here - District Council of Coober Pedy

Fre
2010
e
www.cooberpedy.net
Maps, Accommodation, Opal Shops, Tours, Restaurants and Services
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
Contents
Dalhousie
Hot Springs
South Australian Outback Map_______________________________________ 2
Lambina
Marla
Oodnadatta
Tallaringa
Conservation
Park
adell Hwy
Coober Pedy’s History_______________________________________________ 6
Coober Pedy Today_________________________________________________ 9
ck
Oodnadatta Tra
Cadney
Homestead
General Information_________________________________________________ 5
Local Attractions__________________________________________________ 10
Lake Eyre
National Park
Breakaways
William
Creek
Manguri
Events in Coober Pedy 2010_ ______________________________________ 14
le T
rack
Painted Desert
Anne Be
Simpson
Desert
Regional
Reserve
svil
Mintabie
Coober Pedy
Bird
Refer to page 32
if travelling from
Alice Springs to
Coober Pedy.
gF
ce
Marree
y
Railway
rt Hw
Stua
en
Tarcoola
Kingoonya
Roxby Downs
Glendambo
Stores and Services________________________________________________ 25
Andamooka
Lake
Torrens
National
Park
Leigh
Creek
Explorer Highway_________________________________________________ 33
Ceduna
Hawker
Wirrulla
Port Augusta
Kimba
Cowell
Whyalla
SPENCER
GULF
Quorn
To Adelaide
Coober Pedy
Outback Attractions_______________________________________________ 32
Dog Fence
Refer to pages 34-35 if travelling
from Port Augusta to Coober Pedy.
Accommodation__________________________________________________ 27
Nearby Attractions________________________________________________ 31
Pimba
Lake Gairdner
National Park
GREAT
AUSTRALIAN
BIGHT
Tours____________________________________________________________ 23
Restaurants_ _____________________________________________________ 25
Dog Fence
Woomera
To Perth
Coober Pedy Town Map___________________________________________ 18
Opal Information_________________________________________________ 20
Do
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
Coober Pedy Races________________________________________________ 16
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
Opal Necklace courtesty of the Comfort Inn Coober Pedy
Experience Motel
Opal picture courtesy of Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
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.
Produced by:
© Copyright Coober Pedy Retail, Business and Tourism Association 2010. 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.
OPAL INN
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
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.
P: (08) 8672 5054 ~ F: (08) 8672 5501
1 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy
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MAP
PO Box 223, Coober Pedy
After hours night bell
Toll Free (Reservations only) 1800 088 523
Coober Pedy
E: reservations@opalinn.com.au
www.opalinn.com.au
History
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 and as well 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
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.
Outback In Style
Desert Cave
H o t e l
Desert Cave Tours
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. Marvel at the wonders in the
underground interpretive centre. The
Desert Cave Hotel lets you experience
the Outback in style and comfort.
Cool off in our pool.
Desert Cave offers an exciting mix
of Tours and Packages from half
day to four days. They include the
best of Coober Pedy and surrounds
and the legendary “Mail Run” to
Oodnadatta, William Creek and
outlying cattle stations.
PACKAGES
Go to our website for details
on our Accommodation
Specials & Great Packages
Getting There
Getting to Coober Pedy is easy. Fly
with Regional Express from Adelaide,
or alternatively take the legendary Ghan
or drive the sealed Stuart Highway.
Coaches service Coober Pedy daily.
Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy S.A.
Telephone (08) 8672 5688, Facsimile (08) 8672 5198,
Toll Free 1800 088 521 (Bookings Only)
For more information: reserve@desertcave.com.au
www.desertcave.com.au
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MAP
TOWN
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MAP
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.
• Air-conditioned cabins/motel rooms • Fully self-contained superior apartments
• 140 powered sites • 60 unpowered sites • Disabled facilities
• Laundry • Sheltered BBQs • Pets accepted in camping area only
• Children’s playground • Swimming pool • Pizza bar and shop • Bus town tours
The largest and highest star-rated
park in Coober Pedy
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. It provides 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.
