SAMining
Coober Pedy
Opal brought people. The heat sent them underground.
1915Opal discovered
WHAT STARTED IT
Opal discovered in 1915 drew prospectors to an exceptionally hot, dry part of South Australia. The gemstone, rather than a river or fertile land, was the reason a permanent settlement developed here.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Mining expanded in waves and attracted people from many countries. Underground homes, or dugouts, offered a way to live with the heat, becoming one of the town’s most recognisable features.
TURNING POINTS
1915Opal is discovered.
1920The name Coober Pedy is adopted.
1945A major opal find renews interest in the field.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
An opal-mining and visitor town with underground homes, accommodation and churches. It also provides services for travellers and surrounding remote communities.