Things to do in Coober Pedy
Plan your day (and night) in Coober Pedy!
I've been living in Coober Pedy for two years now and I can tell you, there's plenty to do here!
Want a quick list of everything in town? Checkout Cooberpedia.org, which super simply lists every activity, eatery and service in Coober Pedy.
For a killer 1 day itinerary, let me give you an example I use when relatives are visiting:
Morning coffee!
How else could we human? Drop in and see Vicki at the Downunder Gallery and Cafe, she''ll sort you out with a great cup of whatever you fancy! You know it's the best morning coffee in town, as all the emergency service personnel frequent it! Peruse the aboriginal artwork on display and for sale, while it brews.
Epic sunrise at the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
Make that coffee for the road and sip it en route to the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park. Easiest way I find to describe it to the uninitiated is a "mini Grand Canyon"! It's obviously unique and stands on its own, but towering weathered chunks of land in a multitude of earthy tones gives me that same vibe as the Grand Canyon or similar scenery around the US/Mexico. Who wore it better? Australia, of course!
Driving out before sunrise, take the safer highway route, but beware of kangaroos! For your return route, take the road which comes back to Coober Pedy via the famous Dog Fence, so you can check that off your list of "Must See Largest Structures in the World"! Second only to the Great Wall of China and the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Dog Fence comes in at 5,614 km! I reckon you get a pretty good feel for it just by seeing a few metres of it and reading the information plaque on site ;)
Back in time for breakfast!
There aren't any toilets at the Breakaways, so if your coffee's working, duck back to your accommodation or head straight to CK Underground, where the food is amazing, the staff and vibe are lovely and the toilets are sparkling! If you watched (or now can) the Back Roads episode on Coober Pedy, you'll remember the Filipinas who run the bakery featured! Since then, they've moved to this much improved location just off the main street. Here's their brekky menu:
Stretch your legs with a walk around the underground churches
Pay for those calorific sins with a visit to one or more of the Coober Pedy's underground churches! Beautiful earthen architecture unique in the world, you can start at the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is open 24 hrs. Be amazed at the super high carved ceilings and in-wall sculptures! Next up, swing by the Anglican Church, known as Catacombs Church. Say g'day to Minister Dave if he's about, super nice bloke! Taking us back into the main street of town, let's next stop by the Sts Peters and Paul Catholic Church on the main street of town. This one's really cosy and as with each church, carved in a different style than the rest. See if Father Paul's around, just don't ask him about the footy unless North Melbourne has had a win!
Opal Mines and Museums
While we're close to town, choose one or more of the great opal mines and museums to explore. They're all worth doing while you're in town, each offering unique experiences. All offer a feel of underground mining and some underground living. You can grab some opal, jewellery or souvenirs at all. Here's a unique thing to each, but I want you to go to all of them, as it's well worth it! Old Timer's Mine - best historical artifacts/museum section! Umoona Opal Mine & Museum - best displays of fossils! Tom's Working Opal Mine - best homemade scones in the cafe!
Outback Bar & Grill
All that museuming makes one hungry! Next door to the Shell petrol station, you'll be amazed at what the Greek boys have done inside the Outback Bar & Grill. With an immaculate fit out, comfy booths and food I could (and almost do) eat every day, you'll forget you're in the middle of the outback! Vegan and gluten free options cater to everyone, but if it fits your diet, I recommend getting the big hanging souvlaki in lamb or chicken - chef's kiss! Wash it down with a fresh pressed juice if you're feeling healthy or try their own branded craft beer! Oh, the pizza is also very highly rated here, as is the rest of the menu!
To be continued soon....
I just need to duck out for a cheeky souvlaki, then I'll be back to add our afternoon and evening's recommended activities!
In the meantime, check out that complete list of everything in Coober Pedy @ Cooberpedia.org