Look at www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
for up to date information.
District Council of Coober Pedy
Photo by Peter Rowe
FREECALL 1800 067 787
Visitor Information Centre
Sunset over Opal Fields - Photo courtesy of Peter Rowe
Cnr Stuart Highway & Hutchison Street
PO Box 345, Coober Pedy SA 5723
Phone: 08 8672 5179 Fax: 08 8672 5148
Email: admin@stuartrangecaravanpark.com.au
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.
www.stuartrangecaravanpark.com.au
“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 Tourist Information: Phone: (08) 8672 4617 or Fax (08) 8672 5699
TOLL FREE 1800 637 076 - All Hours
Coober Pedy
RAA star-rated
Local
Attractions
Opal Displays
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
John McDouall Stuart
Monument
The Coffin with a Difference
52 year old Karl Bratz still had a sense of humour and practical outlook on life, even though he was dying of cancer.
He decided to organise his own coffin and asked Clem Powell of Coober Pedy Radiator and Sheet Metal Service to
build him a corrugated iron one.
Karl had spent most of his life 50 miles from anywhere, and says that everywhere he went everything was built of
corrugated iron.
It all started as a bit of a joke, laughed Karl, as Clem described how he felt, like Karl was measuring up for a suit.
Karl Bratz, the eldest son of an Irish Catholic family was intended for the priesthood, in his hometown of Sydney.
Nobody quite knows how he found his way to Coober Pedy.
Karl worked as an opal miner and then for Coober Pedy council as a surveyor, where one of his jobs was to “survey
and design’ the cemetery. Karl also claimed to make the best home brew, but because of his illness was unable to
drink it.
He also had the last laugh. Not only was he buried in the cemetery of his design, but his love of beer was celebrated
in the form of his headstone... an 18 gallon beer keg.
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
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 Centre
(G) Catacomb Church
REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP
UNDERGROUND CHURCH
Coober Pedy
10
E
Underground Living, Coober Pedy
• Meetings: Sundays 10.15am, 7.00pm
Wednesday 7.30pm
Pastor Deane Clee
Crowders Gully Rd
T: (08) 8672 5777 ~ E: deaneclee@optusnet.com.au
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MAP
Other members of the
Coober Pedy Retail, Business & Tourism Association Inc.
Coober Pedy Pharmacy................ 8672 3444
Neville J Smith Pty Ltd.................. 8564 2559
Coober Pedy Regional Times........ 8672 5920
OAMPS Insurance Brokers............. 8953 1977
GNK Opals................................... 8672 3346
• Lively chorus sessions • Full gospel preached
• Healing by prayer • Uplifting time for all
Flies 6 times per week to Coober Pedy
Phone 13 17 13
Visit www.rex.com.au or
see your local travel agent
John and Yoka’s Opal and Art....... 8672 3099
Lucas Supermarket....................... 8672 5272
Proud & Company (Solicitors)...... 8672 5979
Tom & Mary Greek Taverna.......... 8672 5622
Mike Maylin Construction
Underground Bed and Breakfast... 8672 5301
Pty Ltd.......................................... 8672 3111
Waters & Younger (Accountants).. 8672 5979
Coober Pedy
Underground Living In
“Dugouts”
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.
11
Wind Turbine Generator
Situated next to the Power Supply Plant
which is the largest diesel fired station in
Australia. 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
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.
18 Umoona
Museum
Opal Mine and
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.
26
Underground Art
Gallery
A display mine with Aboriginal
artifacts, art, didgeridoos and
opal jewellery.
30
Old Timers Mine
A 2008 triple award winning attraction,
this historic opal mine hand dug in 1916
features a self-guided walk-through tour of
display galleries, two under-ground homes
and precious seams of opal. Opal retailing
and gift shop and showroom, FREE opal
mining machines demonstrations.
H
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 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.
