underground - District Council of Coober Pedy

Fre
2013
www.cooberpedy.net
Maps, Accommodation, Opal Shops,
Tours, Restaurants and Services
e
UNDERGROUND
Naturally!!!
Welcome to Coober Pedy
South Australian Outback
Alice Springs
Darwin
Kings Canyon
Cairns
Alice Springs
Coober
Pedy
Erldunda
Uluru
(Ayers Rock)
NORTHERN
TERRITORY
Kulgera
Perth
Adelaide
Witjira
National Park
SOUTH
AUSTRALIA
Brisbane
Sydney
Melbourne
Dalhousie
Hot Springs
Contents
Hobart
South Australian Outback Map_______________________________________ 2
Lambina
Marla
Oodnadatta
Painted Desert
Mt Barry
Coober Pedy’s History_______________________________________________ 6
Coober Pedy Today_________________________________________________ 7
Local Attractions____________________________________________________ 9
Lake Eyre
National Park
Events in Coober Pedy_____________________________________________ 14
Breakaways
William
Creek
Manguri
Coober Pedy
Do
gF
rt
Stua
ce
Tarcoola
Kingoonya
Marree
Roxby Downs
Glendambo
Leigh
Creek
Outback Attractions_______________________________________________ 32
Explorer Highway_________________________________________________ 34
Ceduna
Hawker
Wirrulla
Port Augusta
Kimba
Cowell
Whyalla
SPENCER
GULF
Quorn
To Adelaide
Coober Pedy
Accommodation__________________________________________________ 27
Nearby Attractions________________________________________________ 31
Dog Fence
Refer to pages 34-35 if travelling
from Port Augusta to Coober Pedy.
Tours____________________________________________________________ 23
Stores and Services________________________________________________ 25
Andamooka
Lake
Torrens
National
Park
Pimba
Lake Gairdner
National Park
GREAT
AUSTRALIAN
BIGHT
Coober Pedy Town Map___________________________________________ 18
Restaurants_ _____________________________________________________ 24
Dog Fence
Woomera
To Perth
Coober Pedy Races________________________________________________ 16
Opal Information_________________________________________________ 20
en
Hwy
Railway
Distances from Coober Pedy
North
Cadney Homestead 153 km
Alice Springs
685 km
Ayers Rock
730 km
South
Glendambo
252 km
Port Augusta
538 km
Adelaide
846 km
le T
rack
ck
Tallaringa
Conservation
Park
adell Hwy
General Information_________________________________________________ 5
(4WD Day Trip from
Coober Pedy)
Oodnadatta Tra
Cadney
Homestead
Anne Be
Simpson
Desert
Regional
Reserve
svil
Mintabie
Bird
Refer to page 32
if travelling from
Alice Springs to
Coober Pedy.
Produced by:
PO Box 10333, ADELAIDE BC 5000
P 1300 654 202 F 1300 654 205 E info@intromedia.com.au
Unless specified, images are courtesy of the South Australian
Tourism Commission. www.southaustralia.com
Cover Photos
The Breakaways Peter Rowe,Coober Pedy Mail Run, info@mailruntour.com,
This visitor guide has been produced for the Coober Pedy Retail, Business and Tourism Association by introMEDIA.
Every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct prior to printing, however, neither the Association
nor the publisher accepts liability for editing or publishing inaccuracies.
© Copyright Coober Pedy Retail, Business and Tourism Association 2013. No part of this publication may be produced wholly or in
part without the written permission of the publisher.
Coober Pedy
Yulara
The Coober Pedy Retail, Business and Tourism
Association welcomes you to our unique and
cosmopolitan town. We hope your stay will be both
memorable and enjoyable and that the information
provided in this booklet will be of assistance.
We encourage you to support the advertisers in this
publication, as without their support, this publication
would not be possible. All are members of the
Coober Pedy Retail, Business and Tourism Association,
which means that they must operate under the strict
guidelines and code of ethics set by the Association.
Robert Coro, Chairman, Business Association.
4
MAP
HOTEL MOTEL & CARAVAN PARK
Value In the Centre of Town
• Motel Units with all facilities • Budget Rooms • Caravan Park, all sites with power & sullage
• Tent Sites • Laundry Facilities • BBQ • Bistro • Bars
• Drive In Bottle Shop • Wireless Broadband • ATM • Opal Shop • Tours
P: (08) 8672 5054 ~ F: (08) 8672 5501
1 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy
PO Box 223, Coober Pedy • After hours night bell
Toll Free (Reservations only) 1800 088 523
E: reservations@opalinn.com.au • www.opalinn.com.au
Outback In Style
TOWN
14
MAP
Desert Cave
H o t e l
an oasis in the outback
Sleep underground in dugout style or
above ground if you prefer. Dine in style
in Umbertos Restaurant, or relax in the
underground café. Have a long, cool drink
in the underground bar, browse in the
underground shops where you can buy
exquisite rough and cut opals.
Desert Cave Tours
PACKAGES
Experience the best of Coober Pedy and
surrounds.
Go to our website for details on our
Accommodation Specials & Great
Packages
Half Day Tours
Desert Cave Exprience
Opal Mine, Town and Breakaways
Down’n’Dirty Opal Mining Tour
Sunset Ghosts and Stars
Full Day Tours
Painted Desert Tour
Lake Eyre Experience
Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy
Telephone (08) 8672 5688,
Facsimile (08) 8672 5198,
Toll Free 1800 088 521
(Bookings Only)
E: reserve@desertcave.com.au • www.desertcave.com.au
General
Information
How to get there
Coober Pedy is situated in the Outback of
South Australia, 846km north of Adelaide and
685km south of Alice Springs.
Refer to the map on page 2.
By Car
Prior to 1987 when the Stuart Highway was
still unsealed, Coober Pedy was serviced
only by small planes or long horrendous
trips along the old dirt road. Today, the
highway is one of the best in Australia and
the journey north and south of the town has
become both comfortable and interesting.
From Adelaide (846kms), the journey takes
approximately 8-10 hours and from Alice
Springs (685kms) 6-8 hours. When venturing
off the highway, roads are unsealed and often
impassable after heavy rain.
By Coach
National coach companies travel through
Coober Pedy, providing various daily services.
By Air
Regional Express Airlines operate a service to
and from Adelaide.
By Train
The Ghan Train stops at Manguri 40km
West of Coober Pedy to allow passengers
to disembark, however transport from the
rail siding to Coober Pedy must be specially
arranged.
Climate
Between March and November the
weather is very pleasant. Typical of a semi
desert climate, the days are warm but the
desert nights are cold. From December
to February the weather warms up and
summer temperatures range from 35ºC
in the shade, with occasional dust storms.
The annual rainfall in this area is minimal,
at around 175mm (5 inches) per annum.
The Ghan Train
This world-class train journey traverses the country
between Adelaide and Darwin. Along the way
passengers can stop and experience the unique
environment and hospitality of Coober Pedy. The
nearest stop is at Manguri, 40km from town, so
when making your train reservation ask for a
Coober Pedy stop-over. Book your accommodation
and transfer to Coober Pedy prior to departure.
Alternatively, Great Southern Rail can arrange a
stop-over package to suit you.
For more information call Great Southern Rail
on 132 147.
Terrain
Coober Pedy is situated upon the edge of
the erosional scarp of the Stuart Ranges,
on beds of sand and siltstone 30m deep
and topped with a stony, treeless desert.
Very little plant life exists in town due to
the region’s low rainfall, high cost of water,
the sandstone and lack of topsoil. With
determination, residents have been able to
grow some trees and shrubs utilising both
town and waste water.
