Car & Van Hire - Coober Pedy

Car hire and van rental in Coober Pedy let you explore a side of Australia that few visitors see. This town grew up around opal mines and is surrounded by desert on all sides. It has a unique, Wild west feel to it and has been used as a filming location for dozens of movies and TV programmes.

Most visitors to Coober Pedy go on an opal mine tour. There are several available. The best might be offered by Umoona, which also boasts a museum about the history of opal mining, complete with underground cinema. At the gift shop, you can pick up some souvenirs — but be warned, the more impressive opals certainly don't come cheap!

One of the most interesting things about Coober Pedy is its underground houses. In summer, temperatures can soar to 50C or more, so many residents moved underground, where it is cooler. As well as houses, there are shops, restaurants and other businesses underground. Most interesting of all are the underground churches, with the rock carvings of the Serbian Orthodox Church truly worth seeing.

Coober Pedy's remote location has caused it to develop its own unique, quirky culture. This can be seen at locations like Crocodile Harry's Nest and Dugout, the former home of a crocodile hunter, which is completely covered with Australian memorabilia. There's also the Big Winch, a local landmark that is exactly what its name suggests. Near the Big Winch is the Steel Tree, which was erected to give the children of Coober Pedy a tree to climb, as conventional trees do not grow in such harsh desert conditions. The centre of the town has a charming, old-time feel that can be seen in attractions like the drive-in cinema, which is the last of its kind in South Australia.

A trip to Coober Pedy also lets you explore the outback. The Breakaways National Park can be found 30 km to the north of the town. Here, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset over the colourful rock formations. There's also the desolate Moon Plain, named for its eerie emptiness. It's worth taking the time to visit in a rental car to admire the sense of near-total silence in this desert landscape. If your vision of Australia is action-packed cities and lively beaches, this stark environment will let you see something completely different.

With a population of just 2,000, there's no need to worry about traffic in Coober Pedy! This is a very small town, and it's easy to navigate. However, most people who opt for car or van rental in Coober Pedy are planning to explore the outback or take a scenic road trip. In this case, you'll need to be well-prepared for what is ahead of you.

While Coober Pedy itself has sealed roads, 4WD vehicles are recommended for outback driving. Some roads are sealed, but a 4WD car hire will allow you to explore different routes and is useful in the case of rain or other adverse weather conditions.

A common road trip goes from Adelaide to Coober Pedy. This journey takes over 800 km, so it's essential to be prepared. Before setting out, make a note of service stations along the route. Before Coober Pedy, the last place to refuel can be found at Glendambo. After Glendambo, there is a 253-kilometre stretch with no petrol stations, so be prepared.

As well as petrol, be sure to bring plenty of water and provisions. If you are driving in the Australian summer, you can expect extreme temperatures in this part of the country. Bring more water than you think you will need, as the climate is dehydrating. You can also expect long stretches without mobile phone coverage. Leave yourself plenty of time to complete your trip and allow yourself breaks to stretch your legs. If you are travelling in a pair or a group, it's a good idea to change the driver every so often, as long distances can be tiring.

Animals are one of the most common hazards on outback roads. Wild animals, particularly kangaroos, are most active at night and can cause major accidents. For this reason, visitors are strongly advised not to drive outside towns and cities after dark. Even by day, you will need to be vigilant about animals crossing the road. Large farms, known as stations, are common in this part of the country. They are generally unfenced, so herds of cattle and flocks of sheep have the freedom to roam. Stay attentive at all times when driving in your car hire in Coober Pedy.

On a lighter note, keep an eye out for road signs with a camera on them when you're driving in the area. In remote outback areas, these points have been identified as the best spots to stop and snap a photo.