The Funky Site - South Australia

Southern Australia

Created July 2001, last updated July 2001.

Coober Pedy is a small town just north of Adelaide, and one of the best sources for opals in the world. Since the first discovery in 1915, mining has provided an income for the residents of this dusty place, which is now combined with the proceeds of modern tourism.

With a semi desert climate, the temperature ranges from pleasant during the spring months to uncomfortably hot in summer, with 45 degrees celsius in the shade! For this reason, a unique style of living underground has evolved, with churches, houses, bookshops, and art galleries all present. We even managed to stay in an underground campsite!

Crocodile Harry is one of Coober Pedy's most infamous characters and lives in one of the most bizarre dugouts. Many people from throughout Europe know of him through the Lonely Planet's "Guidebook to Australia". Other's may recognise his home from the underground scenes of "Mad Max-Beyond the Thunderdome". This is not the only film to use this town as a location - more recently it was used for Pitch Black, and films such as Val Kilmer's Red Planet.

See the Coober Pedy website for history, price information and much more.

Crocodile Harry

Underground church

The Flinders Ranges are north of Adelaide and border the Barossa Valley, the famous wine region. The entire range contains three National Parks, with the central range being the most popular. The Flinders Ranges National Park extends over 92,000 hectares.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Flinders Ranges National Park is Wilpena Pound, a spectacular raised basin encircled by an escarpment of sandstone. The Flinders Ranges, of which Wilpena Pound is the emotional centre, were first sighted by Matthew Flinders in 1802. The Cazneaux Tree. Wilpena Campsite. Back in town, the Wilpena Pound Motel is a comfortable but overpriced base: there's a good, surprisingly exotic restaurant - the chalet-like bar makes an atmospheric setting for an après-hike drink. Wedge-tailed eagles.

Occasionally you come across the ruins of a farmhouse or shed, silent reminders that this is a harsh, unforgiving land.