations and secured sponsorships
a professional, air-conditioned environment to raise funds for a new playground in town.
for the numerous local and national exhibitors Early September 2009 became the target for
who will be able to showcase high quality opals the event to coincide with Father’s Day. The
at trade prices to international and domestic concept eventuated into a Council driven
buyers. initiative. Participants can either walk, run or
ride the distance as a personal challenge or as
Coober Pedy Races a group completing a portion of the distance
together, doing either 5, 10, 15, 21 or the
Friday 10th & Saturday 11th August 2018 full42km (can only walk to 21km).
Participants are required to pay an entry fee.
Coober Pedy Races is a family event where For more events visit the
thoroughbred and stock horses compete against District Council of Coober Pedy Visitor
each other in both races and gymkhana events Information Centre. Ph. 8672 4617
over a fun filled busy 2 days. www.cooberpedy.com

The Outback racing carnival starts with the local
station folk and competitors arriving in town with
their horses, bikes and swags on Friday to kick up
their heels and enjoy the hospitality of the town.

The racing program commences at 9am each day
with childrens gymkhana events. The feature event

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Kanku Coober Pedy

Kanku - Breakaways Conservation Park is Aboriginal owned and the entire park is a registered
aboriginal heritage site. It lies 32km north of Coober Pedy and it consists of colourful low hills which
have broken away from the Stuart Range, hence their name ‘The Breakaways.’ There are two lookout
points which highlight the open spaces and colourful environment, leaving an impression of the long
gone inland sea that our early explorers dreamt of. From the lookout, the locally named ‘Castle’ or ‘Salt
& Pepper’ can be seen in an easterly direction. This outcrop has been used in a number of films and
advertisements, while Panorama Hill situated in the middle, features in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
and Ground Zero. As the day goes by, the passing of the sun changes the desert colours, creating
photogenic scenes that appear surreal. The 70km round trip back to Coober Pedy takes you east along
the hills to the dog fence. This 2m high wire barrier stretches for over 5,300km across three States, to
protect the sheep country in the south from the native dog, the Dingo. The desert-like moonscape
along the fence, with its fossilised shells, grey, soft clay dirt and cracks that appear to be bottomless,
has been nicknamed the ‘moon plain’. It too has been the scene for numerous movies.
Permits are required and can be purchased at the Visitors Information Centre. Price $10 per vehicle or
$8 concession.

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Coober Pedy Opal Festival

23rd June 2018

The long standing tradition of The Coober Pedy Opal Festival celebrates the hope of a very prosperous
opal mining season. An opening night event, heralding in the Opal Festival entertainment will commence
with a celebration at The Coober Pedy Golf Club including fireworks. The festival will be action packed
with a street parade, fireworks, live band and novelty events. Coober Pedy, Opal Capital of the World, not
only produces the majority of the world’s opal, it has the most Opal Displays and over 20 opal stores in the
town. It boasts over 45 different nationalities and is one of the most multicultural towns in Australia. The
Opal Capital is also unique for its underground living lifestyle and famous landscapes featured in many
films. The Opal Festival celebrates all these features and is the biggest local event of the year. So join us
for a weekend of action, excitement and entertainment.

Coober Pedy - More than a one night stay!

Coober Pedy & Outback 2018 Events

February 24th Oodnadatta Cricket Match

March 31st Easter in Alice Mountain Bike Race

31st-1st Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show

April 14th William Creek Races & Gymkhana
20-27th Alice Springs Heritage Festival

May 3-8th Alice Springs Cup Carnival
12th Oodnadatta Races & Gymkhana
25-26th Uluru Camel Cup

June 8th Finke Desert Race

July 23rd Coober Pedy Opal Festival
August 23/24th Coober Pedy Open Golf Tournament

September 29th - 2nd Alice Springs Beanie Festival
October
6-7th Alice Springs Show
14th Alice Springs Camel Cup
14th Oodnadatta Bronco Branding

10-11th Coober Pedy Races & Gymkhana

17th William Creek Cricket match
18th Henley on Todd (Alice Springs)
18th William Creek Bronco Branding

31st - 2nd Red Centre Nats

7-16th Desert Song Festival
13-20th Alice Springs Masters Games

Check the website for more event news happening in Coober Pedy throughout the year
TBC The Great Breakaways Marathon

Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre.

Located in the District Offices in Hutchison St, the Visitor Information Centre welcomes
approximately 150,000 tourists each year and provides an extensive range of information on
Coober Pedy and the Outback region, Alice Springs and Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park.
Address Lot 773, Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy Phone (08) 8672 4617
Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm and weekends and public holidays 10am to 1pm

www.cooberpedy.com