Coober Pedy
OPAL INN
TOWN
Long, long ago
Approximately 150 million years ago the
ocean covered the Coober Pedy region.
After the sea water receded, there were
climatic changes that caused the lowering
of the underground water tables. Silica
solutions were carried down to deposit in
cavities, faults and fractures in the ground
and now, millions of years later, these silica
solutions have formed into opal.
Aboriginal history
For thousands of years Aboriginal people
walked across this area. Because of the
desert environment, the people were
nomadic hunters and gatherers who
travelled constantly in search of food
and water supplies as well as to attend
traditional ceremonies. In June 1975,
the Coober Pedy Aboriginal Community
adopted the name “Umoona”, meaning
long life and named after the “Umoona”
or mulga tree, a common tree in this area.
Recent history
Coober Pedy was originally known as
the Stuart Range Opal Field, named after
John McDouall Stuart, who in 1858 was
the first European explorer in the area. In
1920 it was renamed Coober Pedy, from
Aboriginal words “kupa piti”, commonly
assumed to mean “white man in a hole”.
The discovery of opal
In January 1915, the New Colorado
Prospecting Syndicate, consisting of Jim
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy
Today
Opal Capital of the World
The cosmopolitan township offers all the
facilities expected in a large country town,
including numerous opal shops, restaurants
and a variety of accommodation ranging
from four star to backpackers and caravan/
camping areas.
The town is surrounded by a moon like
landscape dotted with shafts and mullock
heaps from opal mining activities, with
opal workings extending for nearly 40km
around the town.
Population The District Council of
Coober Pedy estimates the population to
be around 3,500. Approximately 60% of
the people are European, migrating from
southern and eastern Europe after the
Second World War. In all, there are more
than 45 nationalities represented, which
means that Coober Pedy has become one
of the most ethnically diverse communities
in South Australia, perhaps even Australia.
Although many residents were born in
Australia, there is still a strong adherence
to the cultural background, norms, values
and expectations of each nationality. This
gives the town a distinctive ethnic flair.
Industry and Income Coober Pedy
is quickly becoming the regional service
centre of Outback South Australia, being
the focus for essential services including
medical, health, welfare, law and order,
education and leisure.
At present there are four main industries opal mining, tourism, primary production
and their support services. Coober Pedy is
recognised as the largest producer of opal
in the world. Together with Andamooka
and Mintabie, 85% in quantity of the
world’s opal is produced.
Visitor Information Centre
Free Call 1800 637 076
It is estimated that approximately 150,000
tourists visit Coober Pedy each year. The
Visitor Information Centre is located in
the District Council offices in Hutchison
Street and is open 7 Days. We provide an
extensive range of information on Coober
Pedy, the Outback Region, Alice Springs
and Uluru, as well as being a booking
agent for local tours and accommodation.
www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au for up
to date information.
Open: Mon to Fri 8:30am to 5pm, W/ends
& P/hols 10am to 1pm
Sunset over Opal Fields - Photo courtesy of Peter Rowe
District Council of Coober Pedy
“Opal Capital of the World”
The Mayor, Councillors and Staff of the District Council of Coober Pedy welcome you to
our unique town - there is nowhere else in the world like it.
Visit the Visitor Information Centre which is part of our administration complex
in Hutchison Street. The Centre provides a booking service for local tours and
accommodation and offers every assistance to make your stay with us a memorable one.
www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
Email: info@opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
For Visitor Information: Phone: (08) 8672 4617 or Fax (08) 8672 5699
TOLL FREE 1800 637 076 - All Hours
Coober Pedy
History
Hutchison and his son William (aged 14)
as well as P.J. Winch and M. McKenzie
had unsuccessfully been searching for
gold south of Coober Pedy. The men
had set up camp and were searching for
water when young William found pieces
of surface opal. This was on February 1st,
1915 and 8 days later the first opal claim
was pegged. Due to lack of water and the
extreme heat, the party left on February
18th and headed to William Creek. A few
months later the O’Neill brothers arrived,
becoming the first opal mining pioneers.
In 1917 the Trans Continental Railway was
completed. A number of construction
workers followed by soldiers returning
from the First World War came to the
opal fields, introducing the unique
method of living underground in
“dugouts”. Conditions were harsh and
the environment did not lend itself to
easy living. Water and provisions had
to be carted great distances and under
very trying conditions. Even with the
introduction of very large underground
water tanks living improved only
marginally as the entitlement of water per
person was only 2 gallons per week.
During the Great Depression of the late
1930s and 1940s, opal prices plummeted
and production almost came to a
standstill. Typical of Coober Pedy’s history
of boom and bust, an Aboriginal woman
named Tottie Bryant made a sensational
opal find at the Eight Mile in 1946,
starting a new rush to the fields.
During the 1960s, the mining industry
expanded rapidly due to the many
European migrants who came to seek
their fortunes. The 60s and 70s saw opal
mining develop into a multi million dollar
industry with Coober Pedy developing into
a modern mining town.
Come and enjoy the unique world of Coober Pedy.
All one and two bedroom apartments feature:
Split system air-conditioning
Stainless steel modern kitchen appliances
Washing machine
Spa Bath, separate laundry
(2 bedroom apartments only)
Leather lounge suites
Writing desk
Wireless Broadband
Flat screen T V's, DVD player
Built in robes
Contemporary décor
Local
Attractions
Underground Living In
“Dugouts”
It is believed that the soldiers who returned
from the trenches of France during the
First World War introduced the idea of
living underground in homes commonly
known as “dugouts”. The miners quickly
discovered the advantages of living underground to escape the heat of the summer
and winter’s cool desert nights.
Underground Living, Coober Pedy
It is estimated that about 50% of the
population live underground now. Most
dugout homes are excavated into hillsides
rather than dug from shafts. The soil in
the Coober Pedy hillside is stable enough
to allow huge ceiling spans in rooms and
it is not unusual for a mining family to buy
an adjoining property and tunnel to link
two dwellings, or even three or four. Some
mansion style homes spread up to 450
square metres underground.
A
Park facilities include:
Swimming pool
Children’s playground
Baby bath
BBQ and camp kitchen
Coin operated laundry
Disabled facilities
Unpowered Sites
Dump point
Water Dispenser
Public telephone box
Licensed Pizzeria
Bus tours
Bottle Shop
Opal and souvenir shop
Free airport pick-up for all guests.
John McDouall Stuart
Monument
The monument commemorates the
achievements of the explorer John
McDouall Stuart. Located near the Stuart
Highway, 3km South of town.
Underground Churches
Underground Living, Coober Pedy
No matter how harsh the climate, the
underground rooms maintain a comfortable, even temperature ranging from 23ºC
to 25ºC day and night throughout the
year.
Include the:
(B) Serbian Orthodox,
(D) St Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
(E) Revival Fellowship
(G) Catacomb Church
REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP
UNDERGROUND CHURCH
Stuart Range Caravan Park
TOWN
2
• Lively chorus sessions • Full gospel preached
• Healing by prayer • Uplifting time for all
MAP
E
Underground Living, Coober Pedy
www.stuartrangecaravanpark.com.au
• Meetings: Sundays 10.15am, 7.00pm
Wednesday 7.30pm
Pastor Deane Clee
Crowders Gully Rd
T: (08) 8672 5777 ~ E: deaneclee@optusnet.com.au
Coober Pedy
P.O Box 345
Coober Pedy 5723
South Australia.
Ph: 08 8672 5179
Opal Displays
Coober Pedy shops have more opal on
display than anywhere else in the world.
