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Destination:

Australia


Landscape Experiences

Australia is blessed with a vast diversity of terrain, from sheer cliffs and high, snowy peaks to flat, arid plains. Some of the world’s most ancient rocks are found here, eroded over millennia by wind and water into deep canyons and bizarre formations. The most famous of these is Ayers Rock, now known by its Aboriginal name, Uluru. A place of great spiritual significance, it’s a top destination for many travelers. Also well worth visiting are the spectacular gorges of Nitmiluk National Park and the remote Kimberley region (home of the strangely shaped Bungle Bungles). The Blue Mountains, with their iconic rock spires and magnificent caves, are just two hours outside of Sydney. The Flinders Ranges of South Australia are known for their characteristic folded peaks and unique geological history. And for those who like stones of the precious variety, there are the opal mines of Coober Pedy.

topUluru (Ayers Rock)

In the heart of Australia’s Red Center, Uluru rises 1,142 feet above the flat desert plain – the largest monolith in the world and an iconic symbol of Australia. Deeply sacred to the indigenous Anangu people, and surrounded by a fascinating array of flora and fauna, it’s an awe-inspiring sight. 25 miles away are the 36 massive rock domes of Kata Tjuta, (meaning “many heads”). The colors of these formations change throughout the day from deep red and orange to purple – the changes are particularly striking at sunrise and dusk. The best time to visit is from April to October, as summer temperatures here can reach 113° F. If you do travel here in the summer, be sure to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity between 10am-4pm. Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are advisable year-round. Quantas offers direct flights to Ayers Rock Airport from Sydney, Perth, Cairns and Alice Springs. Flights from Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane connect through Alice Springs.

topSights

Uluru

This magical site is best observed by watching its ever-changing colors and taking a guided walk around the base. Viewing the sunset here is an experience not to be missed. Climbing Uluru was once a popular (if dangerous) activity, but the Anangu ask that visitors refrain from climbing out of respect for their laws and traditions.

Kata Tjuta

Also known as The Olgas, this site is equal to Uluru in cultural significance. Between the collection of domes (the highest, Mount Olga, is 1790 feet) are breathtaking gorges and valleys, well worth exploring.


Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

This award-winning cultural center is a great introduction to the park. Interactive displays provide information on Tjukurpa (law, knowledge, religion, philosophy), Anangu art, the traditional and current Anangu way of life, and the area’s history and wildlife.

Alice Springs

Located 210 miles from Ayers Rock Airport, this is probably Australia’s most famous Outback town. Founded in the 1880s on the site of a waterhole, it grew slowly until the 1970s, when an increase in tourism created a boom. Now, it’s a very popular destination, with interesting historic sites and museums devoted to the intrepid heroes of the Outback. If you have a stopover on your flight to Uluru, you might consider spending a few hours exploring – the Alice Springs Desert Park is particularly worthwhile.

topActivities

4 hr Uluru base walk with private guide

On this 5.6 mile walk around the base, visitors gain a better understanding of the relationship between Uluru and the Anangu people. If the walk is too much, the tour can also be taken on a private vehicle.

Mala walk, Uluru

This complimentary 2.5 hour walk around a portion of the base is given by an Aboriginal Park Ranger, who will discuss the dreamtime myths and explain the significance of the rock art and other sites.

Valley of the Winds Walk, Kata Tjuta

Good hikers can do this challenging but spectacular 4.6-mile walk, which wanders through several deep gorges (about 3 hrs). The track is closed during periods of extreme weather conditions.

4 hr Kata Tjuta walk with private guide

Explore the beauty and cultural relevance of Kata Tjuta on a private afternoon tour, then stay to watch the sunset while sipping champagne.

Walpa Gorge Walk, Kata Tjuta

Discover the sheerness of the domes as you tour the valley between the 1790-foot Mount Olga and the slightly shorter Mount Walpa. This easy, 1-hr walk covers 1.6 miles along a rocky, gently rising track.

