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TOWN THAT LIVES UNDERGROUND.

How it really works when you eat, sleep, pray and work underground? and why?

By KokilaRajaPublished 3 months ago 3 min read
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Coober Pedy, Underground town in South Australia.

Many people in Coober Pedy, a town in South Australia's parched Outback, live underground in structures called "dugouts." These houses, known as dugouts, are chiseled out of the soft sandstone below the surface of the planet. In Coober Pedy, people choose to live underground for a variety of reasons:

Protection against Extreme Temperatures: The summer months in Coober Pedy are marked by exceptionally high temperatures, frequently reaching 40°C (104°F). Because of the natural insulation that comes with living underground, it stays warmer in the winter and colder in the summer.

Opal Mining: The opal mining sector in Coober Pedy is well-known. Due to the ease of access to opal mines and the ability to live close to their place of employment, many people, including miners and their families, choose to live underground. Comfort and Energy Efficiency: Since underground homes have year-round consistent temperatures, they require fewer heating and cooling systems. Residents now pay less for electricity as a result.

Protection from Dust Storms: The Outback is vulnerable to dust storms, which can cause property damage and health risks. These storms and other natural calamities like strong winds can be avoided by living underground.

The Serbian Orthodox Church, which is located completely below, is one of Coober Pedy's most unusual monuments. This church, which is carved into the sandstone and has elaborate religious artwork on display, is evidence of the town's varied cultural influences.

Fossils: Coober Pedy is well-known for its abundant fossil deposits in addition to its opal reserves. Significant discoveries of prehistoric marine life, including extinct marine reptiles like plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs, have been made in the region. Local museums provide information about these fossils, and visitors are welcome to take part in fossil digs.

Dark Sky Sanctuary: Because of its extraordinarily dark sky, the area around Coober Pedy has been declared as a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Indigenous Australians, namely the Antakirinja and Kokatha people, lived in the area surrounding Coober Pedy prior to the introduction of European immigrants. For these Indigenous people, the area is very important both historically and culturally, and efforts are being made to promote and protect their legacy.

The Big Winch is a huge mining winch in the middle of Coober Pedy that is one of the town's most recognizable sights. It was once used to transport supplies and equipment for mining, but today it stands as a reminder of the town's mining history. Climbers can reach the summit platform for sweeping views of Coober Pedy and the surroundings landscape.

Coober Pedy is the location of St. Peter and Paul's Underground Catholic Church, the only underground Catholic church in the world. This unusual church, which is carved out of the sandstone, offers both worshippers and guests a calm, tranquil environment. Its attractiveness as a tourist destination is increased by its exquisite stained glass windows and rock carvings.

The Serbian Orthodox Church: An underground Serbian Orthodox Church is located in Coober Pedy in addition to a Catholic church. The local Serbian community provided volunteer labor to build this church, also known as the Catacomb Church, which is decorated with elaborate carvings and holy images.

Golf aficionados can have a round of golf at Opal Fields Golf Club that is unlike any other. This distinct

All the conveniences of conventional above-ground homes, such as bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, are frequently included in these subterranean residences. Some are relatively modest, while others are more ornate, featuring numerous rooms and contemporary amenities. Coober Pedy's population maintain comparatively regular lives despite living below, with shops, schools, and other community institutions situated above ground.

Owing to its surreal scenery, Coober Pedy is used as a filming site for numerous films in addition to opal mining and tourism centered around its underground lifestyle. The village has served as the shooting location for movies including "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" and "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".

Despite its isolated location, Coober Pedy draws tourists from all over the world who come to see the rough beauty of the Australian Outback, explore its mines, and learn about the unique underground lifestyle.

However, they still need to return to the main city for a few more necessities. Additionally, there are other tales from this Opal Mining about how they actually began living underground and constructed a home without windows. These additional details offer a broader understanding of the unique attractions, landmarks, and cultural aspects that make Coober Pedy a fascinating destination in the Australian Outback.

KR

Sustainability
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About the Creator

KokilaRaja

"Welcome to my digital oasis! I'm Kokila, a passionate blogger on a mission to inspire, entertain, and connect with fellow souls across the web. Let's go through the realms of travel, culture, personal growth, and everything in between.

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