7 Underground Hotels in Australia

Australia’s outback is a land of extremes, and in the summer months it can see summer temperatures in the 50s (Celsius). The outback also has many areas of intense opal mining, such as that of Coober Pedy and White Cliffs. Because of the mining, a small number of bold and entrepreneurial people have challenged themselves to live in this intense environment. How do they do it?

They live underground.

In fact, many old opal mines were converted into dugout homes, those of which maintain a cool and comfortable temperature year round.

Over the years, these unique habitats have become a tourist attraction, and anyone venturing to the outback of Australia will make it a requirement to stop in at Coober Pedy. There are even a number of unique underground hotels you can spend the night (or week) in to get a true taste of what life is like living in such a harsh and interesting environment.

Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy

The Desert Cave Hotel provides visitors with 4 star above and below ground accommodation in the outback town of Coober Pedy. The hotel features 50 suites, a pool, wifi and room service. In addition, there are convention facilities, the Crystal Cafe, Umberto’s Restaurant and even an underground bar and gaming room to enjoy during the stay.

Radeka Downunder Dugout Motel & Backpackers Inn, Coober Pedy

Radeka Downunder provides visitors all sorts of accommodation options (underground, of course) from motel rooms to dorm rooms for the backpackers.

Radeka’s is located right in the center of Coober Pedy, and was once an active working mine until its conversion in the 1980s.

Enjoy the on-site licensed bar, the pool table, games room and free parking.

I could not find photos of all the accommodation to use in the article, so I inserted area shots. Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.