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Umoona Opal Mine

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coober pedy opal mining tours

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coober pedy opal mining tours

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coober pedy opal mining tours

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Explore a real Opal Mine

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WELCOME TO COOBER PEDY

Umoona Opal Mine – first worked in the 1920s, today we take people through the mine to see (and understand) how opal is formed and mined

WE ARE OPEN 8:30am – 5:30pm Daily

Guided underground tours at 10am, 2pm, and 4pm

Until November – Only the 4pm Tour runs on Monday and Friday

Triplet opal earrings, solid natural opal studs, **now in stock**, black light torch, underground tours.

Learn about the Story of Opal, different Types and Qualities of Opal, examples of hand dug and modern dugouts and Living underground.

Underground Cinema

Showing our award winning movie, ‘Story of Opal’, our underground cinema is included with our underground tours. 

Commercial Tour Group Accommodation

Umoona Opal Mine & Museum also offers extended and Custom Tours to suit small & big Groups.

One of the biggest ranges of Coober Pedy opal in unset cut stones and jewellery, with all types of Australian opal in our display and unique opal curios such as opalised shells and specimens.

  • Guided Tours
  • 08:30 - 17:30
  • (08) 8672 5288
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coober pedy opal mining tours

Old Timers Mine

coober pedy opal mining tours

Discover Coober Pedy History

Uncover the past, our opal collection, exciting news while we're busy crafting our online shop to bring you the finest opal jewellery and special designs, you can still dive into the world of opal with us. feel free to reach out directly to inquire about our stunning opal jewellery and bespoke creations. our family is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you find the perfect piece to treasure forever. contact us today to explore the endless possibilities of opal elegance..

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Learn More About Us

Behind the experience.

Explore the captivating depths of history at Old Timers Mine, an extraordinary destination nestled in the heart of Coober Pedy, South Australia.

Delve into the enchanting world of opals through our underground experience, featuring self-guided tours, opal noodling pits, and a mesmerising display of opal jewellery.

Unearth the rich tapestry of the past in our historic museum. With a commitment to reliability, expertise, and authenticity, we ensure an unforgettable journey through time and tradition. Join us and discover the allure of Old Timers Mine firsthand.

What we offer

Undeground home.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Relive history and step back in time to 1916 with this original opal mine, historical museum and underground home, designed to give you the ultimate underground experience.

Continuous self guided tour and maps available in different languages.

Come and see some of the first opal found by Willie Hutchison in 1915.

Try your luck and look for opal in our noodling pits. Kids will love it.

• Explore an historic 1916 Opal Mine

• See the natural seams of opal and fossils

• Admire opal with UV lights

• Walk through original underground homes

• Continuous self-guided tours

• Underground gift-shop

• Historic museum

• Opal jewellery

• Noodle in the pits

• Large range of souvenirs

coober pedy opal mining tours

Old Timers Mine offers a RV Park for everyone wishing to stay in Coober Pedy for a few nights. Some rules apply.

More information below.

Umoona Opal Mine And Museum

Flinders Ranges and Outback

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From $15.00 to $15.00 Our museum, fossil displays, and opal shop are free to enter and view. Only our daily guided tours are paid, with select family packs available. Pricing is per person. Please refer to our website for all information regarding pricing and tour times.

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TOURIST PARK & TOURS COOBER PEDY

coober pedy oasis family park 22 2

The Town and Mine Tour will take you to:

  • Two underground churches
  • Underground homes
  • Underground opal mine
  • Museum with an award-winning documentary in the only underground cinema
  • The famous opal fields
  • The unique golf course
  • Fossicking for your own opal

Adults : $50, Seniors : $45 Children : $25  (5-16 yrs) Third child free

Daily Departure : 8.30 AM Duration : 3 hours Book at reception or by phone:  (08) 8672 5169

coober pedy opal mining tours

Book the Town and Mine Tour

Adults : $50, Seniors : $45 Children : $25 (6-16 yrs) Third child free

Book the Town and Mine Tour + the Sunset Breakaways Tours

Adults : $100 Children : $50

trip advisor oasis coober pedy winner

Coober Pedy SA

  • Motels & Apartments
  • Caravan Parks
  • Backpackers & Group Dorms
  • Other Local Accommodation
  • Local Attractions
  • Coober Pedy Opals
  • Kanku Breakaways
  • Outback Attractions
  • Explorer’s Way
  • Visitor Guide
  • Tours & Attractions Directory
  • Accommodation Directory
  • Heritage Trail
  • Opal Displays & Shops
  • Opal Wholesalers
  • Town Services
  • The History of Coober Pedy
  • About Coober Pedy
  • Getting Here and Getting Around

Oasis Tours

Oasis Town & Mine Tours  and Sunset Breakaways Tours run daily and are approx. 3 hours, Town & Mine Tours visit Underground homes, churches, Museum and mine, opal fields,fossick for your own Opal and watch an award winning documentary in and underground theatre with complimentary tea and coffee. Sunset Breakaways Tours include the Moon Plains, Dog Fence, Mica Fields, plenty of time to relax and take photos while you enjoy warm muffins and tea or coffee while you watch the sun set over the magnificent Breakaways.

