Coober Pedy, South Australia

They came from all over the world to strike it rich in the opal mines, but many eventually settled in Coober Pedy to make it one of the most multicultural towns in the world. With 45 nationalities represented in the dusty town, expect great stories over a beer in this eccentric mining town. With searing temperatures across its windswept plains, 80% of the locals live underground – even the church is down in the dirt.

Apart from its stunning array of opals, you’ll also find pottery, old mining displays and a golf course without a blade of grass in sight. The golf course also has a reciprocal agreement with the home of golf St Andrews in Scotland, so how’s that for trivia!