Caravan parks near Coober Pedy
Outback camping and underground stays in opal mining desert territory.
- Coober Pedy
Popular for caravans and campervans
Caravan parks near Coober Pedy guide
Overview
Known as the opal capital of the world, the South Australian outback town of Coober Pedy offers some truly unusual experiences for campers. If the thought of camping underground appeals, you can do this in Coober Pedy. During the summer, staying underground is a smart idea–temperatures above ground regularly reach 42°C (107°F) in January. As more than half of Coober Pedy’s residents live underground, you’d be getting a truly local experience. Campers also have plenty of above-ground options too, including caravan parks with swimming pools. Either way, campers in Coober Pedy can explore opal mining heritage and the First Nations heritage site of Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park.
Where to go
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
A short drive north of Coober Pedy, the low hills of the Breakaways in this First Nations-owned park are home to diverse flora and fauna, and the colours of the landscape changes throughout the day according to the light. The park is surrounded by a fence designed to keep the dingos in. While you can’t camp in the park itself, it’s just 32 kilometres (20 miles) from Coober Pedy.
Tallaringa Conservation Park
About 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Coober Pedy, this park is a vast area of desert and dunes, with a surprising variety of birds and wildlife. Self-sufficient camping is permitted within 50 metres (164 feet) of the Anne Beadell Highway, so this park is a good option for campers seeking a remote, rugged adventure. You’ll need a four-wheel drive to access this park.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
Taking a scenic flight over this enormous desert lake is a quintessential outback experience, and travellers typically do so from the settlement of William Creek (permanent population of 10!), a couple of hours’ drive east of Coober Pedy along the rough William Creek Road. There’s Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park accommodation in William Creek, and unpowered sites dotted at various places around the lake, including Halligan Bay and Coward Springs (where there’s a small hot spring). Reaching these campsites requires a four-wheel drive and emergency provisions.
When to go
Coober Pedy is in the middle of South Australia’s outback, 848 kilometres (527 miles) from Adelaide, so it can get extremely hot during the summer (December to February). You might want to take advantage of the underground accommodation options at this time. Be prepared with plenty of water when taking a road trip through the desert. Temperatures are much colder in winter (June to August), and while they rarely drop below freezing at night, nights can be chilly and tent campers should be prepared with warm clothing and sleeping bags.
