Coober Pedy in South Australia holds some intriguing surprises for visitors. Situated in the desert, this unique place boasts underground cities complete with houses, supermarkets, hotels, and shops, where you can actually live. Among these underground marvels, you’ll discover a luxurious hotel that’s bound to astonish you.
This underground hotel offers all the amenities that travelers seek in a hotel. It features billiard tables, pool games, comfortable beds, and even cooking facilities. However, staying there for one night will set you back about twelve thousand rupees.
Surprisingly, the climate in this region is quite accommodating for underground living. Even though you’re residing beneath the Earth’s surface, there’s no need for air conditioning or coolers. The underground houses maintain a moderate temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. During the winter months, a heater is required, but it’s not much of a hassle.
Now, you might be wondering why an entire city is constructed underground. The answer lies in the presence of opal mines in this area of Australia. Opal is a special and highly prized gem known worldwide.
Coober Pedy has earned the title of the “Opal Capital of the World” due to the abundance of opal mines. Opal mining commenced in full swing in 1915, and in response to the challenging weather conditions, people started inhabiting these abandoned mines.
Additionally, there’s a Hybrid Energy Power Plant in the vicinity, which supplies 70% of the city’s electricity needs. This unique power plant piques the interest of tourists, as does the extraordinary lifestyle of the residents in this underground city.
One more fascinating tidbit to note is that a Hollywood movie was filmed in Coober Pedy back in 2000. So, if you ever embark on a trip to Australia, be sure to include a visit to this remarkable underground city on your itinerary. You’re in for some truly incredible experiences.
