Getting There -- Regional Express (REX; tel. 13 17 13 in Australia; www.regionalexpress.com.au) flies to Coober Pedy from Adelaide. Check the website for discounted fares and specials. Greyhound Australia (tel. 13 14 99 in Australia, or 07/4690 9950; www.greyhound.com.au) runs buses from Adelaide to Coober Pedy for A$162 (US$146/£73) for adults and A$132 (US$119/£59) for children one-way. The trip takes about 12 hours. The bus from Alice Springs to Coober Pedy also costs A$162 US$146/£73) for adults and A$132 (US$119/£59) for children. Passengers bound for Uluru (Ayers Rock) transfer at Erldunda.
If you drive from Adelaide, it will take you about 9 hours to reach Coober Pedy along the Stuart Highway. It takes 7 hours to drive the 700km (434 miles) to Alice Springs.
Visitor Information -- The Coober Pedy Tourist Information Centre, Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy (tel. 1800/637 076 in Australia, or 08/8672 5298), is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm (closed holidays). A good website, www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au, gives a rundown of adventure operators in the area.