PHONE:   (08) 8672 5169

EMAIL:  [email protected]

WEBSITE:   http://www.oasiscooberpedy.com.au

0461 540 154

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Underground. Opal. Family & Pet Friendly. 

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ABOUT TOM'S OPAL MINE 

The mine displays round and square tunnels, spent explosive faces, investigator

and caldwell drill shafts, and hand diggings.

Information is displayed around the mine showcasing

slides/faults and levels, opal seams, diving rods, bosun chair and static tunnelling machine.

A live demonstration of a Bosun Chair

and Blower is available on our guided tour.

Modern opal jewellery and souvenirs

are available in our newly tunneled reception area.

In peak season (April – October) we are open Monday to Sunday 9:00am to 4:00pm. Self-Guided tours available between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm and Guided tours available: 

1:30pm 

For current opening days, time and tours in off peak season (November-March) please visit our Facebook page TOMcooberpedy .

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a man walking through the Opal Cave in Coober Pedy, South Australia

A visitor tours the Opal Cave in Coober Pedy.

South Australia's Adventures of a Lifetime: Head Underground in Coober Pedy

Sample life underground in Coober Pedy—a famous opal mining town in South Australia.

coober pedy opal mining tours

No town in Australia conjures up images of the outback like Coober Pedy, the famous opal-mining town where the searing heat drives residents underground. The town has plenty of accommodations that give you the chance to sample life underground and make an ideal base to explore the area’s underground churches, galleries, mines, and other attractions.

Underground Accommodations

Underground houses are the by-products of opal mining. Miners dug tunnels to extract ore—and the opals they hoped that ore contained—leaving behind caverns naturally insulated against the scorching summer heat and cold winter nights of the desert. Most new houses in Coober Pedy sit aboveground and rely on the wonders of air-conditioning, but the town has a good selection of subterranean digs. Most are stylish caverns with modern conveniences.

The Desert Cave Hotel is one of the swankiest places in town. Dug into a hillside, it has rooms both aboveground and underground. Even if not staying here, a drink in the underground bar is de rigueur, and visitors should check out the historic mining display. Down to Erth B & B is a good choice for a smaller, family-run establishment with underground rooms.

The Lookout Cave Underground Motel was originally a miners’ dugout before motel rooms were added. Others offering an underground experience include the Comfort Inn Coober Pedy , The Underground Motel , and Radeka Downunder , while Riba’s Underground has underground tent camping sites.

Underground Attractions

Churches followed their parishioners underground. The hand-dug St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church was the first to hold underground services in Coober Pedy. The machine-drilled Serbian Orthodox Church has visually interesting scalloped walls, while the Catacomb Church is carved into the sandstone in the shape of a cross. Many opal shops and galleries are belowground, some housed in old mines. The Old Timers Mine and Museum, Tom’s Working Opal Mine, or the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum are worth visiting to see opal fossils and opal seams, and get an understanding of the mining process.

Aboveground Attractions

These days, Coober Pedy relies on tourism as much as opal mining, which is largely done by bigger companies rather than the lone fortune seekers and adventurers that first settled the town. You can try your luck at noodling, or prospecting, for opals at safe public noodling areas, away from dangerous mine shafts.

  • Nat Geo Expeditions

Vast opal-mining moonscapes riddled with shafts lie off the Stuart Highway north of town, before the turnoff to the Breakaways Conservation Park. The multihued mesas of the Breakaways are spectacular at sunset, and have been featured in movies such as Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert . The dog fence also crosses here on its epic 3,500-mile journey to keep the native dog, the dingo, out of the sheep farms of southern Australia.

TRAVEL TIPS

When to Go: The mercury regularly exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, and sometimes rises much higher, but Coober Pedy’s climate is pleasant much of the year. April to October is the preferred time to visit, though desert nights can be chilly in winter.

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Related topics.

  • ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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  • Accommodation

A tour to suit all budgets

Whether you are in Coober Pedy for a night or a few days, Riba's has an excellent tour option for your stay. Our tour is fun for all ages and will keep everyone captivated. Just check out our ratings on Google, Facebook or Tripadvisor and see what our customers have to say.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Join our nightly opal mine tour

The on-site opal mine tour is the highlight of your stay at Riba's. Conducted most evenings (minimum of 5 people required) for guests and visitors. We will show and explain how opal mining works and you will learn how it has changed from our pioneering days. Learn how the first miners made their fortunes and what kinds of dangers and challenges they overcame. See the modern ways of mining and get to know how to find your own precious stones. A great option for those short on time and Coober Pedy's only evening mine tour. Tour operates every evening from 7pm in winter and 7:30pm in summer. This tour is a must!

coober pedy opal mining tours

Pricing and offers

Riba's, priced to suit your budget! On site Opal Mine tour - $28 per adult, $16 per child (age 5-15) and kids under 5 free! OUR TOURS WILL GET YOU YOUR FIRST NIGHT UNDERGROUND AND UNPOWERED CAMPING AT RIBA'S FREE!! DISCOUNTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON POWERED SITES AND BUDGET ROOMS. CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.

