The Underground Motel was the first underground motel to be built in Coober Pedy back in 1984, with all rooms being dug into a sandstone hill. Upgrading and renovating has created very comfortable rooms with a unique individual style sympathetic with the arid desert environment. The décor is very tasteful and reflects the owners' care for detail. The standard rooms are accessed from the veranda through a beautifully tiled hallway; the suites are accessed straight from the outside, sheltered by their private veranda. All rooms have natural daylight as well as natural ventilation through air shafts keeping the rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. Of course, all guest rooms come with the comfort of modern living and have their private shower and toilet. A complementary continental breakfast is included; the provisions are provided for self service and available from the early hours of the morning.

Outback Accommodation with a Difference

Experience what makes the opal mining town of Coober Pedy unique in the world: stay underground and enjoy the comfort of our quiet and tastefully decorated non-smoking dugout rooms. We cater for holiday travellers as well as for corporate customers and offer affordable rates for single, double, twin share and family rooms – including breakfast.

We offer a secure and quiet location on the edge of the town, with off-street undercover parking and an inviting and shaded outdoor area. Relax and enjoy the beauty of Outback South Australia – we will be happy to welcome you at The Underground Motel

Underground Standard Rooms

Six standard rooms with 1 double-size bed each, some with additional 1 or 2 single beds and a trundle to pull out from underneath the double-size bed. All rooms non-smoking, with private shower and toilet, TV, and access to a shared guests' kitchen.

Underground Suites

Two suites available: 'Double Suite' with 1 double-size bed; and '2-Bedroom Suite' with 1 double-size bed in one bedroom and 4 bunk beds in the second bedroom. All suites non-smoking, with private shower and toilet, living area with sofa and TV, dining area, kitchenette with fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle.

• Verandas with comfortable outdoor setting
• Childrens' play area
• BBQ area
• Kitchen facilities
• Off-road parking, undercover
• Parking available for trailers and campervans
• Laundry facility (conditions apply)
• Tourist information and tour bookings
• Transfer for arrival and departure by air or bus, by arrangement

Located on top of a hillside on the edge of the town, The Underground Motel offers more than just accommodation: sit back under the large veranda, relax and enjoy. Take in the excellent views of the Stuart Ranges and the 'Breakaways' and watch the spectacular sunsets. The outdoor area also caters for children, with an undercover play area. The off-street location provides secure undercover parking, as well as the peace and quiet that you may seek after a busy schedule or a long day on the road. The centre of the town with its shops and restaurants is in walking distance or a short drive away.

We take pride in making our guests feel welcome: personal service, a friendly atmosphere and unique, well maintained, clean rooms will make your stay at The Underground Motel a special one.

Travelling by car:
Turn off the highway into Coober Pedy. Drive through the round-about, and keep going through the town on the main road, Hutchison Street. Follow our blue signs through the town: drive past the Drive-in theatre and Bulls service station, keep driving, until you turn right onto Catacomb Road (bitumen road). You will see The Underground Motel up on the hill, with a large white veranda roof or, at night, fairy lights all over the veranda, and a big blue sign at the property entrance

Travelling by bus/coach:
The bus terminal is located at the town entrance. Pick up and drop off from and to the terminal can be arranged; there is no public transport available in town. Walking distance to The Underground Motel is approximately 15 minutes.

Travelling by air:
The airport is situated about a 10 minutes' drive from Coober Pedy. There is no public transport available in town, pick up from the airport needs to be arranged in advance; just let us know when you make your booking.

Travelling by train:
The Manguri railway siding is located about half an hour out of Coober Pedy. Transport into town and back needs to be arranged in advance; we can provide you with contact details if required.

Coober Pedy is situated in the South Australian Outback, 850km North of Adelaide and 690km South of Alice Springs. The town owes its existence to 14-year old William Hutchison who found the first pieces of opal at Coober Pedy in 1915, whilst looking for water during a gold prospecting trip. The name Coober Pedy derives from the Aboriginal words 'kupa piti', commonly assumed to mean 'white man in a hole'. The town is world renowned for its precious opal – and also for its unique method of living underground in 'dugouts'.

Coober Pedy looks different from anything you would have seen: it is still very much a mining town but with a touch of modern living standards, and surrounded by endless mullock heaps (spoil from opal mines) spread over a large area of mining fields. The town's population is estimated to be around 3000, with more than 40 nationalities and a diversity of ethnical communities being represented. Many of the residents came here with the intention of spending a few days or weeks – and they haven't left since. Coober Pedy is recognised as the largest producer of opal in the world. In recent years, however, the tourism industry has also become an important part of the town's economy – in particular with the interest in underground living – with travellers heading North and South on the highway, or crossing the deserts to the East and the West

Tourist attractions

At The Underground Motel, we can help you with information on the attractions of Coober Pedy and its surrounding area, and we are happy to arrange tour bookings on your behalf. Explore on your own, or join one of the highly recommended town tours. Visit one of the underground churches, browse through underground shops, go to a museum and learn about the history of the town, take part in a guided tour through a modern-day working mine – or try your own luck by noodling (fossicking opal) through a mullock heap. Drive out to the magnificent Breakaways, over the Moon Plain and alongside the dog fence and take in the beauty of this arid land which has been the backdrop of many world-famous movies.

If you have more time to spend: book a Mail Run tour visiting some of the largest stations in Australia, or a day trip to the Painted Desert, or drive out to Oodnadatta with some of the most spectacular scenery and landscapes you will ever see. To the South East is William Creek with its famous pub, and Lake Eyre, a salt lake covering 8500 square kilometers. And should you feel like taking off: it can all be seen from the air by taking a chartered flight.

However long or short your stay: there will be something for you to discover