Coober Pedy: Underground Living in the Opal Capital of Australia
A Brief History of Hole-dwellingBefore humankind decided to live in shoeboxes high above the ground, we were all cave-dwellers. But while the rest of the world evolved, a little-known Australian town called Coober Pedy decided that living underground was still the way to go. Why? Because it's in the middle of a desert with temperatures hot enough to cook an egg on your forehead. That's why.Located in South Australia, Coober Pedy is known as the "opal capital of the world." The town's very existence is due to the discovery of opal fields in 1915 by a 14-year-old boy named Willie Hutchinson. For the non-gemologists among us, opals are those flashy, color-changing stones that can either make you look like you're wearing a miniature disco ball or like you've accidentally swallowed a rainbow.By 1917, miners started flooding the area, attracted by the alluring opal treasures. Soon enough, they realized that the desert heat wasn't just uncomfortable—it was downright deadly. So, they decided to dig themselves homes in the earth to escape the scorching sun. And thus, Coober Pedy's underground civilization was born.A Peek into the Earthly AbodesToday, approximately 2,000 people call Coober Pedy home, and around half of them live in underground dugouts or "dug-outs," as they're affectionately called. These aren't your average dirt holes, though. These are proper cave mansions, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and even living rooms with flat-screen TVs. Imagine watching "The Flintstones" while living like one—how meta!Coober Pedy's subterranean homes come with a few perks beyond escaping the heat. For one, they maintain a stable temperature of around 23°C (73°F) all year round. Plus, there's no need for air conditioning or heating, which means significantly lower electricity bills. On top of that, there's the added bonus of having virtually no pesky neighbors, unless you count the occasional kangaroo or wombat.Opals Galore, Mate!As mentioned before, Coober Pedy is the opal capital of the world, producing more than 80% of the global supply. In fact, it's estimated that the combined value of opals mined in the town since 1915 is over $500 million. That's a lot of shiny, color-changing stones!There are several mines you can visit to learn more about opal mining and even try your hand at "noodling" for opals. Noodling, in this context, means searching through piles of discarded dirt and rock for missed opal fragments. It's like a treasure hunt, only with less pirates and more dirt under your fingernails.Subterranean SightseeingCoober Pedy offers a plethora of underground attractions that you simply can't miss. For instance, there's the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the town's history, indigenous culture, and opal mining. You'll even get to see an underground home from the 1960s, complete with vintage furniture and appliances. Talk about a blast from the past!Or, if you're feeling particularly pious, you can attend a service at one of the three underground churches—Catacomb Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, or St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church. These churches aren't just unique because they're underground; they also boast stunning hand-carved altars and religious icons. Just remember, no praying for opals!And Now for Something Completely DifferentIf you ever find yourself thinking, "I'd sure love to play a round of golf on the surface of Mars," then Coober Pedy has you covered. Behold the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club, a bizarre, otherworldly golf course with no grass whatsoever. Instead, you'll find a lunar landscape of dirt, rocks, and even some opal-bearing mullock heaps. There's also the option to play at night to avoid the heat, under a sky full of stars so close you'll feel like you can reach up and pluck them out of the heavens.Visiting the Underground WonderlandGetting to Coober Pedy may be a bit of a trek, but it's well worth the effort. The town is located about 850 km (528 miles) north of Adelaide and can be reached by car, bus, or plane. Once you're there, you can even stay in one of the underground hotels or B&Bs for the full subterranean experience.So why not add Coober Pedy to your travel bucket list? You'll get to experience life underground, learn about one of the world's most unique towns, and maybe even find a precious opal souvenir. Just don't forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!
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