Coober Pedy

Early start. We actually got on the road at 7.30. The landscape soon changes to flat and barren, much more how I envisioned the Nullarbor to look. Quick stop at Woomera where the British used to test their missiles and now it is the top secret Aussie airbase. Didn’t see any alien craft. Then on to Coober Pedy, still 3.5 hours away. Thank heavens for DVD players. Hardly heard the kids.

Coober Pedy is a weird place. A dusty, barren rock patch where people live just to try and find opals. Because of this there are small hills of tailings from many, many small digs and a fair sized town with many houses in old mines and underground . Seems a few films made out here…. Mad Max beyond Thunderdome, Priscilla, Queen of the desert and Pitch Black. Is just how I remember Mad Max.

We went out to old mine where you go underground and see the opal. Kids then enjoyed fossicking for opal scraps. Again didn’t make our fortune, but good fun.

Went to see underground church and then a kangaroo rescue centre, before relaxing for a few hours.

Evening went on a tour to the Breakaway ranges. Lovely sunset, although fly nets compulsory. I do not understand what all the flys are doing in the middle of absolutely nowhere. They seem to be waiting just for me!