Underground
Underground Ar
Artt Gallery
Gallery
26
MAP
Main Street Location
que
Uni ot
n
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 Email: a.sheils@bigpond.net.au
TOWN
KISS A KANGAROO
at the
KANGAROO ORPHANAGE
JOSEPHINE’S GALLERY
131 - 133 Hutchison Street
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MAP
Relive History
Show us
this advert for a
10%
discount
on admission
Old Timers Mine
2008 Triple Award Winning Attraction
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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
12:30pm & 5pm daily
Aboriginal Art - Opals
Jewellery - Didgeridoos
Mine Tour
Coober Pedy’s newest attraction
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to restrict numbers
Coober Pedy
12
TOWN
• 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
Coober Pedy
C
13
Events in
Coober Pedy
2010
Australia Day / Survival Day
Tuesday 26 January
Old Timers Mine
Opal Festival 2010
Friday 2 April
Opal Festival Ball
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.
This year’s festival promises to be action packed
and has already attracted the support of high
profile personalities Hamish and Andy and also
featuring Australia’s premier aerobatic pilot Chris
Sperou.
Coober Pedy 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 with opening
celebrations including the Opal Festival Ball.
Saturday 3 April and Easter weekend
Opal Festival
An exciting program of activities and events.
The world’s opal capital celebrates its annual
opal and community festival over the Easter
weekend. Browse Coober Pedy’s opal shops and
stalls, ‘noodle’ for your own opal gems, take in
the surrounding landscape with a tour or scenic
flight, visit the town’s famous underground
homes and dine at some great restaurants. The
festival’s celebrations have included a street
parade, food and refreshment marquees, novelty
events, amusement rides, multicultural singing
and dancing competitions, jugglers, fireworks, live
bands, an outdoor movie theatre and golf on the
town’s grassless 18 hole course.
Saturday 3 April and Sunday 4 April
Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show
The annual Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show will be
held over two days and will provide local sellers
the opportunity to showcase their products to
local, national and international buyers.
The Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show continues
to develop into one of the premier trade shows
within Australia and the next show promises to
further add to the growing reputation of the
region as the 'Opal Capital of the World'.
Entry fee for the Gem Trade Show is $5 per adult
and is free of charge for children.
Enquiries: Toll free 1800 637 076 or telephone
District Council of Coober Pedy (08) 8672 5298
50th Birthday Celebrations
Coober Pedy Area School
Greek Glendi
4-5 July
Two fabulous evenings with plenty of traditional
dancing and food.
Race Day
August
(See Page 16)
Compiled by 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.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
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 where
the event will be wrapped up with a BBQ and band.
Participants in the ‘Bolt’ can either walk, run or ride the
distance as a personal challenge or as a group walking,
riding or running a portion of the distance together,
doing either 5, 10, 15, 20 or the full 35 kilometres.
Participants are expected to gather sponsorships from
family, friends and organisations 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 2010, 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
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.
Web
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
14
Anzac Day
Sunday 25 April
Coober Pedy RSL Club
This commemoration includes a dawn service and
street march.
Coober Pedy
Sunday 5 April
15
Coober Pedy
Races
Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th August 2010
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
two days.
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.
For further information check out the web
site at www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
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.
Coober Pedy
Throughout the weekend there are
children's and novelty events for patrons
to join in and enjoy. On Saturday night the
town celebrates with the Race Club Ball
held at the Opal Inn Hotel.
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
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,
The racing program commences at 10 am
each day with children's gymkhana events.
The feature event on Saturday is the Opal
Inn Coober Pedy Cup held over 1000 m.
Sunday features the Tony Wong's Ladies
Bracelet and the Miners Store 1000m
stakes.
16
The Coober Pedy Retail Business & Tourism Association Inc.
is a proud sponsor of the
South Australian Museum’s Origin Energy Fossil Gallery.
