Member - Andrew R (VIC) replied:

Hi Eric,

we went through Woomera and Coober Pedy recently. I would just have a look at Woomera if I was you. Coober Pedy is very interesting, but a bit of a messy old town. Of course everyone gets different things out of places.

Have fun

GeoffSA replied:

Eric,

You should spend some time in the Flinders Ranges while that close. You won't be disappointed.
I have not been to White Cliffs, but you will find some very interesting sites and history at Coober Pedy. Worth a stay over to do the underground tours.
Woomera is also very interesting for a day visit. The heritage centre is quite a memorable visit.
Don't forget to also visit the memorial to Len Beadell in the Woomera Cemetery.

Unfortunately the two towns are quite a drive apart, so you may want to stay at Woomera overnight before heading off to Coober Pedy if you wish to get the most of your visit.

Regards,

Geoff.

Member - Mungo Explorer (NSW) replied:

I have been to White Cliffs but not to Coober Pedy, and I'm a bit surprised to hear people call CP a poor second to WC. I've always thought it was the other way round?

Al & Mrs Al (Vic) replied:

Hi Eric

we have not been to White Cliffs [yet] but were in Coober Pedy recently but for one day only :( we found it really interesting...and we want to go back at some other stage as we didn't get a chance to check out the Breakaways or some of the interesting underground buildings, however we did manage to take our kids - aged 5 & 3 to the Old Timers Mine which they loved - and so did we....

cheers

Lyn

Member - Jack replied:

Hi Eric:

I have been to both, and my personal preference was Coober Pedy. I liked the (local) people better there than White Cliffs. A lot friendlier to my mind. But both are interesting, and I can't imagine you being disappointed with a visit to either (or both).

Woomera is an interesting place to visit, but not my choice for a place to stay. "Ghost Town" is a pretty apt description. But the displays etc are quite interesting. Get in, see the sights, then move on is how I would handle it. Been through Woomera on three separate occasions and nothing has enticed me to want to stay over.

Jack

KiwiAngler replied:

Eric

I have been to both and they are very different places.

WC (http://www.walkabout.com.au/locations/NSWWhiteCliffs.shtml)

is smaller more 'undeveloped' (compared to CP) and the people that make up the population are different. Some are 'weekend miners' (live in a city and take there holidays in CP where they work (noodle) a small mine) some are there for the remoteness and may or may not want to tell you their past (get my drift) some are there because they have been there so long they have nowhere else (Jock) and some are there running businesses (underground hotel (PJ's), pub, opals)

CP (white man down hole)

seemed more 'established' to me, camping ground, pizza place, video store, tab etc etc.but has equally amazing characters (Crocodile Harry)

As someone has previously stated they are both very interesting but of the 2 I preferred WC. Jock is a legend, if you go to WC then you must take Jocks underground tour.

I spent a night in both places and enjoyed them both for different reasons

Lone Wolf replied:

Woomera...........

Grew up there 1967 - 1975

Overnight would be good. You can spens 4 hours in the Heritage Centre easily. If you've got young kids, they'll get bored real quick.......... kids & history = "Im Bored mum!!"

Now......... Roxby is like only 40 minutes away........... mine tour?

Coober Pedy........... can't help you there.

Member - Glenn(VIC) replied:

Hi Eric,

I have been to both and enjoyed both. White Cliffs is only a small town compared to Coober Pedy and could be covered in two days max. Coober Pedy is well worth three or four days to see everything.Take the golf clubs as both towns have golf courses. Why not drive from Woomera, up to Andamooka, then along the Oodnadatta to William Creek and then into Coober Pedy, that way you will have seen three of Australia's opal fields in one trip.

Cheers

Willem replied:

Eric

It is interesting that you should ask what places are like as each one of us has a different perspective of things. I have visited all the places mentioned here and have found something of interest in all of them. I NEVER listen to others comments about what a place is like because their view may be tainted for whatever reason.
Go there, visit all the places and enjoy your time doing so...after all, that is what a holiday is all about.