Coober Pedy on a Budget

Coober Pedy can be a genuinely cheap stop if you want it to be. Some of its best experiences cost nothing at all.

Free (or nearly free) things to do

• Fossick for opal at the Public Noodling Area — free, and you keep what you find.
• The view from the Big Winch lookout.
• Underground churches like the Serbian Orthodox Church (donations welcome).
• Self-drive the desert — the Breakaways (small park pass), Moon Plain and the Dog Fence.
• Stargazing — the dark sky is world-class and free.
• Browse the whole Free things to do collection.

Sleep cheap

• Free camping if you’re self-contained.
• Otherwise, unpowered/powered sites at the caravan parks beat hotel rooms — and you still get the novelty of camping underground cheaply.

Eat & save

• The town’s clubs — the Italian Club and the Greek Friday BBQ — are good value and full of locals.
• Self-cater from the supermarket; groceries are dearer than the city, so stock up before you arrive if you can.

Money-saving tips

• Fuel is pricey out here — fill up where it’s cheapest on the way in (see driving the Stuart Highway).
• Water is expensive to produce, so it’s not the place for long showers or washing the car.
• Travel in the cooler months (Apr–Sep) and you’ll do far more on foot for free without the summer heat forcing you indoors.