UNDERGROUND ACCOMMODATION
Room types for everyone - business or pleasure
UNDERGROUND COMFORT WITH PANORMIC OUTBACK VIEWS
The Lookout Cave is a unique underground motel in Coober Pedy, the famous outback mining town located in South Australia and widely recognised as the Opal Capital of the World.
Coober Pedy is renowned not only for its opal mining history, but also for its extraordinary underground lifestyle. To escape the extreme desert temperatures, many local residents live and work underground in homes known as “dugouts.” This iconic way of life has inspired the creation of underground accommodation, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic Coober Pedy experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Among the many dugout hotels in Coober Pedy, The Lookout Cave stands out for its wide variety of underground rooms and apartments, spacious layouts, and stunning natural rock formations carved into the interiors.
The Lookout Cave is also the only accommodation in Coober Pedy with its own lookout, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the town and surrounding outback landscape. Combining modern comfort with the charm of the Australian outback, we offer guests a memorable and truly unique stay in the heart of Coober Pedy.
UNDERGROUND MOTEL ROOMS
Our underground motel rooms are uniquely excavated into the hillside, branching off an impressive underground hallway that extends up to 50 metres into the rock and nearly 20 metres below ground level.
Designed to deliver an authentic Coober Pedy underground accommodation experience, all 15 rooms feature stunning natural sandstone rock formations combined with modern furnishings, contemporary fittings, and all the essential comforts for a relaxing stay.
Experience the natural insulation and quiet atmosphere that make underground living in Coober Pedy famous, while enjoying comfortable amenities in the heart of South Australia’s iconic opal mining town.
Families especially love the unforgettable experience of staying underground, with many guests returning years later to share the unique adventure with their own children and extended families — creating lasting memories across generations.
Natural sandstone rock wall striking swirl pattern marks made by a tunnel machine.
INCLUDED IN EVERY ROOM
Whether you choose a Queen, Twin Share or Family Room, you’ll enjoy the character of natural sandstone walls, a quiet underground setting and these comforts:
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Private ensuite with toilet and walk-in shower
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KUDOS toiletries — shampoo, conditioner and soap
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Smart TV with streaming capability — sign in using your own compatible streaming accounts
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Bar fridge with small freezer compartment
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Toaster and kettle
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Complimentary tea, coffee, milk and biscuits
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Breakfast crockery and cutlery
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Ceiling fan
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USB power point
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Desk and chair
QUEEN ROOM
Sleeps 2 guests | 1 Queen Bed | Private Ensuite
Experience a truly unique Coober Pedy stay in one of our underground Queen Rooms, where contemporary comfort meets the natural colours and textures of the surrounding sandstone.
Carved into the hillside, these quiet and comfortable rooms offer an authentic underground experience while providing everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Naturally cool, peaceful and wonderfully dark at night, it's a memorable way for couples or solo travellers to experience underground living in Coober Pedy.
Maximum occupancy: 2 guests
Nightly rate includes up to 2 guests.
TWIN SHARE
Sleeps up to 3 guests | 1 Queen Bed + 1 Single Bed | Private Ensuite
Experience a truly unique Coober Pedy stay in one of our underground Twin Rooms, where contemporary comfort meets the natural colours and textures of the surrounding sandstone.
Featuring one Queen bed and one Single bed, these rooms are a great choice for couples, friends or small families wanting to experience what it's really like to sleep underground in Coober Pedy.
Carved into the hillside, the rooms are naturally cool, peaceful and wonderfully dark at night – perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the Outback.
Maximum occupancy: 3 guests
Nightly rate includes 2 guests.
FAMILY ROOM FOR 4
Sleeps up to 4 guests | 1 Queen Bed + 2 Single Beds | Private Ensuite
Make sleeping underground part of your family’s Coober Pedy adventure. Our Family Rooms for 4 at The Lookout Cave Underground Motel bring everyone together in one room, with a queen bed and two single beds beneath the sandstone hillside.
After exploring opal mines and local attractions, settle into a naturally cool, peaceful space with the comforts that make family travel easier. A private ensuite, complimentary Wi-Fi and a Smart TV help everyone unwind, while the bar fridge, toaster and kettle are handy for breakfast before your next outing.
Maximum occupancy: 4 guests
Nightly rate includes 2 guests.
FAMILY ROOM FOR 5
Sleeps 5 Guests with 1 Queen Bed and 3 Single Beds
Keep your travelling party together in our Underground Family Room for 5 at The Lookout Cave Underground Motel in Coober Pedy. With one queen bed and three single beds, this room accommodates larger families or friends sharing an outback trip.
The exposed sandstone gives your stay a distinctive cave-style setting, with a quiet atmosphere for resting between adventures. Enjoy the convenience of your own ensuite, complimentary Wi-Fi, a Smart TV and simple breakfast facilities, all within the room.
