Desert Cave Hotel

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Desert Cave Hotel

Interior
Interior entrance
Exterior detail
Gift shop
Spelunking/cave exploring

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy, SA, 5723
  • Place, Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Catacomb Church
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church
    ‪5 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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Underground Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Above Ground Queen Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Above Ground Queen Room with Balcony

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

Underground Queen Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
  • Catacomb Church - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • St Peter & Paul Catholic Church - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Josephine's Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Faye's Underground Display Home - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Downunder Gallery and Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Opal Inn - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Orange Olive - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Waffles & Gems - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Desert Cave Hotel

Mountain 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.

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 parking available on site 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 do couples enjoy most about Desert Cave Hotel?

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

Are there hot tubs at Desert Cave Hotel?

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony 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. 252 out of 642 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 231 out of 642 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 98 out of 642 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 642 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 642 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Victoria Jane, Kimba

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Emma

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
They don’t clean the room every day.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Clean and comfortable hotel

I didn’t have any meals at hotel as the restaurant was not open for dinner. The underground room was an experience but I preferred the light of the above ground rooms. Easy location to reach shops and other restaurants. I’d recommend this this hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely Brekky, comfy bed, great shower, large room
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room comfy bed appreciated the complimentary water and coffee voucher . Excellent service we went back to try underground room .
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and very spacious underground room . I was quite scared but wanted to experience this type of accommodation and didn’t feel claustrophobic as ceilings were very high . Our room was amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good all round
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

beverley

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very disappointed in the room. Very old and not presented well. If you can’t get the underground rooms don’t take room 36 or Any in that building, which is directly opposite reception area
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard, Rowville

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect underground rooms were extremely quiet and spacious. Not having a dinner service was disappointing, but John's Pizza Bar directly across the street was an awesome place to eat & drink. Wanted to swim in the pool but was disappointed with the lack of maintenance and cleaning was a let down. Also we were denied take away cans for our rooms but the locals could easily purchase and leave with beverages. Frequent visits from locals into the carpark and building was unchecked and left us feeling unsafe.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location in the main street. Nice rooms
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Duncan

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Karin

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bed and bathroom were clean but overall room and balcony were dirty and uninviting. Some powerpoints, remote on air conditioner didnt work. Security chain on door was broken. Room not serviced every day. Bathroom sink stained, no plug. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Underground facilities professional and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Giulietta

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exceptional

We cannot not praise this hotel enough .. The management were lovely & helpful, house keeping staff were exceptional. Our underground room was spacious and beautiful what a great experience. Wifi connection was awesome, the breakfast that we had on two morning was delicious. Location was fantastic and great parking for our van. We have been on the road for 8 months and I have to say this has been the best stay by far I cannot praise it enough. Thank you for your beautiful hospitality and beautiful room wish we could have stayed longer . Jules & Jim WA
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed overnight - comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Saleena

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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