© 2020 Riba's. All Rights Reserved.

Take a look inside Coober Pedy, the Australian mining town where residents live, shop, and worship underground

  • Coober Pedy is a small town in the Outback of Southern Australia. 
  • Many of Coober Pedy's residents live underground to escape the region's immense heat.
  • Homes, bars, a church, and more can be found underground in what the locals call "dugouts."

Insider Today

Welcome to Coober Pedy, the town that lives underground .

Originally a mining town, many of the residents of Australia's Coober Pedy live in dugouts to escape the heat. During the town's summer months, temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other town amenities, like a hotel and church, also reside underground, where it's much cooler.

Here's what it's like to live in Coober Pedy.

Coober Pedy is located in South Australia, over 1,000 miles from Canberra, the country's capital city.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The town is referred to as the "opal capital of the world." Coober Pedy is an Aboriginal word that roughly translates to "white man in a hole."

The town's summer months can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Even in the shade, it's common to feel temperatures of 100-plus. Much to the dismay of locals and visitors, there's little rainfall to provide relief from the harsh sun.

Due to the dry climate, water can be scarce sometimes.

coober pedy opal mining tours

According to ABC News , Coober Pedy sources its water from the Great Artesian Basin located about 15 miles away from the town.

While Aboriginal people have long inhabited the region, miners first moved to the town in 1916.

coober pedy opal mining tours

After World War I, soldiers returned home and began mining the terrain for opal, a precious gem.

Coober Pedy was once covered by an ocean, which helped create the town's opal mines.

coober pedy opal mining tours

When the water receded, the minerals from the ocean's seabed filled cracks in the earth and created colorful opals in the terrain.

As opal mining settled into a steady — but less booming — business, Coober Pedy residents began turning discarded opal mines into permanent dugouts.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Many turned the mines into makeshift homes to escape the oppressive​ heat.

With the homes' cave-like exteriors, the process of going underground may seem like a venture into the unknown.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The town has an eerie, other-worldly feel to it, despite being home to around 2,500 residents , according to the District Council of Coober Pedy.

But some 80% of the local population have made homes inside the sandstone.

coober pedy opal mining tours

They'll likely spend most of their lives there, escaping the harsh Australian sun and making their home beneath the Australian Outback.

Once visitors are down there, it's actually pretty homey.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Rooms like this, the bedroom of Faye Nayler, a woman who picked and shoveled her own home in 1960, are the norm.

Faye Nayler and two friends managed to build a bar, a swimming pool in the living room, and a full eat-in kitchen.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The underground homes have all the amenities of traditional ones — internet access, electricity, and water.

Today, it's billed as a tourist attraction called Faye's Underground Home.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The only difference between "normal" homes and those in Coober Pedy is that these homes have no access to sunlight.

It's still inhabited by the caretakers of the home, who give guided tours on a daily basis.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Visitors must pay an entrance fee to tour Faye's Underground Home, but it's considered one of the must-see spots in Coober Pedy.

Guests can also attend a church service.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The church is located 55 feet below the Earth's surface.

Inhabitants can also buy a good book at the town's bookstore to pass the time.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Underground Books was converted from a 1930s-era mining shaft into a small bookstore filled with Coober Pedy history books and more.

Tourists looking for the authentic Coober Pedy experience can check out the Desert Cave Hotel.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The hotel bills itself as "quiet, cool, dark and airy" on its website , adding: "Get the best night's sleep of your life."

The town of Coober Pedy is only accessible by a small airstrip, by coach tour or private car, and via the Ghan railway line running between Darwin and Adelaide.

The hotel features a bar, pool room, restaurant, and gift shop.

coober pedy opal mining tours

A room in the cozy inn runs for around $150 a night.

People do need to come up for food, however.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Both of the town's supermarkets are located on the same street above ground.

There are also tourist shops in the town.

coober pedy opal mining tours

The Opal Bug is an opal shop in Coober Pedy that sells everything from the gems to jewelry and watches. However, many visitors also like to visit the shop to see the famous opal-colored Volkswagen Beetle.

Other shops cater to both locals and tourists.

coober pedy opal mining tours

This store's outdoor sign advertises that it sells everything from DVDs and video games to fossils and opals.

Holes in the ground from the old mine shafts are found throughout the town.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Inhabitants and visitors need to watch their step, especially at night.

The town makes sure people know the dangers of the deep mine shafts.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Signs just like this one are scattered all over the town.

