Coober

Coober, commonly shortened from Coober Pedy, is a town in northern South Australia. It is the largest settlement in the Far North region and sits along the Stuart Highway about 850 kilometers north of Adelaide. The town is internationally known for opal mining and for its extensive underground dwellings, known as dugouts.

Opal was discovered in 1915, spurring rapid settlement as miners moved to the desert to work the fields. The name Coober Pedy is widely believed to derive from local Aboriginal terms describing a “hole in the ground” or a similar feature.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on opal mining, with tourism playing a growing role. Many homes, churches, and businesses are built underground to escape the extreme heat; above-ground structures are comparatively rare. Attractions include underground homes and tours of mines such as the Old Timers Mine.

Climate and governance: Coober Pedy has a hot desert climate with high summer temperatures and very dry conditions. It lies in South Australia’s unincorporated Far North region; local services are provided by the Outback Communities Authority. The population is relatively small and seasonal workers come for mining and tourism.