QuickCheck: Is there an Australian town that exists underground?
WITH the scorching heat these days, many almost wish they could hide anywhere, even underground, away from the sun.
And there seem to be whispers of some who actually do it, living in a subterranean sanctuary.
Sound like a plot twist from a lost Indiana Jones movie? Maybe. But is there truth that there is a town that exists underground?
Verdict:
TRUE
Coober Pedy is a small town in the southern Australian outback over 800km from the nearest city.
In the summer, the heat can climb to 45°C, leaving the entire area hot and desolate, and for most, living in such conditions is unbearable.
Instead of battling the sun, the residents of Coober Pedy got creative and embraced the underground, carving out a life beneath the earth's surface.
Known as "dugouts," these homes are carved into the rock, providing natural insulation against the elements. Walking through this town feels like navigating an elaborate ant colony.
A little history about this town, Coober Pedy is dubbed the Opal Capital of the World, with mines producing a significant portion of the planet's opal supply.
The promise of these precious gems drew fortune seekers from far and wide, with the underground lifestyle becoming a practical solution to the harsh climate.
Today, Coober Pedy attracts curious travelers and gem enthusiasts eager to experience life underground and perhaps find a gem or two.
Visitors can stay in underground hotels, explore opal mines, and even try their luck at mining.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/future/ article/20230803-the-town- where-people-live-underground
https://southaustralia.com/ destinations/flinders-ranges- and-outback/places/coober-pedy
https://www. nationalgeographic.com/ photography/article/coober- pedy-opal-mining
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