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!
ile
Rd
Accommodation
Pg
1 Riba’s Caravan Park
30
2 Stuart Range Caravan Park
8
4 Opal Inn Hotel & Caravan Pk 4
5 Mud Hut Motel
30
11 Radeka Downunder Motel & Backpacker Inn29
14 Desert Cave Hotel
7
18 Umoona Opal Mine & Museum 36
20 Opal Cave
22
27 Oasis Tourist Park
28
29 Experience Motel
29
32 Look Out Cave
27
33 The Underground Motel
29
34 Down to Erth B&B
30
42 Desert View
27
Public
Swimming
Pool
Rd
ton
Pax
School
Paxton Rd
tO
ffice
ntee
3
HIGHW
AY
7
4
8
d
18
15 14
Hill R
n
500m
36
Hutchison St
22
20
Drive-in
Theatre
5
St Nicholas St
Post Office
11
J
ie
32
Umo
Explore
r Highway
2
d
Flinders St
29
E
30
G
Health
Centre
ona R
42
Catacomb Rd
TOURS
Refer to Page 23
OTHER
Pg
6 Miners Store, Hardware & BP 25
7 Opal City Chinese Restaurant 24
15 Underground Books
26
31 Mobil - Roadhouse
27
35 Mail Run Tour
23
District Council of Coober Pedy/
Information Centre
9
38 John’s Pizza Bar
24
43 Toms Working Mine
24
6
D
Oliver St
31
40
19
Winch
St
38
Stretton R 26
opal shops
Pg
3 Opals on Hutchison
22
8 Opalios
21
11 Radeka Downunder Motel & Backpacker Inn29
14 Desert Cave Hotel
7
18 Umoona Opal Mine & Museum 36
19 Jewellers of Opal
20
20 Opal Cave
22
22 Star Opal
20
26 Underground Art Gallery
13
29 Experience Motel
29
30 Old Timers Mine
13
36 Josephine's Gallery
13
40 Aretas Opals
22
STUART
Police
Pos
Seve
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Rd
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n Mi
27
24 Hour
Water
33
H
Coober
Pedy
Hospital
A
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34
B
C
restaurants
Refer to Page 24
Rd
1
Riba's
attractions
Pg
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 Cemetary
G Catacomb Church
H Public Noodling area
I Breakaways & Dog Fence
J Look Out
K Faye's Underground Home
36 Josephine's Gallery
13
William Creek 166km (Rd.4km)
Glendambo 252km
Port Augusta 538km
atertank Rd
43 (approx 250m)
Airport 2km
I Breakaways 33km
Cadney Homestead 153km
Alice Springs 685km
Uluru (Ayers Rock) 730km
Speedway
Race Course
Golf Course
35
Not all roads are shown E&OE.
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Oodnadatta
195km
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Hutc
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Brew
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Italian Club Rd
Cro
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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.
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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 Rough Opal
• Opal Cutting
• Pierre Cardin Watches
• Gold & Silver Casting Services
Resident Goldsmith
Ph: (08) 8672 3984 or (08) 8672 5717
Fax: (08) 8672 3985
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Genuine Pandora Available
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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.
‑
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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.
Desert Cave Hotel (Map Ref 14)
8672 5688
Experience Motel (Map Ref 29)
8672 5777
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
3 pair sterling silver earings only $40
We also wholesale bulk
Open 7 Days
OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
IN MINING & EXPORTING
ROUGH & CUT OPALS
Unique Hand-crafted Designs
Quality Opals • Aboriginal Art
CD Burning available (for digital images)
Hutchison St, Coober Pedy
Shop 1, 89 Hutchison Street
Coober Pedy, South Australia • Australia 5723
adjacent to Westpac Bank
phone. +61 8 8672 3914
(Next to Photo Shop)
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40
MAP
Phone / Fax (08) 8672 5697
OPAL CAVE Underground Experience
Coober Pedy
22
•
•
•
•
•
Guaranteed 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
TOWN
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MAP
30
Coober Pedy
2+B&RRSHU3HG\$GYHUWLQGG
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
THE MINERS STORE SUPERMARKET
Coober Pedy’s multiple nationalities have
made a big impact on the restaurant scene.
Try something different every night and
enjoy the authentic cuisines.
