Where is the mining town of Coober Pedy?

northern South Australia
Coober Pedy (/ˈkuːbər ˈpiːdi/) is a town in northern South Australia, 846 km (526 mi) north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway. The town is sometimes referred to as the “opal capital of the world” because of the quantity of precious opals that are mined there.

Is Coober Pedy still a mining town?

Mining equipment and abandoned vehicles can also be found scattered around Coober Pedy. Australia produces roughly 95% of the world’s precious opal supply, and mining is still a popular trade in Coober Pedy. However, most mining is fully mechanized today.

Can I mine opal in Coober Pedy?

A person must be licensed to mine for opals in South Australia. South Australia has four proclaimed opal fields – Coober Pedy, Mintabie, Stuart Creek and Andamooka.

Where can I find opal Coober Pedy?

Coober Pedy opal fields Coober Pedy produces the bulk of the world’s white opal. The opal mining fields of Coober Pedy lie in the outback of South Australia, Stuart Range, 750 km north of Adelaide.

Do people still live underground Coober Pedy?

Today, around 60% of Coober Pedy’s 3,500 locals live underground. Coober Pedy’s origins lie underground, too. About 100 years ago, a teenager discovered a piece of opal in the area. From there, miners flocked to the region, and soon enough, the town of Coober Pedy – the world’s largest source for opals – was born.

Is Coober Pedy opal expensive?

This massive opal specimen comes from Coober Pedy in South Australia and was valued at $1.7 million USD., making it the most expensive opal in Australian history. As you can see, there is no concrete formula for valuing Australian opals because each is so unique.

How hot does it get in Coober Pedy?

It’s just too hot to get out and see things, and there really is no shade! Average summer temperatures range from 36°C (96.8 °F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night. January is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures of 42°C during the day being very common.

Is it safe in Coober Pedy?

Mines It is dangerous to wander among the diggings. You could fall down a shaft or be mistaken for a thief. Miners in Coober Pedy are a secretive lot and suspicious of interlopers. It is much safer to go to a worked out mine that has been opened as a tourist attraction!

Can you drink water in Coober Pedy?

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, it is clean and safe. Coober Pedy’s water supply comes from a bore 26km out on the Oodnadatta Road. It is filtered and treated in town.

How hot does Coober Pedy get?

Are there always flies in Coober Pedy?

Actually, there’s little hint of life in Coober Pedy besides the locals, the black flies that swarm the air, and the camouflaged grasshoppers that leap from the dust. But beauty, as it turns out, is not skin-deep.