Life in a scorching 48°C

With temperatures capable of soaring up to 48.8°C in the shade, Coober Pedy forces residents to seek refuge underground to escape the heat.

Life in a scorching 48°C

Nestled in a remote region of Australia lies a small town known as Coober Pedy. Upon arrival, many tourists feel a sense of unease and slight fear as the place seems deserted. Everything is eerily quiet.

However, in reality, a vibrant life continues to thrive here. The difference is that it's hidden right beneath the feet of the tourists.

After the first World War, Australian soldiers returned home and began mining opal, a precious and valuable gemstone, in Coober Pedy. People came here to mine and makeshift homes were constructed underground to escape the summer heat, which persists at 35-45°C even in the shade, sometimes reaching 48.8°C, from December to February every year. The town also receives very little rainfall for 'relief'.

Gradually, after more than a century, the residents of this town began constructing more sturdy underground homes. Currently, over 80% of Coober Pedy's population resides in these cave houses, opting to avoid the harsh heat on the surface. Each day, the number of underground homes increases, showing no signs of slowing down.

Despite being underground, the homes are just as modern as anywhere else. Residents have installed electricity, water, and full bathroom facilities. They even have internet access underground. The only thing missing here is sunlight.

According to assessments by Business Insider, the underground homes may seem mundane. The rooms are modernly furnished with simple decorations.

But for tourists, it's an intriguing experience, a definite must-try when visiting the land of opal gemstones.

Faye Nayler, an elderly woman, constructed her underground home back in the 1960s. Along with two friends, she established a bar, a swimming pool, and a fully-equipped kitchen underground. Today, this place has become a popular tourist attraction in Coober Pedy. Anyone who visits must surely explore Faye’s Underground Home.

Tourists can swim, play games, visit the church, or simply browse the bookstore to buy their favorite novels. For those who want to experience life as a local in the town, you can rent a room at the Desert Cave Hotel – a cozy inn priced at $150 USD per night. Additionally, the town also has two supermarkets located on the main road to serve both residents and passing travelers through the mining area.

Coober Pedy is located in South Australia, serving as the main producer and supplier of 80% of the world's opal gemstones. It is approximately 1,600 km away from the capital city of Canberra.

Due to the unique housing construction, residents of Coober Pedy also often amuse tourists with their humorous signage. One notable caution when visiting this place is not to rush, to observe while moving around, and to avoid sudden stops because you might stumble and fall into someone's home below.

Source: Anh Minh/Vnexpress

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide