Coober Pedy
SA 5723 • Rest of SA
About Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is a remote outback town in South Australia, located 846 kilometres northwest of Adelaide in the arid Far North region. Known as the "Opal Capital of the World," the town has a population of around 1,500 and covers a vast area of 785 square kilometres. The median age is 50, reflecting an older demographic, with a diverse multicultural community including significant Greek, Croatian, Aboriginal, and Sri Lankan populations. Many residents live in underground homes called "dugouts" to escape the extreme desert heat.
Coober Pedy offers a truly unique Australian outback lifestyle centred around opal mining and tourism. Key attractions include underground churches, museums, and the moonscape-like terrain that has served as a filming location for movies like Mad Max and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The town has essential services including a hospital, school, and shopping facilities along Hutchison Street. Tourism is a major industry alongside mining, with visitors drawn to the underground homes, opal shops, and the stark desert landscape of the Breakaways Reserve.
Coober Pedy falls under postcode 5723 and is governed by Coober Pedy Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Stuart electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Greyhound/Firefly Interstate — Adelaide (846 km) and Alice Springs (688 km) 9-10 hrs to Adelaide
Commute to Adelaide CBD
🛣️ Coober Pedy Airport offers flights to Adelaide. Stuart Highway connects to Adelaide and Alice Springs.
Small town centre is walkable but a car is essential for daily life in this remote outback location
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Paxton Road
Housing 2021 Census
19 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. Sri Lanka 68
- 2. England 45
- 3. Greece 45
- 4. Philippines 41
- 5. Croatia 23
- 6. Germany 18
- 7. India 15
- 8. New Zealand 13
- 9. United States 11
- 10. China 7
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)