Caltex Restaurant
Crystal Cafe (Desert Cave Hotel)
John’s Pizza Bar
8572 5199
8672 5688
8672 5561
Mobil Roadhouse
8672 5703
Mud Hut 8672 3003
Opal City Chinese Restaurant
8672 3188
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
OPEN 7 DAYS
• GROCERIES • NEWSAGENCY • LIQUOR
TOWN
ATM
SERVICING THE OUTBACK
PH (08) 8672 5051 • HARDWARE (08) 8672 5257
6
MAP
Family owned and operated.
Serving Pizza, Pasta, Seafood, Grills, Light Meals, Salads & more....
Licenced for Wine and Beer.
Visit our multi award winning eatery and dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort or
enjoy alfresco dining in our inviting outdoors areas. We offer an extensive, recently
enhanced menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take-away also welcome.
OPEN 9AM - 10PM EVERY DAY
Ph (08) 8672 5561, Fax (08) 8672 5537, Email johnpizza@dodo.com.au
Hutchison Street, PO Box 69, Coober Pedy SA 5723
TOWN
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MAP
Opal City Chinese Restaurant
Wine and Dine Fully Licensed
Open 7 Days a Week
Fast Take Away Foods
TOWN
7
MAP
Coober Pedy
24
Phone 8672 3188
Kangaroo
Photo - Peter Rowe
Coober Pedy
1 Wright Street (just off Hutchison Street)
25
Stores and
Services
Water supply
Royal Flying Doctor is on call for emergencies.
Outback
Service Station
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
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 now excellent.
For travellers, a coin operated water dispenser
is available in Hutchison Street, at a cost of 20
cents for each 30 litres.
Air Services Regional Express Airlines - agent
Services information
as well as numerous ethnic clubs.
Medical Coober Pedy has a modern 20 bed
hospital with medical practitioners, on Hospital
Road, Ph 8672 5009. Ambulance Ph 000. The
Television ABC, Imparja, SBS and 7 Central.
Desert Cave Hotel, Opal Air Ph 8673 3067
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
and Caltex service stations.
Supermarkets / Hardware Miner’s Store and
IGA Supermarket.
Fuel Caltex, Mobil and BP
Airport Refuelling 0428 829 795.
Car Hire Budget Ph 8672 5333 or Coober Pedy
Rent a Car Ph 8672 3003.
School Area school for children from
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MAP
OPEN 7 DAYS 7am to 9pm
* FULL DRIVEWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE * KLEENHEAT LPG *
* BOTTLE GAS * TAKEAWAY & DINE-IN FOOD * ICE *
* CARD OPTION * EFTPOS FACILITIES *
22 Hutchison Street ( Opposite Desert Cave & TAFE ) * Ph/Fx 8672 5703
Proprietors: Peter and Lois
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?
pre-school to Year 12.
TAFE College offering a variety of subjects.
Sports Facilities are available for swimming,
LOOK OUT
OUT CAVE
CAVE
LOOK
badminton, basketball, football, cricket, judo,
8-ball, soccer, golf, tennis, darts and netball.
There is also an RSL, Lions, Motor and Rifle Club
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MAP
Swimming Pool ideal for laps, fun and aerobics.
Radio ABC Radio 106.1FM, 107.7FM.
Caama Radio 102.9FM, Dusty Radio 104.5FM
Best view in town!
Post Office Box 79
Tel: (08) 8672 5118
McKenzie Close
1800 632 251
Coober Pedy 5723
Fax: (08) 8672 5228
• New underground motel rooms & self contained units
• Undercover parking • Opal & Jewellery Shop
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MAP
Fax: 8672 3331 • Email: desertviewapartments@gmail.com
Shaw Place, Catacombe Road
PO Box 272 Coober Pedy SA 5723
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
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MAP
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy
26
27
Hutchison St
Through Town Opposite Drive-in
Ph 08 8672 5169
FREECALL 1800 060 541
Email: big4cooberpedy@bigpond.com
Web: www.oasiscooberpedy.com.au
TOURIST
PARK
om
rs fr
t
m
0
25
Secure, Friendly Park just
Sh
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
• Tours Daily &
Personal Organised
Tours
• FUEL Discounts
AU
ts & Attractions
AR
ST
Comfort Inn
Coober Pedy Experience
Crowders Gully Road. Ph (61) 08 8672 5777
TOWN
Email: expmot@optusnet.com.au
29
www.cooberpedyexperience.com.au MAP
EXPERIENCE the true mining town atmosphere.