“Sound of Silence” Dinner at Ayers Rock Resort

Feast on Australian delicacies served under the sparkling Outback sky in this award-winning dining experience. The evening begins with canapés and 360-degree views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunset, and ends with a tour of the southern night sky, given by the resort’s startalker.

topAccommodations


Longitude 131°

Eco-sensitive and luxurious, this lodge at the gateway to the park offers stunning views of Uluru. The 15 elevated, beautifully appointed tents make the best of the tranquil surroundings – the small number of guests helps create an exclusive but communal experience. Longitude 131° offers a range of carefully designed tours available only to their guests. Not regimented or strictly set, the tours take advantage of the moment. Options include “In Gorge” sunset tours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, an Uluru sunrise tour, a Wulpa gorge walk, and an Aboriginal dot painting workshop. Private guided tours are also available, as well as camel rides and helicopter tours. Please note that children under 12 are not catered for here.

Ayers Rock Resort

This resort, located just outside the park boundaries, consists of five hotels with accommodation styles ranging from luxury to backpacker. Facilities include the full-service Red Ochre Spa, the Mulgara Gallery (selling Indigenous and Australian arts and crafts), a bank, post office, and 13 dining options. The resort offers a number of signature tours; the Desert Awakenings series of 4WD tours is designed to introduce you to the area’s natural and cultural landscapes; the Sounds of Silence dinner is an unforgettable night of dining and stargazing under the vast desert sky; Anangu tours, led by Aboriginal guides, teach guests the real meaning and history of Uluru as passed down from ancestors.


Sails in the Desert
Named after the soaring white sails on its roof, this is Ayers Rock Resort’s premium hotel. With 231 rooms, it lacks the exclusivity of Longitude 131°, but the comfort level is five-star, the grounds are beautiful, and it’s child-friendly. The Red Ochre spa and Mulgara Gallery are located here, as well as the award-winning Kuniya restaurant.

topNitmiluk National Park

Located in the upper Northwest Territory, 200 miles south of Darwin, this park is home to the famed Katherine Gorge, a string of 13 gorges carved out of the red sandstone cliffs over the course of a billion years. Spectacular and impressive, the gorges are best explored by boat or canoe – the park operates a variety of boat tours, ranging from two hours to half and full days. Or, take a helicopter ride for an exciting view of the entire magnificent gorge system. There are over 60 miles of trails in the park, from short hikes to scenic overlooks to five-day overnight treks. Once owned by the government, the park is now jointly managed by the territory and the indigenous Jawoyn people, and contains a number of Aboriginal rock art sites. The most comfortable months to visit Nitmiluk are from May-Sep. During the wet season (Dec-Mar), flooding of the Katherine River may restrict the range of activities available and in some cases prevent access to the park.

topSights


Katherine Gorge

The hands-down highlight of the area, this gorge system of towering escarpments and deep, silent pools is deservedly famous. It’s made up of 13 separate gorges, nine of them navigable.

Leliyn (Edith) Falls
38 miles north of the town of Katherine

Located in Nitmiluk Park, these splendid falls can be reached by car via Stuart Highway, or on the 5-day, 40-mile Jatbula hike from the Katherine Gorge. The series of falls and pools ends in a broad plunge pool, very popular for swimming. If you have a little time, take the short hike to the upper pool, or continue a few miles farther to the tranquil Sweetwater Pool.

Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
17 miles south of Katherine

This park is known for its dramatic formations and caves, made of rare Karst limestone. Daily guided tours of the cave network are available.

Mataranka
70 miles southeast of Katherine

The region surrounding this town was made famous in pioneer Jeannie Gunn’s 1908 novel, We of the Never Never, (and film of the same name). It is said that those who live here never never want to leave – and it really is idyllic. Take a dip in the Mataranka Thermal Pool, surrounded by tropical rainforest.

topThe Kimberley

This vast, isolated region in the northern portion of Western Australia is filled with natural wonders. Geologically one of the oldest regions on earth, the Kimberley features many spectacular gorges and domes carved out through eons of wind and water. The most famous site is the Bungle Bungle Range, with its intriguing domes of multi-colored sandstone. Growing in fame is the magnificent Cockburn Range, which played a major supporting role in the recent movie Australia. The Kimberley’s monsoon climate means torrential rains (and even cyclones at the coast) between Nov-Apr, and sunny days with cool nights from May-Oct. This is the hottest part of Australia, with summer temperatures averaging 100°. Terrain is mostly scrub and savannah, with patches of lush tropical forest to the north and huge, barren deserts to the south.

topSights


Punululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park
155 miles south of Kununurra off the Great Northern Highway

The remarkable formations known as the Bungle Bungle Range is made up of beehive-shaped domes, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Their distinctive striped appearance is the result of black algae growth between bands of bright orange manganese and iron stain. Access to the Bungles is limited – the best way to view them is by air. Those who do make the land trek to the 4WD-only park will discover gorges, caves and tropical pools hidden between the domes.

