Coober Pedy

This full day tour takes in the highlights of Coober Pedy, including a visit to a subterranean place of worship – The Serbian Orthodox Church. It was chiselled from the earth and it’s lofty ‘ballroom’ style design and stained glass windows make it one of Coober Pedy’s most awe-inspiring structures.​

At the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, you will be given the historical context of the town’s emergence, see an example of a ‘dugout’, as the locals call the underground homes, and learn about the ancient Indigenous connection to the region. ​

At Quest Mine, you’ll be able to don a hard hat and try your luck finding fortune after enjoying an underground lunch.​​

Finally, you will be captivated by the view out over the Breakaways – a vast plain of flat-topped mesas that once presided over an inland sea. ​

When you return to the Manguri siding in the early evening, you’ll have the opportunity to snap an iconic photo of The Ghan locomotives. 

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Stairs, steep inclines, short walks and navigating underground tunnels required. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Warm clothes are advised as underground tunnels may be cold. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

The Breakaways Reserve got its name from the colourful low hills that appear from a distance as if they are ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. The landscape was once an inland sea and over time has been transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun creating an almost surreal panorama. ​

A visit to Quest Mine is where you will be able to don a hard hat and try your luck finding fortune while enjoying an underground lunch.​

You will discover the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s original attractions showcasing Aboriginal history and fossils.​​

A guided interactive tour of the museum is a perfect back drop to allow you the opportunity to explore the underground caverns, hand dug shafts and tunnels featuring an original underground dugout home and memorabilia from the past.​

Return to the Manguri siding in the early evening and snap an iconic photo of the Ghan locomotives. 

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Approx. 500m of walking and standing for periods at the Breakaways. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Warm clothes are advised as underground tunnels may be cold and the Breakaways can be windy. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

On this shorter tour, you’ll learn about the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone at the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, one of Coober Pedy’s most popular attractions. This immersive experience reveals all there is to know about these alluring gemstones and you will also see some of the best examples on display.​​

Umoona features historic artefacts, underground caverns, hand-dug shafts and tunnels, as well as one of the original underground homes. ​

At Quest Mine, you’ll be able to don a hard hat and try your luck finding fortune. You’ll also enjoy an underground lunch here.​​

Before departing Coober Pedy, you’ll stop at the Big Winch. With spectacular views over the town, the Big Winch has been a popular attraction and meeting place since it was built in the early 1970s. This iconic attraction has played an important role in the development of Coober Pedy’s tourist industry.​

Returning to Manguri siding in the early afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to snap a photo of the iconic Ghan locomotives. ​

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Stairs, steep inclines, short walks and navigating underground tunnels required. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Warm clothes are advised as underground tunnels may be cold. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

The Anna Creek Painted Hills is a rocky outcrop of large and small hills, which emerge out of a flat, desert landscape. It’s spectacular from the air and you can be part of the small number of people who land and enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent landscape. ​

You’ll also fly over Lake Eyre, which was formed approximately 200 million years ago and is the lowest point below sea level on the Australian continent. When the lake’s water level is low, its glittering crystallised surface stretches as far as the eye can see. As the  water begins to evaporate, the lake takes-on a spectacular pink hue caused by a pigment found within a specific type of salt-loving algae.​

Enjoy a classic pub meal at the William Creek Hotel for lunch. The town is reputed to be the smallest in South Australia, surrounded by the world’s largest pastoral station, Anna Creek Station. The town has a permanent population of 6, however during the winter months, this exceeds over 30… and a dog. ​​

On return to the airport, board your aircraft and take to the skies again, fly over the town of Coober Pedy for a different perspective on underground living.​

You’ll arrive at Manguri siding in the early evening and have the opportunity to snap an photo of the iconic Ghan locomotives. 

If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Guests required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted. Guided walk with standing required. Weight restrictions apply – a maximum weight of any individual cannot exceed 130kg. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour, for more information on how to pre-book please contact our team.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to availability and conditions; all upgrade optional experiences are non-refundable.