Public Noodling Area (Jeweller's Shop)
Jeweller's Shop Noodling Area
A designated area on the edge of town where visitors can search mine tailings for free, with hunting for opal fragments as the signature experience.
In Coober Pedy, searching through mine tailings for opal fragments is called “noodling.” Northeast of town, near Jeweller’s Shop, there is a public noodling area where tailings dumped by mining companies can be searched for free. If you are lucky, you may find shimmering little fragments. Bring a flashlight or UV lamp and look for glints in the shadows. Note that you may only search in designated areas, and entering private mining claims is illegal without permission. Mining areas are full of unfenced, deep vertical shafts, so never walk backward or wander into unfamiliar ground. Wear a hat and carry plenty of water.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime)
Nearby sights
- Faye's Underground Home
- Old Timers Mine
- The Big Winch Lookout
- Catacomb Church
- Coober Pedy Drive-In
- Josephine's Kangaroo Sanctuary & Art Gallery
- Serbian Orthodox Church of St Elijah
- Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church