You will find different types of opal from
all around Australia so all you need to do
is shop around for your special choice. All
reputable shops will guarantee their opals in
writing. Some shops also offer opal cutting
demonstrations. A list of opal shops can be
found on page 19, underneath the map.
UNDERGROUND BOOKS
next to the Desert Cave
15
* Maps & Information
* Books & Cards on the area
* Bookings for the Mail Run
* Computer & Stationery Supplies
* Aviation Fuel
Phone: 08 8672 5558
Email: undergroundbooks@bigpond.com
TOWN
Flies 6 times per week to Coober Pedy
Phone 13 17 13
Visit www.rex.com.au or
see your local travel agent
See Our Working Opal Mine
Just north of Coober Pedy
on the Stuart Highway
WIR SPRECHEN DEUTSCH
Daily GUIDED TOURS at
8am, 10am, 2pm, 4pm
WALK-THROUGHS between 8am and 5pm
FREE Internet, TV, Coffee and Noodling
Opal from Our Mine and Jewellery Display
Free Call 1800 196 500 or phone (08) 8672 3966
Underground Art Gallery
FREE ADMISSION
MAP
Arid Areas
Tours
Coober Pedy
Offering small group and
personalised tours of Coober Pedy
and surrounding areas
TOWN
43
MAP
Main Street Location
que
Uni not
Do s!
mis
Opal Jewellery Galore
Walk Through Display Mine
Local Arts & Crafts
Authentic Aboriginal Artifacts
Didgeridoos/Souvenirs/Noodling
Buy Opal Direct from the Miner
Telephone: (08) 8672 5985
TOWN
26
MAP
Wayne Borrett
PO Box 24, Coober Pedy
South Australia 5723
Ph. 08 8672 3008
Mob. 0439 881 049
www.aridareastours.com
Email: a.sheils@bigpond.net.au
TOWN
10
MAP
Coober Pedy
10
Bull's............................................. 8672 5036
Coober Pedy Regional Times........ 8672 5920
Mike Maylin Construction
Pty Ltd.......................................... 8672 3111
Neville J Smith Pty Ltd.................. 8564 2559
OAMPS Insurance Brokers Ltd ..... 8953 1977
Opal Quest................................... 8672 5288
Regional Development Australia
(Far North)................................... 8672 5579
The Wearhouse Arcade................. 8672 3522
Underground Art Gallery.............. 8672 5985
Underground Bed and Breakfast... 8672 5301
Underground Pottery.................... 8672 5226
Waters & Younger (Accountants).. 8672 5979
Coober Pedy
Other members of the
Coober Pedy Retail, Business & Tourism Association Inc.
11
C
Wind Turbine Generator
Situated next to the Power Supply Plant installed
in 1991, the Nordex Wind Turbine Generator is
mounted on a 30m high steel tower, having an
output of about 200KW, which services about
4% of the town’s power supply.
14 The
digging device then a permit is not required.
Trespassers on claims can be fined. If you wish
to mine in any way using tools, machinery or
explosives, a precious stones prospecting permit
must be obtained from the Mines & Energy
office.
18 Umoona
Opal
Mine and Museum
Contains an original opal mine,
underground house, Aboriginal
interpretive centre, panoramic
theatre, historic displays, opal retailing
shop and showroom, Aboriginal art
and crafts. Guided tours conducted four times
daily. Winner of four SA Tourism Awards.
30
MAP
Relive History
Show us
this advert for a
10%
discount
on admission
Old Timers Mine
South Australia’s best Tourist Attraction 2011
Desert Cave Hotel
An impressive award-winning 4 star Hotel
built above and below ground that reflects
the true beauty of the outback. Wander
underground and view the pictorial
mining display and film.
TOWN
KISS A KANGAROO
at the
KANGAROO ORPHANAGE
JOSEPHINE’S GALLERY
131 - 133 Hutchison Street
TOWN
36
MAP
Visit the Old Timers Mine & Museum
Coober Pedy’s Premier Tourist Attraction
• Explore an Historic 1916 Opal Mine
• Natural seam Opal & SA Museum
authenticate Fossils
Feeding Times
12 noon and 5:30pm daily
Aboriginal Art - Opals
Jewellery - Didgeridoos
Mine Tour
Coober Pedy’s newest attraction
Phone 8672 5931
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to restrict numbers
• Coober Pedy’s largest Painted Lady Opal
• Walk through original Underground Homes
• Continuous Self-GuidedTours
• Underground Gift Shop • Historic Museum
• Opal Jewellery • Noodle the Pit
• Free 3 times a day, Blower, Tunnelling
Machine demonstration
www.oldtimersmine.com
otm@berrydopals.com.au
ph:
08 8672 5555
Open 7 days
TOWN
9
MAP
26
Underground Art
Gallery
A display mine with Aboriginal
artifacts, art, didgeridoos and
opal jewellery.
30
Old Timers Mine
Gold Medal Winner as South Australia’s best
Tourist Attraction 2011, this historic opal mine
hand dug in 1916 features a self-guided walkthrough tour of display galleries, two underground homes and precious seams of opal.
Opal retailing and gift shop and showroom,
FREE opal mining machines demonstrations.
Coober Pedy
12
Noodling and Mining
Noodling area open to the public.
Check with the Department of Mines & Energy
on areas to noodle. If you are not on a pegged
claim and do not use a pick, shovel or any
Coober Pedy
H
13
Coober Pedy Opal Festival Ball
Good Friday evening 29 March 2013
Celebrate the 2013 Coober Pedy Opal Festival
Ball at the Desert Cave Hotel, Hutchison Street,
Coober Pedy.
Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show
2013
Coober Pedy
14
Easter Saturday 30th March and Easter
Sunday 31st March 2013
www.cooberpedygemtradeshow.com.au
The Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show is a Great
Outback Show in the Opal Capital of the World.
It provides the opportunity for miners, retailers
and wholesales from around Australia and the
world to showcase their products to the industry
and the broader public. Opal is Australia's
national gemstone. Although there is a lot of
excitement around the large scale mining activities
surrounding Coober Pedy, Opal will always be
the heartbeat of the town. The Coober Pedy Gem
Trade Show aims to develop the sustainability and
prosperity of this colourful industry full of character
and characters. Specialising in rough and cut Opal,
the trade show will coincide with the Opal Festival,
offering visitors a vast array of entertainment
options. The Greek Orthodox Hall will once again
host the Gem Trade Show providing a professional,
air-conditioned environment for the numerous
local and national exhibitors who will be able to
showcase high quality opals at trade prices to
international and domestic buyers. Following the
Chairman of the Gem Trade Show Committee's
successful trip as part of South Australia's Trade
Mission to the World Expo held in Shanghai China,
the Gem Trade Show Committee has strengthened
its links with Chinese Opal buyers. The 2010 Gem
Trade Show received considerable interest in China
with feature articles appearing in two newspapers,
the Shandong News on Gem and Jade; and Te Bie
Bao Dao. The organisers will also be continuing
the tradition of holding a Business Dinner prior
to the show so that exhibitors and buyers can
meet in a relaxed environment with the aim of
establishing and strengthening business networks.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Rowe
Coober Pedy Opal Festival 2013
Easter Saturday 30th March 2013
www.opalfestival.com.au
The Coober Pedy Opal Festival celebrates the end
of a long hot summer and the commencement
of what many hope is a very prosperous opal
mining season. The festival will be action packed
with a street parade, fireworks, xtreme trials
show, live band and novelty events. The festival
commences with the Festival Street Parade from
Carters IGA to the Oz Minerals Oval. Coober Pedy,
Opal Capital of the World, not only produces an
estimated 80% of the world's opal, it boasts over
45 different nationalities and is one of the most
multicultural towns in Australia. The Opal Capital
of the World is also unique for its underground
living lifestyle and famous landscapes featured in
many films. The Opal Festival celebrates all these
features and is the biggest local event of the year.
