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9 places and stories
AttractionsCoober Pedy Oval parkrun
A free, weekly 5km run, jog or walk every Saturday morning at the Coober Pedy Oval - dogs and visitors welcome.
- Free
- Good with kids
AccommodationFree Camping in Coober Pedy
Two free camps for self-sufficient travellers - the donation-run RV camp at Old Timers Mine, and the bare-bones paddock off Kempe Road just out of town.
- Free
AttractionsGeocaching in Coober Pedy
Yes, the global treasure hunt reaches the opal fields - including an EarthCache at the Big Winch lookout that teaches you how opal forms.
- Free
- Good with kids
Opal miningRock 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.
Open field note
AttractionsStargazing in Coober Pedy
Some of the darkest skies in Australia - the Milky Way, the Southern Cross and two naked-eye galaxies, best seen a short drive out of town.
- Free
- Good with kids
AttractionsUmoona Opal Mine & Museum
Walk through a real underground mine, a free museum and a preserved dugout home - Coober Pedy's biggest attraction and a perfect first stop.
- Good with kids
- Underground
Opal miningPublic 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
AttractionsThe Big Winch Scenic Lookout
Coober Pedy's highest point - 360° town views, a café and the famous Big Winch sculpture.
- Free
- Good with kids
AttractionsThe Spaceship (Pitch Black Prop)
A film prop spaceship from the movie Pitch Black, parked in town - a fun free photo stop.
- Free
- Good with kids