A city where people live in holes, and if they expand their habitat, they can find precious stones.

In the arid expanse of southern Australia lies Coober Pedy, a small town with fewer than 1,500 residents, where more than half of its inhabitants live in underground homes carved into the earth. The town’s unique living conditions stem from extreme surface temperatures, which often exceed 40 degrees Celsius during summer. To escape these harsh conditions, many residents have opted to reside in subterranean dwellings that maintain a consistent temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius throughout the year. This practice has become deeply ingrained in the community, shaping both daily life and the town's identity. The origins of Coober Pedy trace back to 1915, when a 14-year-old boy named Willie Hutchison discovered opals scattered across the ground while searching for gold. His discovery sparked a rush among miners who flocked to the area to seek their fortune in the precious stones. Today, over 70 percent of high-quality opals supplied globally originate from this region, making it one of the world’s largest opal deposits. The presence of opals has not only shaped the local economy but also influenced the architectural choices of the town’s residents. The decision to build homes underground was initially driven by necessity. Early settlers constructed above-ground houses, but the extreme temperature fluctuations made such living conditions uncomfortable. Miners began taking refuge in abandoned rabbit burrows, which offered some respite from the heat. Over time, they expanded and improved these shelters, discovering that the earth itself acted as a natural insulator, maintaining stable temperatures even in the sweltering summers and freezing winters. The soft, easily excavated rock allowed for the creation of spacious, multi-room homes, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and even swimming pools. These subterranean residences are not merely functional, they are also social spaces. Some homes are designed for tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into this unconventional lifestyle. Above ground, the town features churches, including a Serbian Orthodox church, a hotel, a bookstore, a gallery, a bar, and a billiard hall. The unique architecture and setting have also attracted filmmakers, serving as a backdrop for movies such as Mad Max, Priscilla, and Pitch Black. Despite the comfort and practicality of underground living, opinions remain divided on whether it is a healthy or sustainable choice. Will Hunt, author of a book on subterranean spaces, argues that the human body is not biologically adapted to life below ground. However, many residents disagree. One woman who has lived in an underground home since 1961 found an opal worth $10,000 while expanding her dwelling, reinforcing her commitment to this way of life. She has no intention of leaving, despite the concerns raised by critics. The name “Coober Pedy” originates from the language of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area. It is derived from the phrase “kupa piti,” which translates roughly to “white man in a hole.” This description reflects how outsiders viewed the miners, who spent long hours digging for opals, often perceived as being trapped in holes. Life continues to unfold in this unusual town, where the rhythm of existence is dictated by the earth itself. On the surface, there is a golf course, though it lacks grass. Players carry artificial turf to create a playing surface, adapting to the environment in their own way. Below ground, families live in homes that have been shaped by generations of adaptation, proving that survival in extreme climates can take many forms.