The Desert Cave Hotel

Since 1915 Coober Pedy has lured those who seek the elusive opal which is found in this vast Outback semi desert area. Many of the locals live in dugouts (underground homes) where the earth gives natural temperature control. Visitors have always been fascinated by this underground way of living.

In 1981 Umberto Coro began to realise a dream of sharing the extraordinary experience of underground living with visitors to the town. He had been associated with the town's mining and hospitality industry for more than 26 years. He understood what visitors wanted. Umberto Coro never saw his dream become a reality. Sadly, he was killed in a road accident in 1986. His son Robert, the hotel's General Manager and the rest of the family continued the work to make sure that the Desert Cave Hotel would be completed. Construction began in 1984 and the Desert Cave Hotel was officially opened in 1988.

Opal mining machinery was brought to town from the opal fields to gouge through the sandstone of a hillside near the main street. Extreme heat, severe dust storms and mini cyclones made work extremely difficult. Almost all the building materials had to be transported from Adelaide, some 850km south. Local rock gathered from the Moon Plain, 25km north, was used for the feature stonework on the front of the buildings. Visitors are amazed at the beauty of the underground walls. Furnishings have been selected to reflect the light and colour of the Outback.

Visitors can stay underground, or if they prefer, above ground rooms are also available. Sleeping underground is a unique experience. Quiet, cool, dark and airy - the rooms are spacious with high ceilings. Most visitors say that sleeping underground gives them the best night's sleep they have ever had. It is an experience not to miss. The Desert Cave Hotel also has underground shops, a cafe, an opal interpretive centre, and an underground bar and gaming room. The hotel offers visitors the best opportunity to experience Coober Pedy "dugout' living".

In 1989, the Desert Cave Hotel won both the South Australian and National Tourism Awards for Tourism Development. The Desert Cave Hotel again won the South Australian Tourism Award for national standard accommodation in 1990 and 1991.

The Desert Cave Hotel remains owned and operated by the Coro family.

For the best in Outback Accommodation and Tours - an experience of a lifetime.

The Desert Cave Hotel allows you to experience dug out style living, underground shops, bar and opal display areas - all within sandstone surrounds in the heart of Coober Pedy. As well as above and below ground accommodation, we offer outstanding dining and convention facilities .

The hotel offers visitors the best opportunity to experience Coober Pedy "dugou"' living and the hotel can offer guests a range of specalised tours of the surrounding rugged and beautiful outback.

Total number of rooms - 50
Total underground rooms - 19
Total above ground rooms - 31

Type of rooms
1) Under ground standard double room
2) Under ground standard triple room
3) Under ground family room
4) Above ground standard double room
5) Above ground standard triple room

Desert Cave Hotel Facilities

* 50 suites including 19 underground - a unique experience
* All rooms have a colour TV
* Free in house movies
* WiFi to every room
* IDD phones
* Hair dryer and iron
* Mini bar and refrigerator
* Tea and coffee making facilities
* Coin operated Internet kiosks in reception
*Coin operated laundry facilities
* Pool
* Room service
* Luggage store
* Baby sitting by arrangement
* Safety deposit
* Business services
* Tourist information and tour bookings
* Agent for Regional Express Airlines
* Transfers to the Ghan, airport and bus depot by arrangement
* Translation services
* Major credit cards accepted
* Wireless broadband is available throughout the property at very reasonable rates

Underground shopping arcade including

* Opal World with an extensive range of opal and opal jewellery. We offer 10% discount for all guests. All opal purchases are guaranteed.

Visit the Precious Gems of Australia on line store, buy opal and jewellery, and have it delivered to you anywhere in the world. Speedy service, amazingly competitive pricing, multiple display currencies and lots of payment options.

Historic Display
* Award winning historic display on mining, opal and the unique nature of living in Outback Australia

Dining
* Umberto's Restaurant, where the food is excellent and the atmosphere relaxing.
* The Crystal Cafe is open for breakfast, lunches, coffee & cakes.
* Relax in the World's only Underground Bar and Gaming Room

Convention Facilities

Holding a conference at the Desert Cave Hotel could lead to the most successful event you have ever held. The power and magic that Coober Pedy weaves over our guests adds something quite unique and special to conferences.

Our Convention Facilities have seating for up to 180 delegates and we can provide break out rooms as well as an auditorium.

Experiences, such as discovering the wonders of Coober Pedy, or sipping Champagne Cocktails at sunset as the Breakaways become mysteriously alive with light, simply cannot be discovered anywhere else in Australia and so your conference becomes unique.

We will assist you in experiencing the magic of this destination to create an event that your delegates will never forget.

The Convention Room seats:
120 Banquet Style
180 Theatre Style

The Convention room has a stage, dance floor and bar facilities.

We can provide a variety of equipment and services such as VHS and Monitor, OHPs and screens, private telephone lines, flower arrangements, musicians, secretarial/support services, reception services etc., and we are able to cater for various set-ups.