Our first stop was outside Coober Pedy, where we camped at a gravel pit. It was not just any old gavel pit; this one had a great view of the landscape. The area is a sunbaked, treeless desert with stony plains and numerous dirt roads. We lit a campfire in the evening and watched the sun sink below the horizon. The colours of the sunset transform the landscape.
The next day, we set off for our two-night stay at the Opal Inn Caravan Park! We were amazed to see the opal mining activities around us as we headed in. There were blowers and countless piles of dumped of dirt stretching as far as we could see—it was an impressive sight!
Our adventure the next day took us to the stunning Kanku-Breakaway Conservation Park. To explore this beautiful park, we only needed a permit, which cost $13 per vehicle—not a bad deal for such a scenic outing! When we arrived, the temperature was 8 °C, and the wind chill made it feel even colder. It was hard to believe that this location is one of the hottest places in Australia, with summer temperatures often reaching 45 °C and ground temperatures soaring to 65 °C.
The area is known as the Breakaways because, when viewed from a distance, it appears as though the land features have detached from the main Stuart Ranges. The Breakaways Conservation Park spans almost 15000 hectares and showcases stunning arid scenery.
After the scenic ranges, we stopped in at Crocodile Harry’s. So much effort has gone into gathering unique items, especially in the cozy underground spaces dedicated to artwork and intimate apparel. It may be quirky, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a one-of-a-kind place to explore!
We decided it was time for a meal, so we stopped at the Big Winch 360. We enjoyed a delightful breakfast there, located on the hill. The service was fantastic, and the coffee was exactly what we needed. It’s a wonderful place to relax and take in the view of Coober Pedy, whether you prefer sitting inside or outside. We also picked up a few souvenirs while we were there.
The town of Coober Pedy is filled with a fascinating array of mining machinery, remnants of its rich mining history. Scattered throughout the landscape, you can find historic equipment and relics from the mining era, each telling a story of the hard work and determination that once thrived in this unique setting. Old drills, crushers, blowers and various other machines dot the terrain, serving as a reminder of the bustling opal mining industry that defined the region. As you explore the town, the presence of these artifacts creates an fascinating experience that captures the spirit of Coober Pedy’s mining heritage.
Coober Pedy Facts
The name “Coober Pedy” comes from the Aboriginal Australian kupa piti, meaning “boys’ waterhole.” However, another type of hole has become quite a hazard. Over the years, miners have dug over 250,000 shafts, making Coober Pedy a dangerous place for tourists to walk around carelessly.
Information sourced from IGS International Gem Society, https://www.gemsociety.org/article/opal-mining-coober-pedy/