Mining equipment and abandoned vehicles can also be found scattered around Coober Pedy.

coober pedy opal mining tours

Australia produces roughly 95% of the world's precious opal supply , and mining is still a popular trade in Coober Pedy. However, most mining is fully mechanized today.

coober pedy opal mining tours

  • Main content

Flannels or FlipFlops

Flannels or FlipFlops

16 Cities We Loved for Underground Tours

Posted: June 4, 2024 | Last updated: June 4, 2024

<p>We’re all familiar with the famous sites and landmarks of travel destinations– the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, Mount Rushmore–but who knew there was a whole underground world ready to explore? </p> <p>The idea of a real-life Indiana Jones adventure, exploring hidden caves, dodging stalactites (those pointy rock formations in caves hanging from the ceiling), and maybe even witnessing ancient artifacts is definitely a step above your standard hop-on-hop-off city bus tour. </p> <p>If you’re into digging a little deeper into the culture and history of a place, there’s nothing better than a subterranean tour. Here are some of the best cities to explore underground!</p>

We’re all familiar with the famous sites and landmarks of travel destinations– the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, Mount Rushmore–but who knew there was a whole underground world ready to explore?

The idea of a real-life Indiana Jones adventure, exploring hidden caves, dodging stalactites (those pointy rock formations in caves hanging from the ceiling), and maybe even witnessing ancient artifacts is definitely a step above your standard hop-on-hop-off city bus tour.

If you’re into digging a little deeper into the culture and history of a place, there’s nothing better than a subterranean tour. Here are some of the best cities to explore underground!

<p>The Catacombs in Paris are among the most shocking and amazing things I’ve ever seen. Over 6 million Parisian bones can be seen in the catacombs, and you can see these bones up close and personal. </p><p>You get to wander deep under Paris and see this massive graveyard that was started in the 18th century. Back then, there was an excess of dead bodies that were stinking up Paris. So they took the bodies underground to an abandoned quarry, which was‌ back then outside of the main city of Paris.</p><p>The Catacombs are open for visitors and cannot be missed when visiting Paris. There are art pieces made of bones that are incredible to look at but definitely give you an uneasy feeling. </p><p>There are also secret underground entrances that stretch for hundreds of miles that only the locals know about. You can visit these secret entrances if you are feeling really brave. However, many people have gotten lost in the maze of bones and were never seen again.</p>

1. Paris Catacombs, France

Imagine walking through tunnels stacked with millions of skulls and bones—welcome to the Paris Catacombs! Beneath Paris’s 14th arrondissement, this eerie underground burial site was created in the late 1700s to solve Paris’ overcrowded cemeteries.

Descend 131 steps to see walls lined with human bones arranged in haunting patterns. A spooky sign greets you: “Stop! This is the empire of death,” but don’t worry, despite fictional horror movies taking place there, the real catacombs are perfectly safe and utterly fascinating!

Read more about Catacombs, one of the Haunted Historical Sites Around the Globe

<p>Want to slide down a giant miner’s tunnel like a kid? You can go to Salzwelten Hallstatt in Austria–the oldest salt mine in the world, dating back over <a href="https://www.salzwelten.at/en/blog/hallstatt-saltmine#:~:text=An%20adventure%2Dpacked%20history%20that%20begins%207%2C000%20years%20ago&text=That%20makes%20Hallstatt%20the%20oldest,from%20deep%20inside%20the%20mountain.">7,000 years</a>! Ride a funicular up the mountain, explore an ancient cemetery, and suit up to enter the mine. It’s an adventure-packed 90-minute tour that will make your visit unforgettable!</p>

2. Hallstatt Salt Mine, Austria

Want to slide down a giant miner’s tunnel like a kid? You can go to Salzwelten Hallstatt in Austria–the oldest salt mine in the world, dating back over 7,000 years ! Ride a funicular up the mountain, explore an ancient cemetery, and suit up to enter the mine. It’s an adventure-packed 90-minute tour that will make your visit unforgettable!

<p>Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a World War II soldier stationed underground in a giant concrete bunker? Returning in time, exploring the Maginot Line at Hackenberg Fort in France!</p><p>Start with a scenic drive through the French countryside. Don’t be surprised to see a US Army tank at the entrance—it’s a reminder of the fort’s role in the Second World War. Then, explore a labyrinth of tunnels that stretch for almost a kilometer!</p>

3. Maginot Line, France

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a World War II soldier stationed underground in a giant concrete bunker? Returning in time, exploring the Maginot Line at Hackenberg Fort in France!

Start with a scenic drive through the French countryside. Don’t be surprised to see a US Army tank at the entrance—it’s a reminder of the fort’s role in the Second World War. Then, explore a labyrinth of tunnels that stretch for almost a kilometer!

