Plan your experience with CooberPedy.info – your trusted source for everything in Coober Pedy.
Best Attractions in Coober Pedy
Explore the most unusual and unforgettable attractions in Coober Pedy — the opal mining capital of the world. From underground homes and churches to quirky desert landscapes, this page features top places to visit, unique photo opportunities, and local hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else. Plan your adventure and discover why Coober Pedy is one of Australia's most extraordinary destinations.
Josephine's Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage
Josephine's Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage, located in Coober Pedy, South Australia, is a unique establishment dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured kangaroos. Founded in 2008 by passionate wildlife carers Josephine and Terry Brennan-Kuss, the orphanage has expanded its care to include various Australian wildlife, such as wombats, birds, and lizards. Visitors have the opportunity to attend wildlife talks, which are available by appointment. These sessions provide insights into the rescue and rehabilitation processes of the animals under their care. For those interested in supporting their cause or learning more, visits can be arranged by contacting Terry at 0428 356 669.
📞 0428356669
Average Rating:
5.0 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coober Pedy Blower
The Iconic Coober Pedy Blower Greeting visitors at the entrance to town, the towering Coober Pedy blower is more than just a quirky landmark — it’s a symbol of the town’s unique opal mining heritage. A "blower" is a piece of mining machinery that acts like a giant vacuum, sucking mullock (waste rock) out of underground tunnels and spitting it onto the surface. This invention revolutionized opal mining in the 1970s, replacing the labor-intensive winch-and-bucket system. The blower at the entrance was once a working machine but now stands proudly as a tribute to the resourcefulness and grit of local miners. Set against the stark outback landscape, it’s a must-stop photo opportunity and a reminder that in Coober Pedy, innovation was born out of necessity.
Average Rating:
5.0 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kaṉku - Breakaways Conservation Park
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kaṉku-Breakaways Conservation Park, a 14,300-hectare expanse located just 25 kilometers north of Coober Pedy in South Australia. This park is renowned for its vibrant, multicolored hills and flat-topped mesas that rise dramatically from the arid plains, offering visitors a glimpse into a landscape rich with geological history and cultural significance.
One of the park's most iconic features is the formation known as "Two Dogs" or "Salt and Pepper." These striking hills, one white and the other yellow, are steeped in Aboriginal lore and stand as sentinels over the vast terrain. Nearby, the Angkata (Bearded Dragon) and Willy Wagtail lookout provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the park's expansive beauty.
Another must-see is the vantage point overlooking the historic Dog Fence, a 2-meter-high barrier stretching over 5,300 kilometers across three states. This fence was constructed to protect southern sheep country from dingoes, and the viewing area offers insight into the challenges of pastoral life in the outback.
Visiting Kaṉku-Breakaways at sunrise or sunset is particularly rewarding, as the shifting light accentuates the landscape's vivid colors, creating a surreal and photogenic scene. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including nearly 60 native plant species and various wildlife such as red kangaroos and echidnas.
As the entire park is a registered Aboriginal heritage site, visitors are encouraged to respect its cultural significance. Permits are required for entry and can be obtained online. Always check current road conditions before your visit, as access may be affected by weather.
Embark on a journey to Kaṉku-Breakaways Conservation Park and immerse yourself in the natural splendor and rich heritage of this remarkable Australian treasure.
Average Rating:
5.0 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coober Pedy Hollywood Sign
Perched above the desert town of Coober Pedy, the iconic "Hollywood-style" sign is a playful nod to the area's cinematic legacy. Having served as the backdrop for films like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Pitch Black, and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Coober Pedy has earned its moniker as the "Hollywood of the Outback".
Erected in 2018 by the local Tourism Association, the sign stands 3 meters tall and is situated just above Main Street near Naylor Place . While it's a must-see for visitors, it's important to note that the sign is located on private property. Therefore, tourists are advised to admire and photograph the sign from designated vantage points within Coober Pedy, such as the end of Naylor Place. Please respect the landowners by refraining from accessing the area where the sign stands. Capture this unique blend of outback charm and Hollywood flair from a respectful distance, and let the Coober Pedy sign be a highlight of your desert adventure.
Average Rating:
5.0 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coober Pedy Public Noodling Area
Discover the thrill of opal fossicking in Coober Pedy's public noodling area! Located between Old Water Tank Road and Jeweller Shop Road, this designated spot offers a safe and accessible environment for visitors to search for opals among mullock heaps—discarded rocks from mining activities. Many tourists have unearthed opal fragments here, making it a popular attraction for those hoping to find their own piece of the gemstone.
No permits are required for hand fossicking, but it's important to note that using tools like picks or shovels necessitates a permit from the Mines and Energy Office. Always respect private mining claims and adhere to local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Whether you're a seasoned fossicker or a curious traveler, the public noodling area in Coober Pedy offers a unique opportunity to connect with the town's rich opal mining heritage. Bring your gloves, stay hydrated, and you might just uncover a shimmering souvenir of your adventure!
Average Rating:
5.0 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
Located in the heart of Coober Pedy, Umoona Opal Mine & Museum offers a truly unique underground experience. Visitors can explore a historic opal mine, step inside a traditional dugout home, and discover one of the largest displays of opal jewellery in town. The museum also features fossil exhibits, Aboriginal heritage displays, and fascinating insights into the region’s mining history. Open daily, Umoona is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the story of Coober Pedy—above and below the surface.
📞 (08) 8672 5288
✉️ admin@umoonaopalmine.com.au
Average Rating:
5.0 / 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coober Pedy Observatory
*COMING SOON* Nestled in the heart of the South Australian outback, Coober Pedy Observatory offers unforgettable stargazing and astrophotography experiences under some of the world’s clearest skies. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a passionate skywatcher, we’ll take you on a journey across the cosmos — one star at a time *COMING SOON*
📞 (08) 8672 5288
Boot Hill
Interesting tombstones dating from the early 1970s including an 18-gallon beer keg grave for Mr. Karl Bratz, "Have a drink on me." Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Centenary Mosaic Garden
The mosaic garden in front of the Lions rotunda was created by members of the Coober Pedy Mosaic Group. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Coober Pedy Amateur Race Club
Started in 1969, bringing together town and station people for race meets and social gatherings. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Coober Pedy Drive-In Theatre
One of the last surviving drive-ins in Australia, built in 1965 and still operating today. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Coober Pedy Historical Society
Maintained by local volunteers, with an extensive collection of memorabilia relating to the town's early days. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Coober Pedy Hybrid Renewable Power Station
Built, owned and operated by EDL, the station supplies power with a unique combination of renewable and diesel generation. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club
A unique golf course since 1976 where players use black golf balls and white painted fairways. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Coober Pedy's 1st Cemetery
Established in 1921 and located near the Greek Orthodox Church. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Crocodile Harry
Famous for his eccentric underground home, Crocodile Harry became a local legend and tourist icon. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
John McDouall Stuart Monument
Monument dedicated to one of Australia's greatest explorers who paved the way for overland telegraph and settlement. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Opal Fields
Coober Pedy's opal fields are filled with abandoned prospecting holes and mounds - a lunar-like landscape. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Underground Churches
Underground churches including the Serbian Orthodox Church are famous landmarks carved into the rock. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Well Being Labyrinth
Coober Pedy's labyrinth promotes relaxation and stress relief - walk with an open mind and calm spirit. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
Big Winch Lookout
This 8m high structure which overlooks the town was built by Klaus Wirries in the 1970s to celebrate the Opal industry. Is this your business? Sign up as a supplier and email info [at] cooberpedy [dot] info to claim it!
All listings are handpicked or rated by visitors. Find more at CooberPedy.info.
No comments yet.