So join us for a weekend of action, excitement &
entertainment.
For more events visit the District Council of Coober
Pedy Visitor Information Centre.
Address Lot 773, Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy
Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.30am to
5pm and weekends and public holidays 10am to
1pm
Email info@opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
Phone (08) 8672 4617
Fax (08) 8672 5699
Toll Free 1800 637 076
Web www.opalfestival.com.au
Web www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
Photo Courtesy of Peter Rowe
Countdown to 2015…Coober Pedy Turns 100
Start planning your next big trip to the South Australian Outback and include staying at Coober Pedy.
26 January
Old Timers Mine
Crowders Gully Road, Coober Pedy
The Coober Pedy Australia Day celebrations will be
held at The Old Timers Mine on Crowders Gully
Road Coober Pedy from 9am to 11am.
There will be a BBQ raising money for the Royal
Flying Doctors.
The CFS, Mine Rescue, Ambulance and many more
clubs will attend.
Come and have some fun, mix with locals and see
the best that Coober Pedy has to offer.
Naturalisation ceremony will be performed by
Mayor Steve Baines along with the Citizen of the
Year presentation.
Umoona Age Care residents will be attending.
Give away flags, caps and much more will feature
at the event.
For details contact Mr Trevor Berry on
(08) 8672 5555.
or running a portion of the distance together,
doing either 5, 10, 15, 20 or the full 35 kilometres.
Participants are required to pay an entry fee Adults
$25.00, Children $10.00 or a Family $50.00 to
complete the distance they have nominated.
The money raised will go to a community group
or cause that has been chosen by the ‘Bolt’
Committee by way of application in writing. With
a date to be confirmed for the ‘Bolt’ in 2013, if
anyone would like to participate or volunteer in
this event or would just like more information on
the ‘Bolt’, please contact Jayde Frew at the District
Council of Coober Pedy on (08) 8672 4600 during
business hours or email jfrew@cpcouncil.sa.gov.au
The Coober Pedy Regional Times
The CFS at Coober Pedy’s Australia Day celebrations
The Great Breakaways Bolt
A casual conversation between two local Coober
Pedy girls, Jayde Frew and Melissa Rosewarne
resulted in The Great Breakaways Bolt. Jayde’s
initial idea was to run 35kms to the Breakaways
from Coober Pedy as a personal challenge. Then
Melissa suggested that Jayde should raise money
to complete the challenge and donate to a good
cause. Knowing that Tanya Lauder had been trying
to raise money for a new playground, the chat
between the two girls soon evolved into the idea
of a marathon style fundraising event. This would
involve the whole community with donations
and secured sponsorships to raise funds for a
new playground in town. Early September 2009
became the target for the event to coincide with
Father's Day, when traditionally the community
gets together for a special day to honour dads.
The concept eventuated into a Council driven
initiative. The Great Breakaways Bolt marathon
style event travels from the Breakaways, along
the Dog Fence down the Oodnadatta Track and
finishes at the Town Oval. Participants in the
‘Bolt’ can either walk, run or ride the distance as
a personal challenge or as a group walking, riding
for latest news and events
The Coober Pedy Regional Times is a free,
independent newspaper established in 1982 by the
dedicated volunteer work of local residents in the
town. The paper’s circulation includes world wide
internet access and it is delivered every second
Thursday to all local supermarkets and other local
venues and road houses. It is also distributed from
its base in Coober Pedy through Australia Post,
the Outback Mail Run service and by north bound
buses to remote regions and stations mid and
far north, tourist destinations, caravan parks, bus
terminals and tourist information centres.
www.cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com
Lights! Camera! Action!
Coober Pedy in the spotlight
Coober Pedy has a diverse and unique terrain,
subject to an atmospherically changing landscape
causing its popularity as a sought after location by
local and international film companies.
Compiled by The Coober Pedy Regional Times
Coober Pedy Drive-In
Outback Open Air Cinema Inc.
Enjoy this unique cinematic experience as gates
open at 8pm and movie starts at 8:30pm summer
time and gates open at 7pm and movie starts at
7:30pm during winter.
Contact the Visitor Information Centre for
upcoming movie screenings on 1800 637 076
(free call) or (08) 8672 4617.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Rowe
Coober Pedy
Events in
Coober Pedy
Australia Day Celebrations
15
The Coober Pedy Retail Business & Tourism Association Inc.
is a proud sponsor of the
South Australian Museum’s Origin Energy Fossil Gallery.
Coober Pedy
Races
On Saturday night the town celebrates with the
Race Club Ball at the Opal Inn Hotel.
To add to the excitement of the festivities Motor
Bike gymkhana events are held over the two days.
The Coober Pedy Races is a true outback experience
for the family to enjoy.
Seventeen Mile Road, Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy Races is a family event where
thoroughbred and stock horses compete against
each other in both races and gymkhana events over
a fun filled packed 2 days.
The Outback racing carnival starts with the station
people and ringers arriving in town with their
horses and swags on Friday to kick up their heels
and enjoy the hospitality of the town.
The racing programe commences at 10am each
day with children gymkhana events. The feature
event on Saturday is the Opal Inn Coober Pedy Cup
held over 1000m.
Sunday features the Tony Wong Ladies Bracelet and
the Miners Store 1000m stakes.
Throughout the weekend there are children and
novelty events for patrons to join in and enjoy.
Coober Pedy
16
Called the Opal Fossils of South Australia, the gallery shows the mighty marine reptiles that roamed in the
cold inland seas of Australia during the age of dinosaurs 120 million years ago.
The centre piece is the magnificent national treasure, the opalised Addyman plesiosaur, a 120 million year
old marine reptile. Suspended from the ceiling hangs a life-size model of this ancient plesiosaur. Also on
display are other magnificant opalised treasures such as shells, sea sponges, worms (the only opalised worms
in the world!) and the backbone of an ichthyosaur, a 115 million year old extinct dolphin-like reptile.
Other highlights include:
• The partial skeleton of a six metre long plesiosaur found in Andamooka in 1983. Quite different to the
Addyman plesiosaur, this creature represents Australia's first cryptoclidid, a type of plesiosaur previously
known only from the Jurassic of Europe and the very latest Cretaceous of South America, New Zealand
and Antarctica.
• A piece of Ancient Sea Bed with several hundred opalised shells, one species of which is new to science.
• Models of extinct marine reptiles and fossil squid. The new marine reptile models include a series of
1/10 scale reconstructions of the different kinds of marine reptiles that lived in South Australia 120
million years ago.
