Desert Cave Hotel

3.5 star property
Motel with free parking, steps from Umoona Opal Mine & Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Desert Cave Hotel

Front of property - evening/night
Spelunking/cave exploring
Gift shop
Gift shop
Bar (on property)

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy, SA, 5723
  • Place, Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Faye's Underground Display Home
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Coober Pedy, SA (CPD)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

Above Ground Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Underground Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(16 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Above Ground Family Triple Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Underground Family Triple Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Above Ground Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Above Ground Queen Room with Balcony

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Underground Queen Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(10 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Coober Pedy

Desert Cave Hotel is adjacent to popular attractions such as Umoona Opal Mine & Museum and Catacomb Church. This 50-room, 3.5-star motel has conveniences like a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/cafe, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Umoona Opal Mine & Museum - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • St Peter & Paul Catholic Church - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Old Timers Mine - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Faye's Underground Display Home - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Serbian Orthodox Church - 6 min drive - 2.0 miles

Getting around

  • Coober Pedy, SA (CPD) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Underground Cafe and Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Orange Olive - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Opal Inn - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Boomerang Takeaway - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Desert Cave Hotel

Motel with free parking, steps from Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
Desert Cave Hotel features free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and conference space. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for AUD 10 per person one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, and offer advice about sights and eateries nearby. Additional amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a terrace.
For entertainment, guests can expect to find TVs. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators, minibars, and coffee makers are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: AUD 30 for adults and AUD 30 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Desert Cave Cafe - Lunch

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Multilingual staff

Business services

  • Business center
  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No elevator

More

  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday:
  • Outdoor pool

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately AUD 30 for adults and AUD 30 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 10 per person (one-way)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking. There's also a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.

National rating

This property has been awarded a star rating from the Australian Star Ratings Agency, Star Ratings Australia.

Property is also known as

Desert Cave
Desert Cave Coober Pedy
Desert Cave Hotel
Desert Cave Hotel Coober Pedy
Desert Cave Hotel Motel
Desert Cave Hotel Coober Pedy
Desert Cave Hotel Motel Coober Pedy

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Desert Cave Hotel?

Desert Cave Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Desert Cave Hotel?

As of Nov 10, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Desert Cave Hotel on Dec 10, 2025 start from $97.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to see around Desert Cave Hotel?

Located steps from Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, this motel is in Coober Pedy, and within a 10-minute walk of Josephine's Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage and Coober Pedy Park. You'll also find Old Timers Mine and Water Conservation Reserve less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Desert Cave Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Free RV/bus/truck parking and electric car charging are also available for guests.

Does Desert Cave Hotel include a casino at the property?

No, Desert Cave Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Desert Cave Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Desert Cave Hotel?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a minibar as well as a bar and a café.

Does Desert Cave Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Desert Cave Hotel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Desert Cave Hotel serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Desert Cave Cafe - Lunch.

Does Desert Cave Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Desert Cave Hotel.

Does Desert Cave Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Desert Cave Hotel?

The closest major airport to Desert Cave Hotel is Coober Pedy, SA (CPD), which is 3.5 mi away (7 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Desert Cave Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at Desert Cave Hotel offer a furnished balcony and may feature hill views.

Desert Cave Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 247 out of 626 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 225 out of 626 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 93 out of 626 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 626 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 626 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Stuart

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very functional
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable stay
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

FATIMA, SALISBURY NORTH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rahat from the Front Desk was very accommodating. He makes sure that guests are happy by going the extra mile when it comes to special occasions. Our overall stay was amazing. The hotel is beautiful & strategically located. Big clean room with balcony, nice bathroom complete with hair dryer and other amenities, free parking. I highly recommend it to couples and families staying in Coober Pedy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in a underground room was better than expected large room comfortable bed. I would happily stay there again highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

John

Great room
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Highly rate this hotel a must stay
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Coober Pedy Experience

A good way to experience living underground if only for a short moment. My wife and I both liked the experience. Breakfast was good and the coffee was excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Slept in the underground room and was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dipak

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved staying at Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy - possibly the best accommodation in the town! Staying in an underground room just rounded off our Coober Pedy experience. They offered complimentary airport transport and they had an onsite cafe/bar which was open all day with one complimentary coffee per person. This is on top of the tea and coffee available in your room. We also had access to discounted meals either at the hotel (breakfast) or dinner at the Opal Bistro down the road. I'd highly recommend a stay at the best accommodation in Coober Pedy!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Wayne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyable central location. Advertised a restaurant but it has been closed for quite some time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed underground was lots of dirt on bed upon arrival guess that is to be expected with the surroundings haha otherwise room is fantastic Unfortunately had a big family group yelling across, speaking in their rooms with their doors wide open in the hall past 11:30pm which disturbed our sleep so maybe some signs to make people aware to stay quiet in underground hallway past a certain time. otherwise such an amazing stay we thank you very much!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Nathan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Above ground room, with a king size bed. Room was spacious
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

kuan-chun

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bestest underground hotel in the world
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leanne

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jayne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not sure we were actually in a dugout as there was no evidence of being built into a hill. It was a nice room just not sure how authentic. Also the heating was set for the whole building and we had no control over the temperature and we were really hot overnight.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen.

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian and June

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The ability to park our car & caravan onsite was a big plus. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The property's appearance was far better than any other hotel/motel we saw in town.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

andrew, perth

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice little spot
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Tyrone

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Looks good from the outside inside could do with an update but was okay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Helen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the location opposite takeaway food shops.the motel had a bar and pokies
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lashawn

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025