Driving
Oakbank to Coober Pedy
Updated: 31 May 2026
The journey from Oakbank to Coober Pedy is an epic 850-kilometer trek into the heart of the Australian outback. You will travel via the Stuart Highway, the main route heading north toward Alice Springs. The drive takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. Coober Pedy is famous for its underground homes, churches, and opal mines, designed to escape the desert heat. This is a true outback adventure that requires careful planning.
Total Distance: 850 km driving distance, 700 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving is the primary mode of transport for this remote destination.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the most practical way to reach Coober Pedy.
Compare Oakbank to Coober Pedy Routes
Driving
Direct
Duration
9 hours 30 mins
Avg Price
200-300 AUD fuel
Operator
Private Vehicle
Route
Stuart Highway (A87).
Ensure your vehicle is serviced before this trip.
Travel Tips
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HeatSummer temperatures can exceed 45 degrees; stay indoors during the day.
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WaterCarry at least 20 liters of water in your vehicle.
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FuelFill up at every major town along the Stuart Highway.
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AccommodationBook an underground hotel for a unique experience.
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SuppliesStock up on food and essentials in Port Augusta.
Safety Tips
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Road HazardsWatch for road trains; they are very long and fast.
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WildlifeAvoid driving at night due to kangaroos and emus.
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CommunicationMobile service is patchy; consider a satellite phone.
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EmergencyStay with your vehicle if you break down.
People Also Ask
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Why do people live underground?To escape the extreme desert heat.
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Is it safe to drive?Yes, if you are well-prepared and follow safety rules.
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How long is the drive?It is about 9.5 hours from Adelaide.
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Can you find opals?Yes, visitors can try noodling in designated areas.
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Are there hotels?Yes, there are several unique underground hotels.
Quick Info
- From Oakbank, South Australia, Australia
- To Coober Pedy, South Australia, Australia
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
April to September to avoid the extreme summer heat.
Things to Do in Coober Pedy
1
Underground Homes
Take a tour of a dugout home to see how locals live beneath the earth.
2
Opal Mining
Visit a working mine and try your luck at 'noodling' for opals.
3
The Breakaways
A stunning landscape of colorful hills and mesas just outside the town.
4
Underground Church
Visit the Serbian Orthodox Church, carved entirely into the sandstone.
Tags
Oakbank to Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy travel
outback South Australia
Stuart Highway
opal mining
underground homes
Adelaide to Coober Pedy
outback road trip