• Fossils from the Moon Plain just north of Coober Pedy, which has proved to be a rich hunting ground
for fossils from the ancient inland sea. Material on display includes the backbone and snout-section of an
ichthyosaur (a dolphin-like marine reptile), fossil shells and driftwood,
Kate’s First Trophy photo by Peter Rowe
Derek - Barrell Race photo by Peter Rowe
Origin Energy Fossil Gallery stage one:
Opal Fossils of South Australia
People are encouraged to view the new and fascinating exhibits in the Origin
Energy Fossil Gallery which is on the 3rd Floor, South Australian Museum,
North Tce, Adelaide. The Gallery is open daily and is FREE!
ve
nte
en
Mi
le
opal shops
3 Opals on Hutchison
8 Opalios
Page
22
21
Accommodation
Page
1 Riba’s Caravan Park
31
2 Stuart Range Caravan Park
8
4 Opal Inn Hotel Motel Caravan Park 4
5 Mud Hut Motel
31
11 Radeka Downunder Motel & Backpacker Inn 29
14 Desert Cave Hotel
4
18 Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
36
20 Opal Cave
22
27 Oasis Tourist Park
30
29 Comfort Inn Experience Motel
27
32 Look Out Cave Underground Motel 28
33 The Underground Motel
27
34 Down to Erth B&B
27
42 Desert View
28
43
Rd
2. Cadney Homestead 153km
3. Alice Springs 685km
4. Uluru (Ayers Rock) 730km
I 1. The Breakaways 33km
Airport 2km
Rd
Speedway
Race Course
Golf Course
35
Map not to Scale. Not all roads are shown E&OE.
Se
St
Library
ffice
tO
3
27
13
13
22
10
29
4
36
20
22
20
TOURS
Page
1 Riba’s Caravan Park
31
2 Stuart Range Caravan Park
8
10 Arid Areas Tours
11
11 Radeka Downunder Motel & Backpacker Inn 29
14 Desert Cave Hotel
4
18 Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
36
29 Comfort Inn Experience Motel
30 Old Timers Mine
36 Josephine's Gallery
40 Aretas Opals
4
5
Umo
G
E
29
30
27
13
23
13
11
4
35
26
24
8
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Page
Explore
r Highway
d
H
Coober
Pedy
Hospital
A
attractions
A John McDouall Stuart Monument
B Serbian Orthodox Church
C Wind Turbine Generator
D St Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church
E Revival Underground Church
F Boot Hill Cemetery
G Catacomb Church
H Public Noodling area
I Breakaways & Dog Fence
J The Big Winch Look Out
District Council of Coober Pedy/
Visitor Information Centre
1. William Creek 166km
2. Glendambo 252km
3. Port Augusta 538km
34
OTHER
6 Miners Store, Hardware & BP
9 Carter's IGA
15 Underground Books
17 Coober Pedy Pharmacy
31 Mobil - Roadhouse
10
ly Rd
F
Sh
op
Rd
2km from
Town Centre
Potch Gu
l
Health
Centre
ona R
30
2
s St
der
Flin
St Nicholas St
Post Office
J
ie
32
42
Catacomb Rd
N
Oasis Tourist Park
Comfort Inn Experience Motel
Old Timers Mine
Mail Run Tour
Josephine's Gallery
Tom's Working Opal Mine
6
11
Oliver St
D
31
40
19Winch St
38
9
Drive-in
Theatre
24 Hour
Water
Caravan
Sullage
33
Restaurants
2 Stuart Range Pizza Bar
4 Opal Inn Hotel Bistro
12 Tom & Mary’s Greek Taverna
14 Umberto’s and Crystal Cafe
(Desert Cave)
16 Underground Cafe/Restaurant
31 Mobil - Roadhouse
38 John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant
27
29
30
35
36
43
26
22
17
Oz
Minerals
Oval
HIGHW
AY
Radeka Downunder Motel & Backpacker Inn
Desert Cave Hotel
Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
Jewellers of Opal
Opal Cave
Star Opal
STUART
Police
d
18
Hutchison St
36
27
20
16
15 14
Hill R
Stretton R
Rd
Mile
School 12
8
Paxton Rd
13 Underground Art Gallery
11
14
18
19
20
22
nteen
Seve
Pos
Public
Swimming
Pool
Rd
ton
Pax
M
al
lio
m
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Oodnadatta
195km
W
Ke
tis
Bl
v
Rd
pe

Flat Hil
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St
hison
Hutc
B
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e
w
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Rd
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on S
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Hut
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R
rig
Italian Club Rd
C
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Rd
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Gully
Blvd
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Hosp
Australia has 95% of the world’s supply of
commercial opal and the largest
percentage still comes from the 70 opal
fields around Coober Pedy.
Opal is a true precious stone composed
of amorphous silica and water. 90% of all
opal found is called potch (opal without
fiery colours) which has little value. It is
the other 10% of vividly coloured opal
that qualifies as the precious opal admired
throughout the world.
Mining Opal
Miners, with a Mining Permit, can peg a
claim either 50m x 50m or 50m x 100m
to mine for opal.
The earlier form of mining was by sinking
or digging a shaft then tunnelling along
the level with a pick and shovel.
TOWN
22
MAP
123 Hutchison Street
Phone / Fax 08 8672 5158
email: staropal@internode.on.net
Miner in Catacombs - 11 Mile Mine
Photo - Dylan Coker
Jewellers of Opal
Situated on Hutchison Street
Coober Pedy
20
• Cut and Sell Rough Opal
• Opal Cutting
• Gold & Silver Casting Services
Resident Goldsmith
Ph: (08) 8672 3984 or (08) 8672 5717
Fax: (08) 8672 3985
TOWN
19
MAP
Family Business with
Fever for Opal &
Passion for Design
8 Hutchison St Coober Pedy
Ph: 08 8672 5690
www.opalios.com.au
TOWN
8
MAP
Opal Mining since 1973 - Still mining today
Opal Processing and
Classing
Once the rough or raw opal has been
mined it is placed in a small water-filled
tumbler or a cement mixer. The agitation
cleans about 95% of the dirt (sandstone)
from the rough opal and whatever dirt
remains is then snipped off.
The opal is sorted or classed in different
grades by size and of course colour and
quality. Colour in precious opal is caused
by the regular array of silica spheres
diffracting white light and breaking it up
into the various colours of the spectrum.
There are a number of things to assess
when classing opal colour. These include
the quality, brilliance, clarity, variety and
pattern. The main factors in determining
the price paid for opal are as follows.
Base Colour. Black opal (a gem with a dark
base) is more valuable than crystal opal
(almost transparent) which in turn is more
valuable than the white or milky opal.
Dominant Colour
Red fire opal is
more valuable than
a predominantly
green opal, which
in turn is more
valuable than a
stone showing only
blue colour.
Colour Pattern
Harlequin opal,
where the colour
occurs in defined
patches, is
generally more sought after and valuable
than pin-fire opal where the colour
generally appears in small specks.
Once the opal has been classed in various
grades, each grade is weighed in Troy
ounces then valued at a rate of dollars per
ounce before being placed into a bag.
Each bag is then identified by grade and
weight. Collectively these bags are known
as a PARCEL of opal.
Coober Pedy
Opal
Information
A handpick or screwdriver was used when
traces of opal were found.
Since the 1970’s, there has been a rapid
increase in the use of mining machines.
These days, most if not all prospecting
shafts are made by using a Calweld-type
drill which is used to excavate holes about
one metre in diameter using an auger
bucket. The drills can dig to a maximum
depth of about 28m to 30m. (Today’s
opal fields are subsequently pitted with
thousands of abandoned Calweld shafts.)
Tunnelling machines with revolving
cutting heads and small underground
front-end loaders called boggers are used
while bulldozers are employed to remove
overburden and expose the level where
it is shallow. Spotters follow behind
watching for opal and the seam is then
worked over by handpick.
Waste material or mullock from the shafts
and drives was originally lifted to the
surface by hand windlass, then by power
winches (Yorke hoists) or automatic bucket
tippers. Today truck-mounted blowers
which operate like vacuum cleaners are
more commonly used.
