12 Jun 2026
Words Thomas Stewart The Advertiser

Real gem: Coober Pedy opal mine motel

A truly unique piece of South Australian history has hit the market offering everyday Australians the opportunity to own an outback icon.

Previously a working opal mine, the hotel still holds plenty of its former glory as guests can walk through hallways and tunnels featuring seams of opals, hidden caves and other historical images.

Hitting the market for $2.5 million, the motel possesses sandstone tunnels, which were transformed in 1990 to a remarkably unique stay.

The motel hosts 16 rooms alongside one of Coober Pedy’s only function spaces for hosting up to 80 guests.

Sitting on 2530-square-metres, the hotel is just 700 metres from the town centre and has received rave reviews online including a 4.6 out of five on TripAdvisor and a 9.2 out of 10 on Expedia.

Senior specialist accommodation broker for ResortBrokers, Kelli Crouch said a wide range of buyers were interested in the unique offering.

“This is a really unique property, so it’s likely to appeal to a buyer who appreciates Coober Pedy’s quirky character and tourism appeal,” Ms Crouch said.

“There are fewer than half a dozen underground motels in Coober Pedy, and the Coober Pedy Experience Motel stands out even within that exclusive group — it’s the only underground motel in town with its own function and conference centre capable of hosting up to 80 guests.”

The hotel previously was run as Choice Hotels Comfort Inn for over 30 years before current vendor Hector Xu of Zed Motels purchased it in 2020. END