The town of Coober Pedy - made famous by serving as the backdrop to the cult classic films, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Mad Max - is unlike any other destination in Australia providing an incredibly unique experience for travelers Down Under. While intrepid travelers are always looking to “unearth” the world’s extraordinary experiences, those visiting Coober Pedy do just that by exploring the underground opal capital of the world.
In January 1915, the first opal was discovered, with the Trans-Australia Railway completed a few years later. A number of construction workers, soldiers returning from World War I, and hopeful miners came to the opal fields and introduced the unique method of living underground in "dugouts”. Today, many hotels, residences, museums and even churches are found constructed under the earth’s surface. The region has over 70 working opal fields, affording visitors the opportunity to try “noodling” (or fossicking) for opal firsthand on the Desert Cave Tour at the iconic Desert Cave Hotel—an entirely excavated, underground retreat with cave-like sandstone walls.
In honor of the Centenary, Coober Pedy will offer a number of exciting activities, projects and events throughout the year, celebrating the unique history of this underground town and its culturally diverse community. Special events and projects currently include; Centenary Street Party & Harmony Day Celebrations, 100 Year Ball, Coober Pedy Opal Festival, and The Great Breakaways Marathon, offering travelers a chance to be part of the quirky town’s history.