Town Tour:
Our experienced and friendly tour guides will greet your coach and guide you on a one hour tour of our unique town of Coober Pedy - Opal Capital of the World. This begins with a visit to the world-renowned underground Catholic Church. We then proceed through the town centre, passing many of the major town features.
An underground mine is explored where opal mining techniques are explained, and passengers are given a brief opportunity to "noodle" for their own opal gemstone at the "Jeweller's Shop" an early opal field within the town limits.The final stop is at the historic Faye's Underground Home, where passengers gain an insight into underground living.
Please note our tour can be structured to suit the requirements of your group.
Breakaways Guided Tour:
The Breakaways are a striking and unusual example of arid Australia, from the flat-topped mesas to the stony gibber desert, the area provides breathtaking views, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
The area is steeped in Aboriginal culture, as well as having a rich European history. Learn about "Ungkata" - the bearded dragon. "Kalya" - the emu and "Papa" - the two dogs. On a 70km round trip, our tour guide will join your coach and explain the geological aspects, Aboriginal history and European involvement in this fascinating landscape.
Our tour guide can either join the coach in Coober Pedy, or for south bound tours, meet the group at the Breakaways turnoff 23km north of Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway.
An 18 seater bus is also available for this tour.
This educational experience will take approximately 1½ hours.
Mine and Noodling Tour:
This tour consists of a fully comprehensive tour of an original mine, a complete explanation of mining machinery is given and machinery is on display.Hard hats and picks, are supplied and there is the chance to go opal noodling in a safe mining area.
Please allow one hour for this tour.
Tailored Itineraries
We can arrange tailored intineraries including meals at your request.Underground Home:
Located in a beautiful desert garden, is Faye's famous Underground Home. The original one room home housed the first mail truck driver over sixty years ago. It was converted by Faye Nayler and two women associates, using only picks and shovels, into a kitchen and bedroom. Later five other rooms were added including a wine cellar and a swimming pool.Unlike a number of Display Homes in town, Faye's Underground Home is actually lived in. The occupiers will be happy to show your clients the advantages of dugout living in the extreme Coober Pedy environment.
Opal Origin, Formation and Cutting Demonstration:
We provide a 20 minute Opal Cutting Demonstration where the origin, composition, type and value of opal is explained.This is an informative and educational introduction to Australia's National Gemstone. The demonstration is tailored to suit all age groups.
