Opal-Mining

Rock Hounding & Fossicking

Beyond opal - the country around Coober Pedy turns up gypsum crystals, jasper, ironstone and more. Here's what to look for and how to fossick legally.

Tom's Working Opal Mine

Guided tours of a genuine working opal mine, with a free noodling pit, scones and barista coffee.

• Good with kids
• Underground

Unearthing Opal Experience

Hands-on opal mining adventures with Dan Measey from TV's Outback Opal Hunters - day and night sessions.

Opal Shops on Hutchison Street

The main street is lined with opal showrooms and cutters selling stones straight from the fields.

• Accessible

Public Noodling Area

Free, beginner-friendly fossicking on Jeweller's Shop Road - sift the mullock heaps by hand and keep any opal you find. Open 24/7.

• Free
• Good with kids