Kununurra

This small but lively town in the far north of Western Australia is the gateway to the Western Kimberley. Nearby attractions include Lake Argyle, Mirama National Park, and the Cockburn Range.

Lake Argyle

So large it’s rated as an inland sea, this is the biggest man-made lake in Australia. Wildlife abounds here, along with opportunities for boating and fishing.


Mirama National Park

Known locally as “Hidden Valley,” this park is like a miniature Bungle Bungle range, with gorgeously colored, strangely shaped rock formations.

Gibb River Road

This former cattle route from Broome to Kununurra goes through the heart of the Kimberly, passing close to many of the region’s most popular attractions (Mitchell Falls, Bell Gorge and Windjana Gorge, to name a few major highlights).


Cockburn Range

The steep cliffs of this impressive range rise 1,968 feet above a flat plateau. Hidden within are a number of pools and gorges, including the splendid Chamberlain and Emma Gorges, accessible by air or on a bushwalking tour. The Cockburns sit entirely on land owned by El Questro Wilderness Park – tours are available through El Questro Station.


Mitchell Falls
Kalumburu Road off Gibb River Road

Located not far from the northern coast, this spectacular four-tiered waterfall tumbles 262 feet down a red escarpment. The surrounding plateau is also worth visiting for its variety of flora and fauna, pockets of lush rainforest and remarkable Aboriginal art sites.

Windjana Gorge National Park
90 miles east of Derby off the Gibb River Road

The walls of this popular and accessible gorge rise 328 feet above the Lennard River, which becomes a series of shady pools during the dry season. In addition to its natural beauty, this is one of the best places in Australia to see fresh-water crocodiles in the wild.


Tunnel Creek National Park
19 miles south of Windjana Gorge

The highlight of this park is the 2,460-foot tunnel carved by a creek through the Napier Range. Featuring massive stalactites and small waterfalls, it’s the oldest cave system in Western Australia. Walking through the tunnel is fascinating and fun, but be sure to bring a flashlight and shoes that can handle wading through pools of water.

Bell Gorge
133 miles northeast of Derby off the Gibb River Road

The most famous and arguably most beautiful of the Kimberley gorges, Bell Gorge offers plenty of waterfalls and pools ideal for swimming, lined with flat rocks for sunbathing and picnics, all surrounded by gorgeous scenery.


Geike Gorge National Park
12 miles from Fitzroy Crossing off the Great Northern Highway

Like Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, the walls of this limestone gorge were once an underwater reef. Today, they tower 90 feet over the Fitzroy River. Daily walking and boat tours are available, including cultural and heritage tours led by local Aboriginal guides.


Broome

The gateway to the southern Kimberley, this historic pearling town on the coast is now a thriving tourist center. Many visitors merely pass through, but it’s a relaxing and charismatic place to spend a few days, dining at the multi-ethnic restaurants, shopping for pearls or taking in a film at Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest outdoor theater. Cable Beach, just outside the town, is famous for its 14 miles of pure white sand – nearby Roebuck Bay is an important seasonal stop for millions of migratory shorebirds.

Broome Crocodile Park & Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park

Crocodile Park: Cable Beach Road, Broome
Apr 1-Nov 30: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, weekends 2-5pm; Feeding tours 3pm daily, guided tours 11am Mon-Fri
Dec 1-Mar 31: open daily 4:15-5:45pm; feeding tours 4:30pm

Wildlife Park: Great Northern Highway (10 miles outside of Broome)
Tel: 9193 7824 Fax: 9192 1489
Open daily 2-5pm; Crocodile feeding 3pm

Established in 1983 by documentary filmmaker Malcolm Douglas as a research center, Broome Crocodile Park is home to over 1,000 crocodiles, including Nile, Freshwater and Saltwater. Douglas’ newly opened wildlife park covers 30 acres and features cassowaries, dingoes (including the rare white), hundreds of kangaroos, wallabies, emus and jabirus. Several aviaries house a large number of local birds. In the billabongs at the park entrance, 200 crocs participate in a feeding frenzy twice a week.

topAccommodations


El Questro Homestead Station

62 miles west of Kununurra
Open Apr-Oct

El Questro is an exclusive retreat overlooking the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge in north Western Australia. Offering true luxury within the wild Kimberley frontier, this million-acre homestead features six private, well-appointed rooms and suites, a tennis court and swimming pool, and excellent cuisine served in your choice of scenic locations. Activities are available at all levels of adventure – boating the Chamberlain Gorge, horse trekking in the bush, fishing, bird watching, 4WD or helicopter tours to remote gorges and waterfalls, or simply relaxing in the nearby thermal springs. Please note: El Questro does not cater for children 12 and under. Minimum stay 2 nights.


