The District Council of Coober Pedy & the Coober Pedy Retail Business & Tourism Association welcomes you to the Coober Pedy Opal Capital of the World website. Opal was first found in Coober Pedy on the 1st of February 1915 and since then has been supplying the world with the majority of gem quality opal. Coober Pedy today relies as much on tourism as the opal mining industry to provide the community with employment and sustainability.Coober Pedy has evolved in to one of the most unique places in Australia and perhaps the world. It is a cosmopolitan town with a population of 3500 and over 45 different nationalities. The relaxed and friendly lifestyle of the town has made it a breeding ground for cultural tolerance diversity and acceptance.Coober Pedy is probably best known for its unique style of underground living. There are underground accommodation, authentic underground homes to explore as well as underground museums potteries opal shops an art gallery and of course opal mines.