<p>If you’re like me and love adventure, nature, whimsy, or anything little out of the ordinary, you’ll be enchanted by Waitomo Caves. Paddle through these ancient limestone formations, filled with thousands of twinkling glowworms unique to New Zealand. </p><p>The glowworms create a breathtaking starry night effect as you glide silently on a gentle boat ride. Try black water rafting and tube through the dark caves, exploring stalactites, stalagmites, and even underground waterfalls for an extra thrill!</p>

4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

If you’re like me and love adventure, nature, whimsy, or anything little out of the ordinary, you’ll be enchanted by Waitomo Caves. Paddle through these ancient limestone formations, filled with thousands of twinkling glowworms unique to New Zealand.

The glowworms create a breathtaking starry night effect as you glide silently on a gentle boat ride. Try black water rafting and tube through the dark caves, exploring stalactites, stalagmites, and even underground waterfalls for an extra thrill!

<p>Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else in the world. You can tour opal mines and discover how opals are formed, but this place is special because most of the town lives underground to escape the intense heat. </p><p>There are underground houses, hotels, shops, and even churches! Don’t miss Faye’s Underground Home, built in the 60s and 70s and still in its original condition with furniture and a small indoor pool—it’s a fascinating glimpse into life below the surface!</p>

5. Coober Pedy, Australia

Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else in the world. You can tour opal mines and discover how opals are formed, but this place is special because most of the town lives underground to escape the intense heat.

There are underground houses, hotels, shops, and even churches! Don’t miss Faye’s Underground Home, built in the 60s and 70s and still in its original condition with furniture and a small indoor pool—it’s a fascinating glimpse into life below the surface!

<p>Shinjuku’s underground labyrinth is like a secret city, a sprawling network of tunnels connecting buildings, shops, and even a government office! Start your adventure near the cool, cyclopean Shinjuku Eye art installation.</p><p>From there, follow the southern tunnel on a sidewalk towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or zip north towards Shinjuku Station. These wide underground avenues are packed with shops and building entrances, creating a fascinating subterranean world to explore!</p>

6. Tunnels of Shinjuku, Japan

Shinjuku’s underground labyrinth is like a secret city, a sprawling network of tunnels connecting buildings, shops, and even a government office! Start your adventure near the cool, cyclopean Shinjuku Eye art installation.

From there, follow the southern tunnel on a sidewalk towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or zip north towards Shinjuku Station. These wide underground avenues are packed with shops and building entrances, creating a fascinating subterranean world to explore!

<p>Naples has a rich history that stretches back over 2,000 years; much of that history is hidden underground. The Galleria Borbonica was dug out in the 1850s as an escape tunnel for King Ferdinand II in case of riots. Today, it offers insightful daytime tours and hosts unique nighttime events like the <a href="https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/naples-underground">Concert in the Dark</a>, where musicians perform classical pieces in a pitch-black cavern. </p><p>Four tours are available, including options for those with reduced mobility. Bring your walking shoes and a light jacket for an unforgettable underground adventure!</p>

7. Galleria Borbonica, Italy

Naples has a rich history that stretches back over 2,000 years; much of that history is hidden underground. The Galleria Borbonica was dug out in the 1850s as an escape tunnel for King Ferdinand II in case of riots. Today, it offers insightful daytime tours and hosts unique nighttime events like the Concert in the Dark , where musicians perform classical pieces in a pitch-black cavern.

Four tours are available, including options for those with reduced mobility. Bring your walking shoes and a light jacket for an unforgettable underground adventure!

<p>Derinkuyu is an ancient subterranean metropolis carved from volcanic rock in Cappadocia, Turkey. It originally housed over 20,000 people. This city is one of the most mysterious and deepest underground cities in the world, reaching up to 280 feet deep and with eight discovered levels! </p><p>There’s even talk of 18 floors in total! Fun fact: the city was accidentally <a href="https://www.journeyera.com/derinkuyu-underground-city-cappadocia/">rediscovered</a> in 1963 by a local man renovating his home!</p>

8. Derinkuyu, Turkey

Derinkuyu is an ancient subterranean metropolis carved from volcanic rock in Cappadocia, Turkey. It originally housed over 20,000 people. This city is one of the most mysterious and deepest underground cities in the world, reaching up to 280 feet deep and with eight discovered levels!

There’s even talk of 18 floors in total! Fun fact: the city was accidentally rediscovered in 1963 by a local man renovating his home!

<p>At Moaning Caverns in California, you can descend into the earth on a ten-story spiral staircase made from World War I battleship scrap metal. You can opt for the family-friendly Spiral Tour to explore ancient rock formations and learn about cave history comfortably. </p><p>Or, if you’re up for a real challenge, take on the <a href="https://moaningcaverns.com/cave-tours/">Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour</a>—crawling, climbing, and wriggling through narrow passageways with just a headlamp to guide you. </p>

9. Moaning Caverns, California, USA

At Moaning Caverns in California, you can descend into the earth on a ten-story spiral staircase made from World War I battleship scrap metal. You can opt for the family-friendly Spiral Tour to explore ancient rock formations and learn about cave history comfortably.

Or, if you’re up for a real challenge, take on the Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour —crawling, climbing, and wriggling through narrow passageways with just a headlamp to guide you. 