21
Opals may be cut and polished in a
number of ways, depending on the nature
and thickness of the colour band. They
are classified as a solid (opals that naturally
occur in one piece), doublet (a 2 part
stone consisting of a precious opal glued
to another stone, either potch or some
other material like glass or iron stone) or a
triplet, (a three part stone with a precious
opal centre, a clear top and darkened base,
usually glass or potch). Cut opal is valued
at a price based on quality, brilliance,
clarity, variety of colour and pattern per
carat weight.
Noodling
This is the process of searching through
heaps of discarded mullock for pieces of
opal missed by the miners. Many locals
make a living from this method and it is
also very popular with tourists.
Noodling machines, in which mullock is
passed through a darkroom on a conveyor
belt beneath ultra-violet lights are also
used, and this is another form of mining.
‑
TOWN
3
MAP
Aretas Opals
Tours
There are many town tours offering a
broad and fascinating look at our unique
lifestyle, taking people through opal
mines, underground homes, along with
opal cutting demonstrations, the beautiful
Breakaways and the Dog Fence. More
extensive tours include trips to the
spectacular Painted Desert and Lake Eyre,
the Mail Run to Oodnadatta and William
Creek, or the unique night-time Star
Gazing Tour on the Moon Plains.
Arid Areas Tours (Map Ref 10)
8672 3008
Comfort Inn Experience Motel (Map Ref 29)8672 5777
Desert Cave Hotel (Map Ref 14)
8672 5688
Josephine's Gallery (Map Ref 36)
8672 5931
Mail Run (Map Ref 35)
8672 5226
Oasis Tours (Map Ref 27)
8672 5169
Old Timers Mine (Map Ref 30)
8672 5555
Radeka’s Downunder (Map Ref 11)
8672 5223
Riba’s (Map Ref 1)
8672 5614
Stuart Range Caravan Park (Map Ref 2)
8672 5179
Tom’s Working Opal Mine (Map Ref 43) 8672 5333
Umoona Mine Tour (Map Ref 18)
8672 5288
A Great Outback Experience
Coober Pedy's 1 Day Outback Mail Run
• Hand Crafted Opal Jewellery
• Pandora Style Jewellery
with Opal
- All guaranteed
Aboriginal Art and Artifacts
We also wholesale bulk
Open 7 Days
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS WITH
OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
IN MINING & EXPORTING
ROUGH & CUT OPALS
DESIGNING & MANUFACTURING
Unique Hand-crafted Designs
Quality Opals • Aboriginal Art
CD Burning available (for digital images)
20% Discount when presenting
this advertisement
Shop 1, 89 Hutchison Street
Coober Pedy, South Australia • Australia 5723
adjacent to Westpac Bank
phone. +61 8 8672 3914 fax. 8672 3814
(one per customer)
TOWN
40
MAP
Phone / Fax (08) 8672 5697
OPAL CAVE Underground Experience
Coober Pedy
22
TOWN
35
MAP
• Guaranteed
21/01/10
12:53 PM
•
•
•
•
Opal Sales
Pl
th ease
Faye’s Historic Underground Home
makis adve presen
t
r
i
for ng a p t when
Bedrock Underground Accommodation
you urc
disc r spec hase
oun ial
Underground Coach Group Accommodation
t
Tourist Information Open 7 Days a Week
Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy
TOWN
Free Call 1800 676 680 SA/NT Only
20
MAP
Ph 08-8672 5028 Fax 08-8672 5208
www.opalcavecooberpedy.com Email: delf@ozemail.com.au
Ph/Fx Coober Pedy 8672 5226 or Free Call 1800 069 911
Website: www.mailruntour.com Email: info@mailruntour.com
Coober Pedy
7237 OH_CooperPedyAdvert.indd 1
Do not miss this
Outback Adventure
every Monday and Thursday.
Travel with the mail man from
Coober Pedy delivering mail
to Oodnadatta, William
Creek and outlying cattle
stations over diverse and
historic country.
23
Restaurants
Crystal Cafe
(Desert Cave Hotel)
8672 5688
Jim & Rachz Outback Restaurant
8672 3222
John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant
8672 5561
Mobil Roadhouse
8672 5703
Opal Inn Hotel
8672 5054
Stuart Range C/P Pizza Bar
8672 5179
Tom & Mary’s Greek Taverna
8672 5622
Umberto’s (Desert Cave Hotel)
8672 5688
Underground Cafe
0407 715 109
Coober Pedy’s multiple nationalities have
made a big impact on the restaurant scene.
Try something different every night and
enjoy the authentic cuisines.
NATIONAL WINNER
I
FOOD
AWARDS
2010, 2012
John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant are the
proud winners of the National Best
Pizza in the 2010 I Love Food Awards
- making Coober Pedy proud.
Ph (08) 8672 5561
Fax (08) 8672 5537
www.jpbr.com.au
Email johnpizza@dodo.com.au
Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy
TOWN
38
Follow us on Facebook John’s Pizza
Bar & Restaurant Appreciation Group
MAP
Stores and
Services
now excellent.
For travellers, a coin operated water dispenser is
available in Hutchison Street, at a cost of 20 cents
for each 30 litres.
Services information
Water supply
The region’s low rainfall along with no permanent
natural water source prompted the 1922
Government to construct an underground water
tank to hold 500,000 gallons (approx. 2 million
litres). This supply remained unreliable so the
State Government in 1967 developed a solar
desalination plant to produce fresh water from
salty water pumped from 100m below the surface.
However, this did not produce enough water and
was often damaged by high winds.
Since 1985, a modern water desalination plant
using a reverse osmosis process has been operated
by the Coober Pedy District Council. Raw water
is pumped from 60m deep artesian bores located
23 km north east of Coober Pedy, via a 200mm
pipeline alongside the Oodnadatta Road to the
town water tanks. Bore water pumps operate
automatically via radio signals transmitted from
the town Treatment Plant. The water quality is
Medical Coober Pedy has a modern 20 bed
hospital with medical practitioners, on Hospital
Road, Ph 8672 5009. Ambulance Ph 000. The
Royal Flying Doctor is on call for emergencies.
Dentist Ph 8672 5207
Pharmacy Hutchison Street. Ph 8672 3444
Police Wright Road. Ph 8672 5056
SES / Mine Rescue Ph 8672 5009
Fire Brigade Ph 8672 5000
Post Office In Miners Store. Ph 8672 5062
Air Services Regional Express Airlines - agent
Desert Cave Hotel, Wright's Air Ph 8670 7962
Banking Westpac Bank on Hutchison Street with
ATM, CBA agency in the Post Office, numerous
EFTPOS facilities available.
ATM at Opal Inn Hotel, Desert Cave Hotel, BP,
Caltex service stations and Stuart Range Tourist
and Caravan Park.
Supermarkets / Hardware Miners Store and IGA
Supermarket.
Fuel Caltex, Mobil, BP, and Shell
Airport Refuelling 0428 829 795.
Open 7 Days 9am - 10pm
BP SERVICE STATION
HARDWARE
10% Discount for Pensioners
OPEN 7 DAYS
Alfresco dining, Takeaway
Relax in air-conditioned comfort or
heated alfresco
INTERNET ACCESS for tourists
Group bookings and large function
rooms
Extensive menus - beakfast, lunch and
dinner
Large selection of pizzas and a range
of new regular meals available
• Fuel
• ATM
• Auto Gas
• Mini Mart
• BOC Agent
• Food
• Spare Parts
• Electrical
TOWN
• Plumbing
• Gardening
• EPAY
• EFTPOS
6
MAP
Tel: 08 8672 5257 Fax: 08 8672 5801
Email: tmscpd@bigpond.net.au
THE MINERS STORE SUPERMARKET
OPEN 7 DAYS • EST. 1960
TOM AND MARY’S GREEK TAVERNA
Coober Pedy
24
• GROCERIES • NEWSAGENCY • LIQUOR • MEAT • FRUIT & VEG
TOWN
12
MAP
OPEN 7 NIGHtS A WEEK
pHONE: (08) 8672 5622
FULLY LICENCED
Your hosts mario and wendy
Kangaroo
Photo - Peter Rowe
PH (08) 8672 5051 • HARDWARE (08) 8672 5257
Email: tmscpd@bigpond.net.au Fx (08) 8672 5801
TOWN
6
MAP
Coober Pedy
COOBER PEDY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
25
Car Hire Budget Ph 8672 5333 or Coober Pedy
Rent a Car Ph 8672 3003.
