Coober Pedy is a small town about halfway between Adelaide and Alice Springs.  The town is sometimes referred to as the “opal capital of the world” because of the quantity of precious opals that are mined there.  It is also renowned for its below-ground dwellings, called “dugouts”, which are built in this fashion due to the scorching daytime heat.  It features a sun-baked lunar landscape, fascinating history and a unique way of life. Descend beneath the ground and discover a labyrinth of underground houses, hotels and even shops.