JC. Princen Uncovering the Mystery of Coober Pedy, Australia’s ‘Underground Town’
Coober Pedy is a small town in Australia’s Outback region that has been dubbed the ‘underground town’. This mysterious town is home to around 1,700 people, mostly of European and Aboriginal descent, who have lived there for more than a century.
The town is located in the middle of the arid desert in South Australia and is known for its unique landscape and unusual way of life. It is the largest town in the Outback and is the only town in the world that is built almost entirely underground. In fact, around 70 percent of the town’s population lives in underground homes that are dug out of the desert sandstone.
The mystery of Coober Pedy began in 1915, when a group of gold prospectors discovered opal in the area. Word of the discovery quickly spread and soon the town was flooded with hopeful miners looking to make their fortune. The town was officially established in 1920 and by 1929, the population had grown to around 1,000 people.
The harsh desert environment and extreme temperatures drove many of the town’s residents to seek shelter underground. They built homes by digging out large, oval-shaped caves in the sandstone and then furnishing them with furniture and other amenities. The temperature underground is around 20 degrees Celsius year-round, so these homes became popular alternatives to the sweltering heat of the desert.
Today, Coober Pedy is a bustling town that is home to a variety of businesses, including opal mining, tourism and hospitality, and other services. The town also has its own newspaper, radio station, museum, and even a golf course. Despite its remote location, Coober Pedy is surprisingly modern, with a variety of amenities such as ATMs, supermarkets, and a post office.
The town is also home to a diverse range of cultural attractions, including the Umoona Opal Mine and the Prairie Dog Town. The Umoona Mine is the world’s largest opal mine and is open to the public. Visitors can take a tour of the mine and learn about the history of opal mining. The Prairie Dog Town is a unique attraction that is home to hundreds of wild prairie dogs.
Despite its unique landscape and way of life, Coober Pedy often goes unnoticed by visitors to Australia’s Outback region. It is, however, an intriguing destination that is sure to fascinate and delight visitors with its mysterious underground dwellings and diverse cultural attractions.
If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, Coober Pedy is an excellent choice. This mysterious town is sure to captivate you with its strange and fascinating way of life. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life or an adventure-filled exploration of Australia’s Outback, Coober Pedy offers something for everyone.