TOWN
Holiday on the property
where opal mining was
first carried out in 1918.
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.
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!
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
RADEKA DOWNUNDER UNDERGROUND MOTEL
AND BACKPACKER INN
• Centre of Coober Pedy
• 200m from Restaurants, Shops, Pub,
Supermarket, Post Office
• 3.5m Underground Motel Rooms: Singles, Doubles, Twins, Triples, Quads, a 6 & 8 also, all with
Private Ensuite, TV, Tea/Coffee, Bar Size Fridge and Secure Car, Trailer and Bike Parking.
• 6.5m Deep Down Underground Budget Rooms & Dorm Beds - Share all facilities.
• Communal Kitchen
• Internet and WiFi
• Daily Tour 1pm - 5pm
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MAP
Phone 08 8672 5223 Fax 08 8672 5821 Email radekadownunder@ozemail.com.au
Website www.radekadownunder.com.au
Cnr Hutchison & Oliver Streets, between the BP & Mobil Service Stations
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MAP
Coober Pedy
• Internet & Wireless
access
29
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 and at a reasonable price.
 Comfortable Motel rooms with queen size beds
  two bedroom units with kitchen & lounge
 Restaurant & Bar  Opal Sales
 Central location, easy walking to all attractions
 Car Hire  Laundry facilities  Internet access
St Nicholas St, Coober Pedy
Tel: 08 8672 3003
email: res@mudhutmotel.com.au Fax: 08 8672 3004
Nearby Attractions
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.
Pass system: National Park
entry passes can be purchased
in Coober Pedy.
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
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
30
Continental breakfast is
supplied.
TOWN
Monument Rd,
34
MAP
Coober Pedy
Ph/Fax: 08 8672 5762
www.downtoerth.com.au
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1
MAP
Wildlife
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.
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. As the day goes by, the passing of
the sun changes the desert colours,
creating photogenic scenes that
appear surreal.
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.
Coober Pedy
Book now, ring Rick or Barbara (08) 8672 5614
email: ribas@camp-underground.com.au
The best time to visit the Breakaways is
early morning or late afternoon
31
The outback of South Australia offers a
unique and fascinating experience. Base
yourself in Coober Pedy and we will help
you to discover some of these exciting
destinations.
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 South Australia 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. Some
charter flight operators also have access
to remote areas where permits are usually
required. These areas include missions where
some of our most famous Aboriginal arts and
crafts are produced.
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.
William Creek
Coober Pedy
32
This is South Australia’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. Camel trains
and cattlemen passed this way, as did the
Overland Telegraph Line from Port Augusta to
Darwin (completed in 1870) and the original
“Ghan” narrow gauge railway.
Dog Fence - Photo courtesy of Peter Caust
centre that has retained its outback
character. Its crossroads were once thronged
with drovers, cameleers, goldminers and
Aboriginal people and the outpost became a
rollicking railhead when the transcontinental
railway ceased its construction in 1891.
Until completed in 1929, mail, freight and
travellers were carried six days on camelback
to Alice Springs.
Oodnadatta Track
The 619km track from Marree to Marla
follows the route of the explorer John
McDouall Stuart. It is an unsealed road with
sandy patches which can become impassable
after rain.
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. The Parks
mainly consist of desert landscapes, gibber
plains, sand dunes, salt pans, flat-topped
mesa hills and breakaway country. The turn
off to the Park is 17km north of Oodnadatta
and 4WD is recommended. A Desert Park's
Pass is required and the best time to visit is
during the winter.
