Coober Pedy is a small town just north of Adelaide, and one of the best sources for opals in the world. Since the first discovery in 1915, mining has provided an income for the residents of this dusty place, which is now combined with the proceeds of modern tourism. With a semi desert climate, the temperature ranges from pleasant during the spring months to uncomfortably hot in summer, with 45 degrees celsius in the shade! For this reason, a unique style of living underground has evolved, with churches, houses, bookshops, and art galleries all present. We even managed to stay in an underground campsite! Crocodile Harry is one of Coober Pedy's most infamous characters and lives in one of the most bizarre dugouts. Many people from throughout Europe know of him through the Lonely Planet's "Guidebook to Australia". Other's may recognise his home from the underground scenes of "Mad Max-Beyond the Thunderdome". This is not the only film to use this town as a location - more recently it was used for Pitch Black, and films such as Val Kilmer's Red Planet. See the Coober Pedy website for history, price information and much more.