<p>Skip the ordinary tours and explore ancient Rome’s lost world with an underground adventure through <strong><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/rome-italy-landmarks/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emperor Nero’s Domus Aurea! </a></strong></p><p>Descend into the stunning chambers, marvel at the fresco murals and the Octagonal Room, and uncover the fascinating (and scandalous) story of Nero’s Golden House. With 3D technology, you’ll see the palace in its original splendor—golden walls, sparkling fountains, and all!</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/rome-italy-landmarks/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Nero’s Domus Aurea</a></strong></p>

10. Domus Aurea, Italy

Skip the ordinary tours and explore ancient Rome’s lost world with an underground adventure through Emperor Nero’s Domus Aurea!

Descend into the stunning chambers, marvel at the fresco murals and the Octagonal Room, and uncover the fascinating (and scandalous) story of Nero’s Golden House. With 3D technology, you’ll see the palace in its original splendor—golden walls, sparkling fountains, and all!

Read more about Nero’s Domus Aurea

<p>Berlin is a city full of surprises, and one of the coolest things you can do there is explore its underground world with the <a href="https://originalberlintours.com/what-are-the-berliner-unterwelten-berlin-underworlds-and-how-can-you-explore-them/">Berliner Unterwelten</a> (Berlin Underworlds)! Venture through World War II air-raid shelters to see where Berliners sought refuge from bombings and walk the Cold War escape tunnels that tell tales of bravery and freedom. </p><p>Forget traditional sightseeing; these tours are like history classes brought to life, complete with artifacts and exhibits at the Dark Worlds Museum.</p>

11. Berlin Underworlds, Germany

Berlin is a city full of surprises, and one of the coolest things you can do there is explore its underground world with the Berliner Unterwelten (Berlin Underworlds)! Venture through World War II air-raid shelters to see where Berliners sought refuge from bombings and walk the Cold War escape tunnels that tell tales of bravery and freedom.

Forget traditional sightseeing; these tours are like history classes brought to life, complete with artifacts and exhibits at the Dark Worlds Museum.

<p>Montreal is a fun city to explore both above and below the ground! The coolest thing about Montreal is that it has the biggest underground city in the world, called RÉSO, which is over <a href="https://mtldetours.ca/tour/underground-city-tour-of-montreal/#:~:text=RESO%20Underground%20City%20Tour%20of%20Montreal&text=Join%20our%20underground%20city%20tour,hidden%20gems%20along%20the%20way!">20 miles long</a>! </p><p>That’s right; you can walk for miles underground, visiting stores, restaurants, and even art installations, all without going outside! You’ll also see some hidden treasures, like a piece of the Berlin Wall and an authentic Parisian metro entrance. </p>

12. Montreal Underground City, Canada

Montreal is a fun city to explore both above and below the ground! The coolest thing about Montreal is that it has the biggest underground city in the world, called RÉSO, which is over 20 miles long !

That’s right; you can walk for miles underground, visiting stores, restaurants, and even art installations, all without going outside! You’ll also see some hidden treasures, like a piece of the Berlin Wall and an authentic Parisian metro entrance. 

<p>Imagine a city built on top of another city! That’s Guanajuato, Mexico. This charming colonial city has a hidden world underneath it—a network of tunnels that used to be the riverbed. Initially constructed in the 1800s to prevent flooding, these tunnels evolved into a unique traffic system as the city expanded. </p><p>During festivals like the Cervantino Festival or the Day of the Dead, the tunnels come alive with DJ parties, concerts, food vendors, and art exhibits, offering a vibrant subterranean experience!</p>

13. Guanajuato Tunnels, Mexico

Imagine a city built on top of another city! That’s Guanajuato, Mexico. This charming colonial city has a hidden world underneath it—a network of tunnels that used to be the riverbed. Initially constructed in the 1800s to prevent flooding, these tunnels evolved into a unique traffic system as the city expanded.

During festivals like the Cervantino Festival or the Day of the Dead, the tunnels come alive with DJ parties, concerts, food vendors, and art exhibits, offering a vibrant subterranean experience!

<p>The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is one of the coolest (literally!) things you can do in Iceland. It’s just a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavík, making it a perfect half-day trip. This massive lava tube stretches over <a href="https://www.tour.is/day-tours/iceland-from-below">4500 feet</a> and features stunning colors and shapes created by minerals in the cave walls. </p><p>Walk the path where lava once flowed over 5,200 years ago—it’s like stepping into another world! Ideal for adventurers of all ages, it’s a family-friendly tour you won’t forget.</p>

14. Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel, Iceland

The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is one of the coolest (literally!) things you can do in Iceland. It’s just a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavík, making it a perfect half-day trip. This massive lava tube stretches over 4500 feet and features stunning colors and shapes created by minerals in the cave walls.

Walk the path where lava once flowed over 5,200 years ago—it’s like stepping into another world! Ideal for adventurers of all ages, it’s a family-friendly tour you won’t forget.