Explorer
Highway
(Stuart Highway)
Marla
233km north of Coober Pedy. One
of South Australia’s newest outback
communities, its name is derived from
the Aboriginal word “marlu” meaning
kangaroos. The small town straddles the
Ghan railway line and the Stuart Highway,
both critical lifelines to the south and
north. Marla also marks the northern
access to the Oodnadatta Track. A road
west leads 33kms to the opal fields and
settlement of Mintabie. Prior to entry, a
permit must be obtained from the Marla
Police Station.
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. From the Lasseter
Highway Luritja Road leads north to the
majestic Watarrka National Park, also
known as Kings Canyon.
Set almost in the geographic centre of
Australia lies the most famous town in
the the Northern Territory, Alice Springs,
(685km north of Coober Pedy). The
town offers a host of attractions as well
as modern facilities to cater for almost all
requirements.
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. Access is 7km east of William Creek
then 53km east to Halligan Bay or 3km west
from Marree and then 90km north. Roads
are 4WD only and careful planning and
preparation is required. A Desert Parks Pass
is required and the best time to visit is during
the winter.
Coober Pedy
Outback
Attractions
Oodnadatta is an historic
33
Explorer Hwy
(Stuart Highway)
(cont'd)
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. The Roadhouse
provides all main services.
Pimba
366km south of Coober Pedy. Pimba
lies at the junction for travellers going
to Roxby Downs, a service town for the
Olympic Dam Mine (82km), the historic
opal mining town of Andamooka (110km)
or the Oodnadatta Track (216km). It also
lies next to the Trans Australian Railway line
where both the Indian Pacific and Ghan
Trains pass through. There are several
salt lakes near Pimba such as Lake Hart in
the north and Island Lagoon in the south.
Both can be seen from lookout points
along the Highway.
Woomera
8km north of Pimba. Woomera was
established in 1947 as a site for the
launching of British experimental rockets.
NASA also operated a Deep Space Tracking
Station at Island Lagoon between 1960
and 1972. The Defence Department did
operate a communication facility and
testing range at Nurrungar, which is a
prohibited area.
Port Augusta
538km south of Coober Pedy. Situated
at the northern tip 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. It is
commonly known as “the cross roads” as
all traffic travelling north, south, east and
west must pass through this last regional
city.
Port Augusta attractions include the
impressive Wadlata Outback Centre with
its hands-on entertaining, educational
and interpretive displays which help trace
the history of the Flinders Ranges and the
South Australian outback. The Australian
Arid Lands Botanic Garden which strives
to give a better understanding of arid
land plants has wonderful lookout points.
The School of the Air provides education
to geographically isolated students via
a two-way radio. Noteworthy too, is
the Royal Flying Doctor which provides
medical services to people in remote
and isolated areas. The Homestead Park
Pioneer Museum and E.T.S.A’s Northern
Power Station are interesting. Behind
Port Augusta rise the eroded peaks of the
Flinders Ranges, renowned for their scenic
beauty, unique flora and fauna as
well as Aboriginal and European
heritage information and
displays.
Enjoy the changing moods of this
remarkable landscape and take home
some great AridSmart garden ideas!
Open 7 days (except Xmas Day), Free Admission, Licensed Café
Phone (08) 8641 9117, or (08) 8641 0711 for AridSmart Plant Sales
Visit us: Stuart Highway Port Augusta or www.aalbg.sa.gov.au
Experience the incredible ‘Tunnel of Time’
Coober Pedy
34
When travelling to other areas of the outback pick up a copy of the
Flinders Ranges Outback Secrets Visitor Guide.
Ask for one at your nearest Tourist Information Centre.
Opal Mine, Outback SA
“It was fantastic, great for kids too!” Lilydale NSW
“Spent 3 hours here - loved it!!!” Melbourne VIC
Open 7 days (except Xmas Day)
41 Flinders Terrace, Port Augusta (08) 8641 9193
www.wadlata.sa.gov.au
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
TOWN
18
MAP
Lot 14 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Telephone (08) 8672 5288, www.umoonaopalmine.com.au
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK