Grandpa’s Guide to Driving in Coober Pedy
Hi there, everyone! How’s it going? I hope you’re all doing as splendid as I am. My years have caught up with me but that doesn’t mean I’ve got to slow down now, shouldn’t it? I’m still up and running (not literally though) and giving you an insider’s opinion on what you should absolutely see here in Australia!
This time, I’m doing Coober Pedy. It’s a town found in northern South Australia, about 850 kilometres above Adelaide. It got its name from the local Aboriginal term kupa-piti and it mean ‘whitemans hole’. If you didn’t know it already, Coober Pedy is noted for its precious opals and is dubbed the opal capital of the world.
Sounds like a very interesting place, yeah? I bet you’re already dying to get on the next plane bound for South Australia.
But not so fast, kiddo. Word of the wise: before you buy your plane tickets you should have already arranged for your car rental. Can you already imagine yourself driving around the place? Manning your own vehicle? Being the captain of your own vessel? I can’t imagine spending my Cooper Pedy getaway any other way. So that’s right, head on over to http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au to get your car rental needs sorted!
As for the attractions, well, I’ve got just about the best line-up of things to do and places to see. In Grandpa Ben, we trust. Okay, kids? Buckle up, it’s going to be such a ride!
1. The Catacomb Church
So for your first stop, you better head on over to the Catacomb Church. This quirky church was originally built in 1977, cut out of the sandstone into a shape of a cross. Coober Pedy is quite known for its underground lifestyle so having a church under the ground isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. This is a definite must-see.
2. Old Timer’s Mine
If you want to be taken back to 1916, to the days of the original opal mine, the Old Timer’s Mine is the perfect place to go. Back then, some veteran miners back-filled the shafts to hide them mine below. Nobody knew why they did this and those miners never came back to extract the opal. In 1968, the hidden mine was once again unearthed, albeit, accidentally, when an underground home extension tore through and revealed the abundant supply of opals. This sparkling brilliance is still there for you to feast your eyes upon.
3. Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage
For your final destination, head on over to Hutchinson Street, Coober Pedy. There you’ll come across Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage, Coober Pedy’s only one-stop tourist complex.
Spend some time wandering through and experience South Australia’s biggest regional Aboriginal Art Gallery. See breathtaking pieces made by both international and local artists. These works range from investment pieces of ‘fine art’ to authentic hand-painted bookmarks—whatever you might fancy.
And the highlight of your trip to Josephine’s Gallery has got to be the Kangaroo Orphanage! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you to see the unique Aussie icon, the Big Red Kangaroo in action. You’ll also learn how this majestic animal survives and makes the most out of the extreme conditions of the Australian Outback.
You can see the baby kangaroos too if you like. They’re available twice a day, 12.30 and 5pm. You wouldn’t want to miss playing with these ‘joeys’. Don’t try to box with them, though. Just because they’re babies, doesn’t mean that they can’t give a jab like Mike Tyson. That could spell a black eye for you, mate. So be gentle, yeah?
So there! I hope you have a blast while you’re at Coober Pedy. It’ll surely be an intense vacation with all those activities that are just bound to be fun! Happy travels, everyone! I’d come with you, but my pack pains won’t let me. Kidding!
Cheers!
- Grandpa Benjamin