McAlpine House

55 Herbert Street, Broome
Open Apr-Oct

Comfortable but refined, this award-winning boutique hotel in an historic home offers eight unique guest rooms, a library, and a pool surrounded by tropical greenery. Private verandas and harmoniously designed furnishings add to the feeling of relaxation.


Kimberley Coastal Camp

Open mid December to late September.

Plush it’s not, but this remote coastal retreat makes up for its lack of frills with plenty of charm and character. Located on a small peninsula in the far northwestern corner of Australia, the camp is only accessible by air, and surrounded by miles of pristine landscape. Accommodations are simple but stylish gazebos with views of the gulf – delicious gourmet meals are served in an open-sided pavilion. The excursions on offer include wildlife viewing, fishing for the legendary local barramundi, and tours of 30,000-year-old rock art sites. To get there, take a charter flight to Mitchell Plateau airstrip, then a 15-minute helicopter ride to the camp.

topBlue Mountains

Just 40 miles from Sydney, this World Heritage Area offers a variety of dramatic landscapes – impressive waterfalls, deep canyons and one of the most extensive cave networks in Australia – as well as a wide diversity of plant and animal life. Called “blue” because of the distinctive haze that makes the hills seem blue from a distance, the area covers seven national parks as well as the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the wilderness: mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fly fishing, cultural tours, and a great network of bushwalking trails. Day trips from Sydney are possible, but it’s best to stay over at least one night (we recommend the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa). No visit is complete without a look at the Three Sisters – and the remarkable Jenolan Caves should also be at the top of your list.

topSights


Three Sisters

Echo Point, Katoomba, Blue Mountains National Park

According to an Aboriginal dreamtime story, these rocks are three sisters who were turned to stone by their witch-doctor father in order to protect them (from a tribal war or a bunyip, depending on the version). Formed by erosion over 300 million years, this iconic formation is the best-known landmark in the region.


Katoomba Scenic Railway

Katoomba, Blue Mountains National Park

Descending 1,361 feet, this railway is said to be the steepest in the world. The white-knuckle journey takes you through a cliff-side tunnel down into an ancient rainforest.


Blue Mountains Scenic Skyway & Cableway

Australia’s only horizontal cable ride, the Skyway carries passengers across a deep gorge, offering breathtaking views through the car’s glass floor of waterfalls and ravines 800 feet below. You’ll pass Orphan Rock, the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, the Ruined Castle and Katoomba Falls. The Scenic Cableway is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere – it takes passengers on a 1788-foot ride into our out of the Jamison Valley rainforest.

Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve
Open daily, 9am-5:30pm (opening times for individual caves may vary); Legends, Mysteries & Ghosts tour 8pm Sat

This complex network of limestone caves features delicate stalactite and stalagmite formations, gravity-defying helicites, fluted columns and underground rivers. Daily guided tours are available for the 11 easily accessible “show” caves. The more adventurous can rappel, crawl and climb deep into another series of fascinating caves on one of five Adventure Tours.


Grose Valley

Blue Mountains National Park
Heritage Centre, Govetts Leap Road near Blackheath

With massive cliffs on each side and the magnificent Blue Gum Forest at its center, this valley offers a variety of amazing lookouts, scenic walking trails and the highest waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.


Wentworth Falls

Blue Mountains National Park

This spectacular three-tiered waterfall drops a total of 614 feet. The surrounding area offers a big network of trails and vast southerly views.


Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens

Blue Mountains National Park
Bells Line of Road via Bilpin, NSW 2758

Tel: + 61 2 4567 2154
Open daily 10am-4pm Daily Mar-Sep; 10am-5pm Oct-Feb; closed Dec 25

The cool-climate counterpart to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, these gardens offer breathtaking views as well as over five thousand species of plants from all over the world.