School Area school for children from
pre-school to Year 12.
TAFE College offering a variety of subjects.
Sports Facilities are available for swimming,
badminton, basketball, football, cricket, judo, 8ball, soccer, golf, tennis, darts and netball. There is
also an RSL, Lions, Motor and Rifle Club as well as
numerous ethnic clubs.
Swimming Pool ideal for laps, fun and aerobics.
Television ABC, Imparja, SBS and 7 Central.
Radio ABC Radio 106.1FM, 107.7FM.
Caama Radio 102.9FM, Dusty Radio 104.5FM
Get your prescriptions quickly and locally
Pharmacist on Duty
8672 3444
TOWN
17
MAP
(Next to Miners Store & Aust Post)
Friendly helpful service, Vitamins,
Natural Health & Cosmetics,
Winner SA Pharmacist of the Year 2009
Open Mon to Fri 9am – 5.30pm, Sat 9am – 12.30pm
Outback
Service Station
TOWN
31
MAP
OPEN 7 DAYS 7am to 9pm
* DRIVEWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE * KLEENHEAT LPG *
* BOTTLE GAS * TAKEAWAY & DINE-IN FOOD * ICE *
* CARD OPTION * EFTPOS FACILITIES * ATM FACILITIES *
22 Hutchison Street ( Opposite Desert Cave & TAFE ) * Ph/Fx 8672 5703
Accommodation
Like to sleep ‘under the stars’ or 4 star?
Coober Pedy offers a variety of top
quality hotels and motels, self-contained
cottages, backpackers accommodation and
‘rockbottom’ priced camping (don’t look
for the lawn though). Where else in the
world can you choose to stay either above
or below ground?
Comfort Inn
Coober Pedy Experience
Crowders Gully Road. Ph (61) 08 8672 5777
Email: info@cooberpedyexperience.com.au TOWN
29
www.cooberpedyexperience.com.au MAP
EXPERIENCE the true mining town atmosphere.
The main native wildlife found around the
Coober Pedy area are kangaroos, wallabies
and emus. There are also sand goannas,
bearded dragons, geckos and perentie
lizards. Dingoes are found outside the dog
fence. There are numerous desert varieties
of bird life such as eagles, bustards or bush
turkeys, budgerigars, galahs, parrots and
finches to name a few. Some pelicans and
black swans can be found on nearby lakes
after rain.
33
MAP
B E D & B R EAK FAS T
Outback accommodation with a difference.
Clean, cosy and comfortable underground
rooms with ensuite, TV and phone.
Internet WiFi Hotspot. Secure and private
loca­tion, outdoor setting with great view. BBQ,
children’s play area, kitchen and laundry,
trailer/caravan parking. Tourist infor­ma­­tion
and tour arrangements.
Relax and enjoy!
Holiday on the property
where opal mining was
first carried out in 1918.
Proprietors: Peter and Lois
Wildlife
TOWN
Relax in our UNDERGROUND rooms.
EXPERIENCE
the joy of restful
sleep of those who
live underground.
A unique property,
a special place.
The Desert Sea Collection
is the featured display in
The Opal Room.
Opal jewellery and gift
items can be purchased.
Catacomb Road, Coober Pedy SA 5723
Phone 08 8672 5324, Fax 08 8672 5911
Reservations 1800 622 979
contact@theundergroundmotel.com.au
www.theundergroundmotel.com.au
Down to Erth
Bed & Breakfast
Experience the unique
Coober Pedy lifestyle in
your own quiet,
self-contained and
secure, underground
apartment sleeping up to
5 people.
Coober Pedy
26
Monument Rd,
34
MAP
Coober Pedy
Ph/Fax: 08 8672 5762
bed@downtoerth.com
www.downtoerth.com.au
TOWN
Coober Pedy
Continental breakfast is
supplied.
27
RADEKAS on OLIVER
UNDERGROUND ACCOMMODATION
Ideal Accommodation for Families
Underground Motel Rooms with Private Ensuite
Underground Budget Accommodation
Secure Car & Motor Bike Parking, Communal Kitchen
Courtesy Bus for Local Airport & Coach Terminal Transfers
TOWN
32
MAP
COOBER PEDY TOURS
* “Desert Breakaways Tour” 1pm Daily - 4 Hour Town,
Opal Fields & Breakaways Tour
* “Town Tour” 8am - 10am Daily - Town, Opal Fields
* “The Breakaways Express” Sunset & Morning Departures
FREE BONUS ACTIVITY - Accommodate Underground with us for
TOWN
42
MAP
Guest Pool
2 & 3 Bedroom
Self Contained
two consecutive nights & catch any one of our tours and we will take you free
of charge out of town for a free 40 minute Night Sky Presentation. Learn the
Southern Cross and how it moves around the South Pole in the sky.
This activity is fun & educational and suitable for any age or nationality.
VISIT “YVElINE PAGE” UNDERGROUND
GAllERY BAllROOM
12 Assorted Coober Pedy Postcards for $3. Souvenirs, Gifts,
Paintings, Opals & Beautiful Zebra Stone Carvings by local artist Yveline Page
Contact Martin
or crew
Phone
Coober Pedy
28
08 8672 5223
TOWN
RADEKA DOWNUNDER COOBER PEDY PTY. lTD.
11
MAP
No1 Oliver Street, Coober Pedy SA 5723 (centre of town)
Phone: 08 8672 5223 Fax: 08 8672 5821 Email: radekadownunder@ozemail.com.au
www. radekadownunder.com.au
www.cooberpedytours.com
TOURIST
PARK
Hutchison
St
Hutchison St
Through
ThroughTown
TownOpposite
Opposite Drive-in
Drive-in
Ph
08 8672
8672 5169
5169
Ph 08
FREECALL
1800 060
060 541
541
FREECALL 1800
Email:
Email:big4cooberpedy@bigpond.com
big4cooberpedy@bigpond.com
Web:
www.big4cooberpedy.com
Web:
www.oasiscooberpedy.com.au
Secure, Friendly Park jus
S
from
s
r
t
t 250 m
h
n
estaura
R
,
s
p
o
• Deluxe to
Budget Ensuite
Fully Self-contained
Park Cabins
• Ensuite Powered Sites
• Drive-thru Sites
• Camp Kitchen
& BBQ
• Dump Point
A
ts & Attractions
R
TA
S
U
Mud Hut Motel
TOWN
5
MAP
½ Built of rammed earth in a true Australian Outback Style,
the Mud Hut offers excellent accommodation in a friendly atmosphere.
• Comfortable Motel rooms with queen size beds
•  two bedroom units with kitchen & lounge
• Breakfast • Opal Sales • Central location
• Car Hire • Laundry facilities • Internet access
St Nicholas St, Coober Pedy. Tel: 08 8672 3003
email: res@mudhutmotel.com.au Fax: 08 8672 3004
Riba’s Underground Camping & Tourist Park
“The most unique place you will stay”
Experience Underground Camping
Budget Underground Rooms Available
Internet Access
Join our fully comprehensive Evening Mine Tour.
