When we drove into Coober Pedy, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This opal-mining town in the middle of the South Australian outback looks almost otherworldly with flat desert, piles of mining dirt, and signs warning of open shafts everywhere. But I knew what really makes it unique is what’s underneath.
Because summer temperatures here can soar above 40°C, locals started building their homes, shops, and even churches underground. The result? Cool, dark, and surprisingly comfortable spaces carved into the rock.
This was what drew me to wanting to visit Coober Pedy. Sleeping in an underground hotel in the middle of the outback was something I always wanted to do.
We stayed at the Coober Pedy Experience Motel, and it was one of the most memorable stays of our road trip. The rooms were dug into a former opal mine, staying at a perfect 22°C all day. It was so quiet we had the best night’s sleep in weeks (especially after sleeping in a caravan).
If you’re planning to experience Coober Pedy, staying underground is a must.
⏰ Short on time?
Where to stay Underground in Coober Pedy
$ Mud Hut Motel
$$ Coober Pedy Experience Motel
$$$ Desert Cave Hotel
🔎 More underground hotels in Coober Pedy
👉 Book a rental car here to get to Coober Pedy
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Why Stay Underground?
Staying underground in Coober Pedy isn’t just a novelty, it’s practical. The outback climate can be extreme, with scorching days and chilly nights, but underground, the temperature stays a comfortable 22–23°C year-round.
Plus, the rooms are peaceful and dark, making them perfect for a deep sleep. Some properties even keep parts of the original mine walls, giving you a real sense of the town’s mining history.
👉 Tip: If you’ve ever struggled to sleep in noisy hotels, an underground room will be your dream.
Top Underground Hotels & B&Bs in Coober Pedy
Carved into a hillside, this motel has rooms that stretch 25 meters underground, complete with natural sandstone walls. You can choose standard rooms or self-contained apartments with kitchens and private entrances.
Marketed as the only international underground hotel in the world, Desert Cave offers both underground and above-ground rooms. It also has an underground bar, gaming room, shopping arcade, café, and even an opal interpretive centre.
Located on the main street, Radeka offers three types of rooms: above-ground air-conditioned rooms, underground motel rooms with private ensuites, and budget 6.5 m-deep dorm-style rooms with shared facilities. Great for all budgets.
This boutique spot has only a handful of rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. Guests share a kitchen and relax on verandas overlooking the desert. Reviews consistently mention how friendly the owners are.
This was our pick and we loved it. The hotel is built into a former opal mine, so you’re literally sleeping in history. The rooms are spacious, quiet, and cool, with local artwork on the walls. There’s also the Soft Rock Café on-site, which was perfect for breakfast before exploring the town.
A top-rated B&B featuring a three-bedroom home dug into the hillside. Guests enjoy a lounge, kitchen, BBQ area, and a solar-heated spa. It’s like staying in a cozy underground house.
For a luxury underground stay, Dug Out B&B offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments with kitchens, outdoor entertainment areas, and even an EV charging station. Natural daylight filters in through air shafts, giving the rooms a light and airy feel despite being underground.
A hidden gem offering a spacious underground suite with a kitchen and living area. Guests rave about its peaceful atmosphere and privacy.
Things to Do in Coober Pedy
Your stay isn’t complete without exploring the town’s unique attractions:
- Old Timer’s Mine – Tour an old opal mine and learn about the town’s history.
- Umoona Opal Mine & Museum – See fossils, opal displays, and underground homes.
- Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park – Stunning outback landscapes, especially at sunset.
- Boot Hill Cemetery & Crocodile Harry’s Dugout – Quirky, only-in-Coober-Pedy sights.
FAQs About Coober Pedy’s Underground Hotels
Yes, they’re solid and well-maintained. They’re built to withstand the desert conditions.
Some don’t. If you need natural light, choose hotels with air shafts or partial daylight rooms.
The temperature stays a comfortable 22–23°C. Cool in summer, mild in winter.
Yes, many hotels offer both underground and above-ground rooms.
Most rooms are spacious, so they don’t feel cramped.
Yes, most offer Wi-Fi, TVs, and modern bathrooms.
Check with each property, policies vary.
Prices range from budget dorms (~$40) to luxury apartments ($250+ per night).
Read More ✈️
Where to Stay Underground in Coober Pedy? My Top Hotel Picks!
Best Things to Do in Coober Pedy (First Timers Guide)
Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip: The Ultimate 9-Day Itinerary
Planning to Drive the Oodnadatta Track? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip via Canberra (5 Day Itinerary)
15 Best Things to Do in Canberra
Top Things to Do in Sydney for First Time Visitors
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