Best Places To Stay In Coober Pedy

Journey to the town of Coober Pedy and experience the fascinating underground lifestyle like nowhere else on earth

Australia’s opal capital, Coober Pedy, boasts a sun-baked lunar landscape with natural wonders, incredible wildlife and a unique way of life waiting to be explored. Built to escape the heat in the summer months, descend beneath the earth’s surface and discover how the locals live with a network of underground houses, hotels, and shops. From modern dugouts and hotels tucked inside hills to campsites burrowed into the red dirt of the outback, unearth some of the most unique outback accommodation in the country. Fall asleep tucked beneath the earth’s surface (while maintaining a cool 24-degree temperature year-round) with our guide to the best Coober Pedy accommodation.

1. Dug Out B&B, Coober Pedy

A short eight-minute drive out of town lies a desert oasis – Dug Out B&B. Nestled in one of Coober Pedy’s iconic limestone hills, experience underground life in luxury at this modern dugout. Once an opal mine, each room (and even some of the furniture) is carved out of the earth, with beautiful naturally textured sandstone walls. Kick back for a nightcap with endless views over the surrounding desert landscape and watch the sun set over the red earth before retreating underground for a soak in the tub. Free continental breakfast and an impressive collection of artworks from local artists are just a few extra touches that make this unique bed and breakfast memorable.

2. Lookout Cave Underground Motel, Coober Pedy

Perched above Coober Pedy with epic views across the mining town, Lookout Cave Underground Motel blends life underground with the modern comforts an intrepid traveller could ask for. Just a quick three-minute trip from the centre of Coober Pedy, choose accommodation options from single rooms tucked up to 50 metres into the hillside to fully-equipped two-bedroom apartments. Before heading underground, head up to the roof (the top of the hill!) and enjoy a glass of bubbles under a blanket of stars – there’s nothing like the night sky in the outback.

3. Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy

Descend deep into a labyrinth of underground rooms at the Desert Cave Hotel. Conveniently located in the red centre of Coober Pedy major tourist attractions, shops and cafes are just a stone’s throw away from this full-service hotel. After a day exploring Coober Pedy, escape the heat and retreat to the pool, refuel at Umberto’s Restaurant or head to the world’s only underground bar. Book yourself onto one of the many Desert Cave Hotel’s tours to get the best out of your stay in Coober Pedy.

4. Underground Motel, Coober Pedy

Soak in jaw-dropping views of the Stuart Ranges and the Breakaways from Coober Pedy’s first underground motel. At the Underground Motel, you’ll settle down for the night in a sandstone hill at the edge of town surrounded by the rugged beauty of the desert. The self-contained family suite is the perfect family-friendly accommodation option in Coober Pedy. Free WiFi and breakfast are also included in your stay.

5. Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy

Built from rammed earth to keep the desert heat out, the Mud Hut Motel is conveniently located just off Coober Pedy’s main street. With accommodation options ranging from single rooms to two-bedroom apartments, free WiFi, airport transfers, breakfast available daily and friendly locals on hand to help with your trip, this motel is the perfect base for an epic outback adventure.

6. BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort, Coober Pedy

Just a 15-minute stroll from the centre of Coober Pedy is BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort. With more than 150 powered and unpowered sites, spacious one and two bedroom apartments, a playground and on-site restaurant, makes for a great family-friendly accommodation in Coober Pedy. If you need some help planning the perfect Coober Pedy adventure, tours also run out of the park visiting the Breakaways, Dog Fence, Moon Plain, an opal field and mine, and an underground home and church. 

Discover more in the outback...

Immerse yourself into the South Australian outback with our guide to exploring Coober Pedy or venture further with our guide to the best experiences and tours for an unforgettable outback adventure.