Coober Pedy

23rd May

This morning the film crew was dispersing – they were to film in this area today, stay tonight then on to Coober Pedy tomorrow.  The movie’s called “ Last Cab From Darwin” and apparently Jacqui Weaver joins the cast in Darwin, where they film for 2 weeks.  We were headed for Coober Pedy via a lovely red dirt road.  It’s not just flat and monotonous out here, that’s for sure!  Hills, rocks, undulating road, lots of greenery due to the recent rains – it keeps the drive interesting.

  It's not every day you get to see a couple of taxis being towed around the outback - at Marree, at the mound springs, on the Oodnadatta Track and at William Creek.  Quite a sight!

Not quite the standard of the Ovens-Eurobin truck 
he's used to, but Phil's impressed nonetheless.

The approach to Coober Pedy from the east was marked by mounds of dirt as far as the eye could see, along with plenty of trucks and machinery scattered around.  Houses were dug into the sides of hills and the whole scene was quite surreal.  I’ve been here before, but it was 30 years ago when the roads were still all dirt and the memory has faded.  We had a decent look around, went into a few underground buildings, drove around the backblocks, had a look at the golf course (which can’t boast a single blade of grass) and generally found this an interesting town.  We spent 2 nights here at a really good little caravan park, secure and with good facilities. 

They may not have grass, or greens,
 but at least they have a sense of humour

There are obviously big social problems in Coober Pedy, with aboriginal people aimlessly roaming the streets in groups and begging for money from tourists.  There are alcohol restrictions throughout town and a heavy police presence.  I’m sure that wouldn’t be an easy job!

How cute is this little fella?  A bearded dragon.