Special Offer......First night camping Free with your tour booking
Book now, ring Rick or Barbara (08) 8672 5614
email: ribas@camp-underground.com.au
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Nearby Attractions
Pass system: Nature Reserve
permits can be purchased in
Coober Pedy Council.
A round trip of 70km will take a
minimum of 2 hours. The road is open
to all vehicles unless it has rained,
but 4WD is preferable. The dog fence
track will be boggy after rain.
• Tours Daily &
Personal Organised
Tours
• FUEL Discounts
The best time to visit the Breakaways is
early morning or late afternoon
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Coober Pedy
• Internet & Wireless
access
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Help stop petrol sniffing
As you embark on your self-drive adventure along the Stuart Highway, you may
notice the availability of low aromatic fuel at bowsers throughout the region.
Low aromatic fuel is a direct substitute for regular unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 91.
Low aromatic fuel is designed to reduce petrol sniffing which can be a problem in some areas of
Australia.
In many areas, low aromatic fuel such as BP’s Opal fuel is available.
Opal has been independently tested and is proven to be safe to use in cars, boats, petrol 4WDs,
two-stroke engines and vans for which the manufacturer recommends regular 91 octane
unleaded as a minimum.
Low aromatic fuel is specially formulated without the properties associated with creating a ‘high’
and using this fuel helps to discourage petrol sniffing.
In some communities, it is illegal to bring regular unleaded petrol into the community, so tourists
are encouraged to check with the local visitor information centres before hitting the road and to
ask for low aromatic fuel when they fill up.
Low aromatic fuel is subsidised by the Australian Government, so it doesn’t cost any more than
regular unleaded petrol and is safe to mix with the regular unleaded petrol already in your tank.
Low aromatic fuel has been available in some parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory,
Queensland and Western Australia since 2005 and now an improved formulation of BP’s Opal fuel
is pumping which is designed to clean and protect vital parts of the engine.
Help stop petrol sniffing
use Opal fuel
Low aromatic fuel is available at a range of retail sites, but may appear under a different brand
name. For example, at Shell service stations, low aromatic fuel is called ‘Shell Unleaded Low
Aromatic’.
In areas where low aromatic fuel has replaced regular unleaded petrol, research has found a
reduction in petrol sniffing of up to 94%.
For more information on how low aromatic fuel is safer for the community
visit www.health.gov.au/stoppetrolsniffing
For Opal fuel technical information call the BP Fuel and Lubricants Technical Helpline on
1300 139 700.
Visit www.opalfuel.com.au.
D0821 NOVEMBER 2012
‘…tourists are encouraged to check with the local visitor information centres before
hitting the road and to ask for low aromatic fuel when they fill up.’
Outback
Attractions
Follow the official mail run route or the old
‘Ghan’ narrow gauge railway line. Travel into
the spectacular Painted Desert or to William
Creek through the world’s largest cattle station
‘Anna Creek’ (24000 sq km), call into Lake
Cadibarrawirracanna, Australia’s longest place
name and experience just some of what Outback
SA has to offer. For those who like to travel
to remote areas and like to get a birds-eye
perspective of the country a charter flight might
appeal.
Painted Desert
Some of Australia’s most spectacular breakaway
country has taken over 80 million years to evolve
from the time of the ancient inland sea. This area
has eroded away over time and combined with
the leaching of minerals from the soil, create this
magical area where colours change during the day,
making it a photographer’s delight.
The Breakaways Reserve
The Breakaways Reserve lies 32km north of
Coober Pedy. It consists of colourful low hills
which have broken away from the Stuart Range,
hence their name ‘The Breakaways. There are
two lookout points which highlight the open
spaces and colourful environment, leaving
an impression of the long gone inland sea
that our early explorers dreamt of. From the
lookout, the locally named ‘Castle’ or ‘Salt &
Pepper’ can be seen in an easterly direction.
This outcrop has been used in a number of
films and advertisements, while Panorama Hill
situated in the middle, features in Mad Max
Beyond Thunderdome and Ground Zero.
The 70km round trip back to Coober Pedy takes
you east along the hills to the dog fence. This
2m high wire barrier stretches for over 5,300km
across three States, to protect the sheep country
in the south from the native dog, the Dingo.
The desert-like moonscape along the fence,
with its fossilised shells, grey, soft clay dirt and
cracks that appear to be bottomless, has been
nicknamed the ‘moon plain’. It too has been the
scene for numerous movies.
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William Creek
This is SA’s smallest village with a population of 12,
its attraction being an unique bush pub. From the
junction, the road 202kms north to Oodnadatta
follows the ancient Aboriginal trade route, famous
for its permanent springs. Oodnadatta is an historic
centre that has retained its outback character.
Dog Fence - Photo courtesy of Peter Caust
UNDERGROUND CAFE
Oodnadatta Track
The 619km track from Marree to Marla follows the
route of the explorer John McDouall Stuart.
Witjira National Park and
the Simpson Desert
The 776,900ha Park is located 160km north of
Oodnadatta. It features the Dalhousie Thermal
Mound Springs, the largest, most active artesian
springs in Australia as well as the Mt Dare homestead
complex.
Lake Eyre National Park
This 1,228,000 hectare remote and arid Park
includes all of Lake Eyre North and the Tirari Desert,
conserving the desert wilderness. Lake Eyre is a dry
salt lake that occasionally floods and it was here that
the late Sir Donald Campbell once set the world land
speed record of 645km/h in a jet-powered car.
Marla
233km north of Coober Pedy. One of SA’s newest
outback communities, its name is derived from the
Aboriginal word ‘marlu’ meaning kangaroos.
Northern Territory
159km north of Marla lies the Northern Territory
border. The Kulgera Roadhouse is located 19km
from the border and the Erldunda Roadhouse
74km north of Kulgera. From Erldunda the sealed
Lasseter Highway leads 244km to Yulara, the base
for the world renowned Uluru and Kata Tjuta
National Park, also known as Ayers Rock and the
Olgas.
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Come in and see the
World’s Largest Didgeridoos!
All our didgeridoos are hollowed by termites
World wide delivery
Gallery open 7 days a week 8am ‘til late
Glendambo
252km south of Coober Pedy. The Glendambo
Roadhouse complex is built from natural materials
and has been designed as a traditional outback
homestead and woolshed.
Pimba
366km south of Coober Pedy, there are several salt
lakes near Pimba such as Lake Hart in the north
and Island Lagoon in the south.
Woomera
8km north of Pimba, Woomera was established
in 1947 as a site for the launching of British
experimental rockets.
Port Augusta
538km south of Coober Pedy and situated at
the northern top of Spencer Gulf, Port Augusta
is the most northerly port in South Australia and
an important link on the east-west Indian Pacific
Railway as well as the famous Ghan Train to
Darwin.
100 metres from the Drive-In Screen (behind Star Opal). Ph 0407 715 109
Multi Award Winning Underground Complex
•
•
Guided tours through
the Aboriginal Interpretive
Centre, underground home and
our real opal mine.
20 minute award winning
documentary “The story of the
Opal”.
•Underground bunkhouse
accommodation.
• Package tours for groups.
• Special display of fossils from SA
Museum.
• Large display of exclusive opal
jewellery.
• Crystal, Black & Boulder opal. Rough & cut opal. Specimens.
tax free to overseas visitors
100% international written guarantee
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Lot 14 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Telephone (08) 8672 5288, www.umoonaopalmine.com.au
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK