2Coober Pedy, Australia
In the heart of Australia’s Outback lies the fascinating Coober Pedy, a town known for its opal mines and its completely underground lifestyle. Due to the extreme heat of the region, which can reach temperatures of 45°C (113°F) in the summer, the residents of Coober Pedy have adapted by creating homes known as dugouts, which are carved directly into the earth. These underground homes maintain a constant temperature of about 23°C (73°F), providing a comfortable living environment year-round.
The town’s underground infrastructure includes everything from homes and churches to hotels and shops. The Church of St. Peter and Paul, carved into the rock, is a particularly beautiful example of the town’s subterranean architecture. Coober Pedy is not just a place for living but also a center for opal mining, as the area produces a significant portion of the world’s opals. Visitors to Coober Pedy can tour the underground homes, see the opal mines in action, and experience the surreal landscape of the Australian desert. It’s a remarkable example of how people can thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.