<p>Just about an hour south of iconic Mount Rushmore is <strong><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wind Cave National Park</a>.</strong> Above ground, there are rolling prairies, forests, and wildlife, perfect for hiking and biking trails, plus great spots for wildlife watching.</p><p>Below ground, explore a massive cave system famous for its unique boxwork formations—calcite fins that resemble intricate honeycombs found nowhere else in the world. It’s a natural wonderland you don’t want to miss!</p>

15. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA

Just about an hour south of iconic Mount Rushmore is Wind Cave National Park . Above ground, there are rolling prairies, forests, and wildlife, perfect for hiking and biking trails, plus great spots for wildlife watching.

Below ground, explore a massive cave system famous for its unique boxwork formations—calcite fins that resemble intricate honeycombs found nowhere else in the world. It’s a natural wonderland you don’t want to miss!

<p><strong><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/16-best-cities-to-take-an-underground-tour/" rel="noreferrer noopener">The South Bridge Vaults</a></strong>, hidden beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge, is a network of tunnels and chambers <a href="https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Edinburgh-Vaults/"><strong>built in the late 18th century</strong></a>. Abandoned due to flooding, they later became slums for the homeless and criminals in the 19th century, where many perished in terrible conditions. </p><p>Closed in the early 20th century, the vaults are now a popular tourist spot, believed by many to be haunted by spirits of suffering. One infamous ghost is the Watcher, a tall, dark figure who reportedly follows visitors through the vaults, with some feeling his breath on their necks.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/16-best-cities-to-take-an-underground-tour/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rea more about South Bridge Vaults, one of the Best Cities to Take an Underground Tour</a></strong></p>

16. Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland

Right underneath the crowded center of the old town sits the Edinburg vaults. Constructed in the late 1700s, this set of chambers was originally created as part of the South Bridge building project . After the bridge builders abandoned the vaults, they became a secret space for more nefarious activities like smuggling, gambling, and possibly even hiding spots for corpses.

Many consider them to be haunted with reports of ghosts, odd happenings, witches, and more. If you’re into the darker side of history or the paranormal, you can catch a haunted vault tour!

<p>Then it will move into the Eastern time zone, starting with Cleveland. The partial eclipse will start at 1:59 p.m. EDT, reach full eclipse at 3:15 p.m. EDT, and enter back into partial eclipse before finishing at 4:29 p.m. EDT.</p>

6 Best US cities to watch Saturdays Solar Eclipse

Discover the 6 best U.S. cities to experience Saturday's solar eclipse, and click to read more!

<p>I had to learn this one on my own, but less is more when you’re out exploring. Locals travel light, usually with just a purse—unlike tourists, who often pack their day with everything from a bulky guidebook to an extra pair of shoes “just in case.” </p><p>There is no need to carry everything with you all day! Most hotels let you store your luggage after you check out.</p>

These 15 Cities Are Solo Female Traveler Approved

Explore the top 15 cities that are perfect for solo female travelers, offering safety, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

See list here!

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IMAGES

  1. Coober Pedy Tours

    coober pedy opal mining tours

  2. Underground Tours

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  3. Coober Pedy Australia: An Underground Opal Mining Town in the Outback

    coober pedy opal mining tours

  4. Coober Pedy, An Underground Opal Mining Town in Outback Australia

    coober pedy opal mining tours

  5. Coober Pedy Tours

    coober pedy opal mining tours

  6. Coober Pedy Tours

    coober pedy opal mining tours

VIDEO

  1. Coober Pedy Opal Mining

  2. Coober Pedy's Underground Life. #strategy,#Australia

  3. More Caravan Dramas

  4. Coober Pedy opal mining (finding trace and moving to emu field)

  5. Unearthing Opal Live From Coober Pedy

  6. COOBER PEDY 💎, SA

COMMENTS

  1. Underground Tours

    Umoona Opal Mine - first worked in the 1920s, today we take people through the mine to see (and understand) how opal is formed and mined UNDERGROUND TOURS OPAL SHOP WE ARE OPEN 8:30am - 5:30pm Daily

  2. Underground

    [email protected]. +61 461 540 154. PO Box 615, Coober Pedy, SA 5723. Tom's Opal Mine is an authentic underground opal mine worked in the 80's & 90's. It is now a display mine showcasing underground workings with opal seams visible throughout. Tom's invites you to visit and join us for a Guided or Self-Guided tour.

  3. Tours

    Oasis Town & Mine Tours and Sunset Breakaways Tours run daily and are approx. 3 hours, Town & Mine Tours… Old Timers Mine Relive history and step back in time to 1916 with this original opal mine, historical museum and underground home, designed…

  4. Tom's Opal Mine

    Tom's Opal Mine is an authentic Opal Mine worked in the 80's and 90's. It is now a display mine showcasing underground workings with opal seams visible throughout. We invite you to visit and join us for a Guided or Self-Guided tour. Guided Tour Times are 10am and 1:30pm Daily. Open 9am to 4pm (March - October). Closed November ...