Kanangra Falls

Kanagara-Boyd National Park

Plunging 728 feet off the plateau into the valley below, these may be Australia’s most impressive falls.

topAccommodations


Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Blue Mountains, the Emirates' new, environmentally responsible resort is the only property within a 3,600-acre wildlife reserve. Accommodation consists of just 40 free-standing suites that feel like private homes, each with their own decks and swimming pool. Amenities include a Timeless Spa, full gym, tennis courts and an outdoor pool as well as activities such as Aboriginal interpretive tours, nature walks, wildlife spotting and horse riding trips. Bikes are provided, inspiring guests to ride into the valley.


Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort & Spa

Offering clifftop views of the mountains, this five-star Orient Express resort is located in a historic country house surrounded by two acres of English-style gardens.

topFlinders Ranges

Flinders Ranges is the largest mountain range in South Australia, stretching nearly 270 miles. They are known for their rugged beauty and unique topography of folded, creased hills. The ranges began to form about 800 million years ago when a huge depression developed in the earth and the sea flooded in. Remnants of an ancient coral reef were recently found in the Northern Flinders Ranges – its the only known reef complex of this age anywhere in the world.


For 300 million years, huge amounts of rock debris were deposited in the deepening depression. A massive tectonic upthrust squeezed and folded the rock layers into a long mountain chain, much higher than today's ranges. Most of the ancestral Flinders Ranges was then eroded over millions of years. Resistant quartzite now forms the highest peaks and ridges of the Flinders Ranges, while the softer earth and rock has been worn away to form valleys and gorges.

The Flinders Ranges encompass several national parks, offering a wide variety of terrain and attractions. This region can be enjoyed year-round, though bushwalks can be uncomfortably hot in summer. We stayed at Angorichina Station, at the northern edge of Flinders Ranges National Park and a short, scenic flight away from Wilpena Pound. The landscape and wildlife were utterly captivating, and the homestead is welcoming and comfortable – highly recommended.

topParks


Flinders Ranges National Park

280 miles north of Adelaide between the townships of Hawker and Blinman
Wilpena Visitor Centre
Tel: +61 8 8648 0048

Spectacular mountains, sheltered creeks and abundant wildlife make this park one of South Australia's most popular destinations. Located in the center of the Flinders Ranges, this area is renowned for its geological history, Aboriginal rock art sites, fossil remains and cultural heritage. It’s also one of the best places in Australia to view the Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo and Euro, as well as the beautifully marked Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (once hunted almost to extinction, but now thriving).

The most famous feature of the park is Wilpena Pound, a natural, boomerang-shaped stone amphitheater covering 32 square miles. This magnificent landmark can be explored by 4WD or on a scenic flight. Not far away is Old Wilpena Station. Dating from 1851, this settlement site is valued for its excellent condition, wealth of heritage and beautiful setting.

Other attractions include the Aboriginal art sites at Arkaroo Rock and Sacred Canyon. The Brachina Gorge Geological Trail traces the geological history of the area, with posted signs telling the respective ages (in millions of years) of the earth.

Mount Remarkable National Park

Park Headquarters at Mambray Creek, 161 miles north of Adelaide off Hwy 1
Tel: +61 8 8634 7068

This park, in the Southern Flinders Ranges, offers visitors a true wilderness experience within easy reach of Adelaide. Dramatic mountain scenery and natural diversity make it a great location for camping, bushwalking and a wide range of recreational activities.

Located where South Australia's arid north and wetter southern regions overlap, it’s a key conservation area with an intriguing mix of flora and fauna. An extensive network of trails caters for all ages and levels of fitness, varying in length and difficulty from the long distance Heysen Trail to the easier “Great Short Walks” at Alligator Gorge and Melrose.


Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

434 miles north of Adelaide; 81 miles east of Leigh Creek
Tel: +61 8 8648 4848

This private sanctuary in the rugged Northern Flinders Ranges was once a sheep station. Renowned geologist and conservationist Reg Sprigg purchased the land in 1967 and restored the native flora and fauna. Winner of numerous ecotourism awards, the sanctuary features magnificent landscapes and a broad spectrum of wildlife, as well as three astronomical observatories for studying the southern skies. Several Advanced Ecotourism-accredited guided tours are available.

Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges National Park

466 miles north of Adelaide; 68 miles from Leigh Creek
Tel: +61 8 8648 4829

Adjacent to the Arkaroola Sanctuary, this remote park features some of the most dramatic scenery in the state. Rather than the folded rock characteristic of the central ranges, the landscape here features deep, spectacular gorges that are havens for wildlife. The park is also the access point for Lake Frome, a shimmering 62-mile long saltpan.

topAccommodations


Angorichina Station

Blinman (311 miles north of Adelaide)

This Outback retreat offers the chance to become part of the life of a working sheep station. The original part of the homestead dates from the 1860’s, when pioneering graziers first drove their flocks into the Flinders Ranges, and is a classic of Australian vernacular architecture. The warm and friendly hosts, Ian and Di Fargher, offer true bush hospitality and comfortable, civilized lodgings. Ian will gladly take you on an arial tour of Wilpena Pound, lead you on a bush walk, or drive you to a panoramic viewpoint for beers at sunset. Depending on the season, you can witness the daily activities of the station, including mustering, sheep shearing, and bore runs. Angorichina offers two private en suite guests rooms sleeping up to two guests each. For single parties booking the station exclusively, it’s possible to utilize additional rooms in the homestead for up to 8 persons in total (shared bathrooms).

topCoober Pedy

Located in South Australia between the huge, dusty Nullarbor Plain and the Great Victoria Desert, Coober Pedy is a legendary Outback town surrounded by extremely hostile terrain. The town’s name comes from an Aboriginal phrase meaning “white man in a hole,” and it’s very apt. To escape the searing heat, houses, hotels and churches were built underground – many are open for visiting. Small but multicultural, Coober Pedy is known as the “Opal Capital of the World.” 70 percent of the world’s opal supply comes from the mines in the vicinity, which are individually owned. Several tours and museums offer visitors the opportunity to fossick (or “noodle”) for their own opals.

There are scheduled flights here from Adelaide and Alice Springs, or you can take the Ghan Train to Manguri Station, located 30 miles from Coober Pedy. Transportation arrangements must be made in advance.

topSights

Tom’s Working Opal Mine

Stuart Highway, just north of town
Tours at 10am, 2pm & 4pm

This is the best place to view an opal mine in full operation – see how opal is graded, cut and polished, or noodle through the “mullock” (mining refuse) for stones.

Old Timer’s Mine

Crowders Gully Road
Open 9am-6pm; mining demonstrations 9:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm

This mine was filled in and forgotten in 1916, for unknown reasons, and rediscovered during a home extension in 1968. The owners decided not to dig out the wealth of opals, which are still visible in the walls. The mine now offers fascinating tours and mining demonstrations.


Faye’s Underground Home

Old Water Tank Road

This is the only underground home open to visitors that is still being lived in. It was dug by hand over a ten-year period by Faye Naylor and two female friends.

Underground Art Gallery

Hutchinson Street

Displaying an impressive collection of local Aboriginal art, this large sandstone gallery also features a hands-on mining area where visitors can dig for opals.

St. Peter & Paul’s Church

The first underground church in Coober Pedy, it was originally non-denominational, and built through a communal effort.

Serbian Orthodox Church

Complete with stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, this church is one of the town’s biggest underground attractions.

Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club

Tel: +61 8 8672 5969

At this unique, grass-free 18-hole course, golfers must carry a patch of artificial turf to use when teeing off. It’s the world’s only course that has reciprocal rights with famous St. Andrews in Scotland. In the summer, night golf is popular, using glow-in-the dark balls.


Dog Fence
9 miles northeast of Coober Pedy

This fence, built to protect the sheep of the southern plains from the dingoes of the north, is one of the longest continual structures in the world, stretching 3,306 miles from southern Queensland to the Eyre Peninsula.

Breakaways
21 miles north of Coober Pedy

This landscape of flat-topped hills is remarkable for its sheer starkness, and for the variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh terrain. Go at sunset, when the sandstone formations glow pink, red, purple, and white.

Moon Plain
9 miles northeast of Coober Pedy

Strange and otherworldly, this vast, rocky plain has been featured in movies like Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.


Nullarbor Links
The world's longest golf course

Stretching 848 miles along the southern coast of Australia, this par-72 course features one hole in each participating town. It's not in Coober Pedy, exactly, (in fact, it's 342 miles away) but it's not overly far, either, by Nullarbor Plains standards anyway. The course opened as scheduled in October, 2009 – and it's sure to be a quintessential Australia experience.