Bedding: 1 Queen + 3 Singles
Maximum occupancy: 5 guests
Guests receive 10% off at Johns Pizza Bar & Restaurant
Enjoy a night stargazing from our very own rooftop
A dedicated space for children to play and enjoy themselves.
Relax in our outdoor area and enjoy the sunsets.
LOOKOUT VIEWS | SUNSETS | STARGAZING
Stay beneath the sandstone, then head up to The Lookout Cave’s elevated lookout for panoramic views across Coober Pedy and the surrounding outback.
As evening approaches, watch the changing colours sweep across the landscape at sunset. After dark, return to enjoy the star-filled sky on a clear night—a memorable way to finish your day before retreating to the quiet comfort of your underground room.
GROUP, CORPORATE & TOUR ACCOMMODATION
The Lookout Cave provides unique underground accommodation in Coober Pedy for the private sector, corporate travellers, government workers, clubs, small groups, and tour groups.
With a range of underground motel rooms and renovated apartments, ample parking, and a convenient location close to local attractions and dining, we are a popular choice for business travel, extended stays, coach tours, sporting groups, and outback group accommodation.
Book direct with The Lookout Cave for the best rates, personalised service, and flexible group booking options. Contact our team to discuss customised accommodation packages and special requirements.
DRIVE IN EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT DURING THE YEAR
COOBERPEDYDRIVEIN.ORG
GOOD TO KNOW
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Enjoy free cancellation on nightly rates up to 2 calendar days before check-in- conditions apply
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Check-in: Between 2:00pm and 8:00pm
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Check-out: Between 8:00am and 10:00am
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Early check in available if bookings allow - conditions apply
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Late or 24hr check in available - conditions apply
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Mobile phone reception in Coober Pedy is available via Optus and Telstra networks only
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Trailer & caravan parking available - limited
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Oversized vehicle parking available - limited
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Undercover parking available
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Please contact us prior to arrival if you have any special parking requirements or require an early or late check in.
Please note:
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Coober Pedy does not have public transport, taxis, or Uber services
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A car transfer service is available by prior arrangement only.
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Car hire is recommended for exploring the area — see our Guest Information Page for more details
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why Does Coober Pedy Have Underground Motels?
Coober Pedy experiences some of Australia’s most extreme climate conditions, from scorching summer days to crisp winter nights. To escape the harsh desert temperatures, many local residents live underground in homes known as “dugouts.”
Unlike buildings above ground, underground rooms maintain a naturally stable temperature year-round, typically sitting at a comfortable 23–25°C. This is why underground accommodation has become the norm in Coober Pedy — offering visitors an authentic outback experience combined with natural comfort and year-round climate control unique to the region.
2. What can I Expect From my Underground Motel Experience?
Guests can expect a truly unique outback experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Our underground rooms are naturally quiet, peaceful and temperature-controlled year-round, typically remaining a comfortable 23–25°C despite the harsh desert climate above ground.
Beyond the novelty of staying underground, many guests are surprised by how spacious the motel feels, with an impressively large excavated hallway carved into the sandstone rock. Each room also features a window facing the hallway, allowing for additional natural light and an open, welcoming feel. The motel is well ventilated with natural air shafts and ceiling fans throughout, ensuring a fresh and comfortable stay while still offering all the modern comforts expected from contemporary accommodation.
3. Do you Take Group Bookings?
Yes. If you have four or more rooms to book for a private, club, corporate or tour booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to provide you with special room rates and discounts. Terms and Conditions apply.
4. Is it safe to sleep underground?
Absolutely. Underground living has been a way of life in Coober Pedy for generations and is one of the town’s most unique and fascinating features. Dugout homes and underground accommodation are carefully excavated into stable sandstone rock, providing a safe, quiet, and naturally temperature-controlled environment year-round.
Staying underground is not only safe — it’s an authentic Coober Pedy experience that visitors from around the world travel to enjoy.
Reviewed by TrenaWgh
This was a brilliant place to stay. Such a novelty staying underground! Such friendly Staff, our room was warm, comfortable, and just awesome!, Added bonus is that you can walk outside and climb up the hill that the hotel is set in and have a wonderful view of the township.
Highly recommend staying here!
GREAT PROPERTY & FANTASTIC OVERNIGHT STAY
Reviewed by Jason
Great property and fantastic overnight stay. Fantastic location with views across town and scenery, rooms very comfortable and bathrooms recently renovated. Excellent value for money - I have stayed at five star airport hotels with rooms exactly the same as the Lookout Cave and paid triple the price. Very cool experience sleeping in a dugout motel. Extremely friendly family running the hotel with excellent local tips. Couldn’t fault it.