TOM'S OPAL MINE
Closed until Easter Friday 2026
Hello!
Our 2026 online bookings are now available and we look forward to welcoming visitors back soon.
Please note that our prices have changed for the 2026 season, and part of our tour experience has also been updated.
The Opal Buyer Experience, which was previously included in the Guided Tour, is now an optional activity available at the end of the tour for an additional cost.
This small fee helps cover the items children receive during the experience, such as lollies, gold coins, or sometimes a small toy.
We look forward to welcoming you in 2026!
ABOUT US
Tom’s Opal Mine is an authentic Opal Mine worked in the 80’s and 90’s. It is now a display mine showcasing underground workings with opal seams visible throughout.
We invite you to visit and join us for a Guided or Self-Guided tour.
Tom’s is a family friendly business welcoming pets on leads.
Please call us to discuss disability access.
Come on down to Tom’s Opal Mine for some underground fun!
TOURS
GUIDED TOUR
Adults - $40
Concession - $34.00
Children - $15 (3 - 17 year old)
3 year old - $5.00
2 & Under - Free
Family - $100.00
(2 Adults & 2 Children - $10.00 per additional child)
Tour Times: Peak season (April - Mid October) 10am and 1:30pm.
Please arrive 10 minutes before start time
Guided Opal Mine Tour Experience
Join us for up to 1½ hours with a local tour guide and discover the fascinating underground world of opal mining in Coober Pedy.
During the tour, you’ll be equipped with a mining helmet and black light, just like real miners use. Learn about the history of Coober Pedy, the story of opal mining, and the techniques used to find these beautiful gemstones.
Your guide will explain:
• Traditional and modern opal mining techniques
• How miners use black lights to spot opal
• The art of noodling for opal
• A live demonstration of a working Blower and Bosun Chair
We encourage questions along the way — our guides love sharing their knowledge and stories.
Kids Adventure
Children can take part in an opal hunt during the tour, searching for their own treasures along the way.
At the end of your guided tour, relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments:
• Fresh scones with cream and jam
• Barista-made coffee or tea for adults
• Chocolate or strawberry milk for children
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements (for example dairy-free or gluten-free).
Optional Kids Activity – Opal Buyer Experience
Parents also have the option for their children to take part in our “Opal Buyer” Experience for an additional $5.00. Children can sell the opals they find during the tour and receive their “payment” in gold coins or lollies — just like a real opal deal!
Please Note
During our first month of opening, the 1:30 pm tour is subject to minimum numbers. If the minimum is not reached, we will contact you to reschedule or arrange a refund.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you underground!
SELF-GUIDED TOUR
Adults $15 Children $8 Family $40
Adult 18 and up, Child 4-17 years old,
children 3 years and under free.
Tour Times: 9am to 4pm
You will be provided with a map, mining helmet and black light, for you to explore the mine at your leisure. Points of interest include information displayed on slides/faults and levels, history of opal mining, display of round and square tunnelling, static display of tunnelling machine and opal seams throughout the mine.
Don’t forget your camera! Plenty of photo opportunities.
Parents will be given a bag of opal/potch that they will be able to hide down in the mine for their children to find with their UV Torches.
Opal Buyer experience is only avaliable with the Guided Tours.
NOODLING PIT
FREE
After your tour, guided or self-guided, we encourage you to try your luck at hand noodling available above the mine. Noodling is the process of sifting through spent tailings to find any opal that may have been missed during mining. Original dirt is brought from the precious opal fields for this purpose.
CONTACT
Lot 1993 Stuart Hwy, Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
+61 461 540 154
PO Box 615, Coober Pedy, SA 5723