  5. Riba's Opal Mine Tour

    The on-site opal mine tour at Riba's is a must. Conducted every evenings (minimum of 5 people required) for guests and visitors. We will show and explain how opal mining works and you will learn how it has changed from our pioneering days. Learn how the first miners made their fortunes and what kinds of dangers and challenges they overcame.

  6. Tours

    Up to 1 ½ hours with a local tour guide. You will be equipped with a mining helmet and black light for the duration. Enjoy the tour showcasing history of Coober Pedy, mining, and opal. Listen to the techniques of opal mining, noodling and black lighting. Live demonstration of a working Blower and Bosun Chair. Questions are welcomed and encouraged.

  7. Home

    Explore the captivating depths of history at Old Timers Mine, an extraordinary destination nestled in the heart of Coober Pedy, South Australia. Delve into the enchanting world of opals through our underground experience, featuring self-guided tours, opal noodling pits, and a mesmerising display of opal jewellery.

  8. Book Online

    Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour time. Online bookings must be made at least 24 hours prior to tour, for same day availability please call us. ... PO Box 615, Coober Pedy, SA 5723. Lot 1993 Stuart Hwy, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia ©2020 by Toms Working Mine.

  9. Tom's Opal Mine Tours

    Coober Pedy Opals; Kanku Breakaways; Outback Attractions; Explorer's Way; Visitor Info. Visitor Guide; Tours & Attractions Directory; Accommodation Directory; Opals, Souvenirs & Art Directory; Town Map; Heritage Trail; ... Tom's Opal Mine Tours. Open 7 Days a week 9am - 4pm . Guided Tours .

  10. Umoona Opal Mine And Museum

    Lot 14 Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges and Outback, South Australia, 5723. Closed now. Monday to Sunday: 08:30 - 17:30. 088672 5288. [email protected] www.umoonaopalmine.com.au. Visit Website. Share. Visit Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, Coober Pedy's largest underground and award winning tourism attraction.

  11. Guided Tour

    Up to 1 ½ hours with a local tour guide. You will be equipped with a mining helmet and black light for the duration. Enjoy the tour showcasing history of Coober Pedy, mining, and opal. Listen to the techniques of opal mining, noodling and black lighting. Live demonstration of a working Blower and Bosun Chair. Questions are welcomed and encouraged. Children have the opportunity for an opal ...

  12. Old Timers Mine

    Relive history and step back in time to 1916 with this original opal mine, historical museum and underground home, designed to give you the ultimate underground experience. Continuous self guided tour all day.

  13. Town and Mine Tour

    The Town and Mine Tour will take you to: Two underground churches. Underground homes. Underground opal mine. Museum with an award-winning documentary in the only underground cinema. The famous opal fields. The unique golf course. Fossicking for your own opal. Adults : $50, Seniors : $45.

  14. Oasis Tours

    Oasis Tours. Oasis Town & Mine Tours and Sunset Breakaways Tours run daily and are approx. 3 hours, Town & Mine Tours visit Underground homes, churches, Museum and mine, opal fields,fossick for your own Opal and watch an award winning documentary in and underground theatre with complimentary tea and coffee. Sunset Breakaways Tours include the ...

  15. About

    Tom's Opal Mine about page provides information on what is on display in the underground mine, what is included in the Guided and Self-Guided Tour, Tour times and Opal Jewellery and souvenirs. top of page. 0461 540 154. Log In. Underground. Opal. Family & Pet Friendly. ... Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia ...

  16. South Australia's Adventures of a Lifetime: Head Underground in Coober Pedy

    These days, Coober Pedy relies on tourism as much as opal mining, which is largely done by bigger companies rather than the lone fortune seekers and adventurers that first settled the town.

  17. Riba's Tours

    A great option for those short on time and Coober Pedy's only evening mine tour. Tour operates every evening from 7pm in winter and 7:30pm in summer. This tour is a must! Pricing and offers. Riba's, priced to suit your budget! On site Opal Mine tour - $28 per adult, $16 per child (age 5-15) and kids under 5 free!

  18. Highlights Tour of Coober Pedy

    Minimum of 4 people required for this tour. This tour includes: Umoona Opal Mine & Museum. Award-winning movie in an underground cinema. An early miner's dugout. A modern dugout. ... PO Box 744, Coober Pedy 5723, SA. Phone: +61 499 500 932. Email: [email protected]. Noble Tours Australia Pty Ltd ABN 23 883 494 695 ...

  19. Inside Coober Pedy, Australia's Underground Town

    Welcome to Coober Pedy, the town that lives underground. Originally a mining town, many of the residents of Australia's Coober Pedy live in dugouts to escape the heat. During the town's summer ...

  20. 16 Cities We Loved for Underground Tours

    Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else in the world. You can tour opal mines and discover how opals are formed, but this place is special because most of the town lives underground to escape the ...