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Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious!

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Huge room with seated area and large window and fan - an Adult space!
Room
Outdoor dining
Miscellaneous
Dining area - through to large games room (sofa bed to convert to 4th bedroom)

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym

Explore the area

View map
Coober Pedy, SA
  • Place, Coober Pedy Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Serbian Orthodox Church
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Coober Pedy, SA (CPD)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious!

The most light filled dugout you'll ever see!!
THE biggest dugout you will find!! - beautiful rock and ultimate safe and private location.

**NOW with FREE FAST WIFI**

HUGE WEEKLY & MONTHLY DISCOUNTS... set up for Artist retreats, family longer stays, working holidays, work trips too.

*THE NUMBER 1 CHOICE FOR FILM CAST AND CREW*

It has the most stunning machine and artistry cut carved walls, high ceilings, and Opal & Potch to be found hidden in every room. We are only 4kms from the main town strip, so we are in a very safe and secure part of town; both structural and security.
It's a very special dugout, some say it's one of the best in town!

Light filled, large and very comfortable. The temperature may be 6 days of over 45 degrees (as it is right now while I'm typing this) ... BUT INCREDIBLY the inside of the house is a pleasant 23-24 degrees!! - it's not at all stuffy, the air is fresh and stone filtered. It's just perfect temperature ALL YEAR ROUND!! - we do have an air conditioner, but it's really just so people who don't believe us feel secure. You don't really get the true Coober Pedy Underground Living experience if you don't trust me. You'll never feel a place Welcome you inside, like a dugout does on a hot day! The other great thing about this dugout is its fully enclosed, bug and fly free, outdoor entertaining and BBQ area.
Our house is located right in the main route of our local Kangaroos and Emus... follow their them or their tracks up to the roof (top of the hill) for spectacular sunset (or sunrise) views.
PLENTY of Car and Van (campers, trucks, etc) space.
*Occasionally some may find dugouts uncomfortable, especially the small hand cut, or busy and cramped ones, may be hard to go in... this one however has made even the worst claustrophobic at ease and safe.

We are super family friendly and have everything you need to just relax and let the kids (of all ages) do their thing... with you or safely away from you too.
We do allow dogs, but you'll need to let me know when you book: As there are some important hygene guidelines.

This dugout is uniquely situated and dug to allow phone reception from almost all parts of the house, including deep inside which is extremely rare for dugouts, but handy for busy people still needing there reception and internet... note this only applies to Telstra & Optus customers. - there is no wifi at the property.

We are in the "Safest" (and most beautiful) part of town... is what I'm told, and I'm inclined to agree with. The space here is spectacular... views everywhere you look, and plenty of space to feel the freedom of being in such a uniquely stunning and beautiful location. It's quiet, calm and has plenty of local Emu's and Kangaroos visiting.

This place is best suited to people who are driving. You can hire cars at the airport and locally, but as there's no reliable Taxi or Uber service in town you will need to arrange things. I can however organise my cleaner (house manager) to arrange pick up/drop (even babysitting) if you want to arrange a lift - to pay a small fee directly to her.

The most incredible secret about Coober Pedy is actually how incredibly friendly the locals are.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children of all ages welcome, with toys and games
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Conditions apply, please ask. No cats inside sorry
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Dog only completely house trained and charged as adults - no pets in bedrooms or living areas. - must be thoroughly cleaned up after.
Please strip beds (at least the top sheet) so the cleaner knows which beds were used. Thank you (this is a request from the cleaning company)

Important information

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is home to this holiday home. Tom's Working Opal Mine and Old Timers Mine are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Water Conservation Reserve and Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park.
Map
Coober Pedy, SA

What's nearby

  • Coober Pedy Park - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
  • St Peter & Paul Catholic Church - 9 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Serbian Orthodox Church - 9 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Umoona Opal Mine & Museum - 10 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Faye's Underground Display Home - 10 min drive - 7.5 km

Getting around

  • Coober Pedy, SA (CPD) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Italian Club - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Crystal Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Opal Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Downunder Gallery and Cafe - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious!?

As of 17 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious! on 18 July 2026 start from AU$159, including 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.

How much is parking at Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Stunning LIGHT FILLED UNDERGROUND Retreat - Earthworm House - Dugout - spacious! located?

Located in Coober Pedy, this family-friendly holiday home is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Water Conservation Reserve, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Josephine's Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage and Coober Pedy Park. Umoona Opal Mine & Museum and Faye's Underground Display Home are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Meegan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in
Loved the property.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
So glad you loved it! And thank you for your gorgeous message in the Guest Book. We look forward to hosting your again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanna O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely unique experience

The property was perfect for our employees offering a unique experience, the comforts of home and somewhere we would stay at again :)
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
We look forward to hosting your team again very soon! - i'm glad they all loved their unique stay... they were a hoot when they checked in and couldn't stop having about "how cool" your booking for them was.
Verified

8/10 Good

Caroline S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a completely unique experience. The family spent hours outside watching the stars.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
The stars are beyond epic aren't they? If there's no moon you can reach out to touch the Milkyway (well, it seems like it) - and if there's a moon the night doesn't need lights as it's so bright. I'm glad your family loved it!
Verified

8/10 Good

Celia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
No National Park
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kym V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Underground excitement

Really loved staying in Coober Pedy!!!! It’s so interesting and this house added to our enjoyment.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
We love it when people "get it" - the house is like nowhere else on earth... and its wonderful when it's appreciated. Thank you so much for this review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lesley G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What an experience

We absolutely loved staying in this property. We had been on the road for a week and on our way back down south so it was perfect to stop over in a house with some space for the kids to play, run around and lots of toys and DVDs. It was very clean and comfortable and not to mention the full experience of staying under ground.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vic G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great and different

A nice place to experience what it is like to live at cooper Pedy ..a nice size home that definetly does not disappoint...
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
Thank you for your review. The accommodation is actually the largest in available in all of CP - so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind review- it means a lot to my mum and our family.
Verified

8/10 Good

Cynthia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cave stay

Interesting
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Mar 2025
Thank you for your review. We look forward to hosting your family when they come next month. Thanks for recommending us. We definitely agree we are interesting... and a bucket list and a beautiful place to make family memories in a huge spacious homely underground house. Safe onwards adventures
Verified

6/10 Okay

Alpin C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Neat and roomy

The beds and living areas are very neat and tidy and roomy. Kitchen cupboards are ready for a Reno but serviceable. The only let down was the bathroom which had damp in the walls and a mould problem. Bit of exit mold solved some of it. Peaceful location and fair value
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
Thank you for the review. We have re-tiled the bathroom and worked hard to remove and be on top of any mould. I hope you can come again. We haven't changed the kitchen as we love it - it's retro and clean (and we don't have carpenters in town, so it's best to love what we have)
Verified

6/10 Okay

Holger S.

Liked: Location
For the Price we paid, this was an underwhelming experience. No Wifi, TV did not work, broken shower valve, tiny and super soft bed in the second bedroom, no dishwashing detergent etc., no sofa - it feels like just a place with stuff in it. No problem if it is priced accordingly- but the only bit that was 5 star was the price- we stayed much better at a lower price in CP before
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
Hi Holger, This is quite a poor review, my sincerest apologies if you felt the rate (for a single night) is too high... My single night rate isn't a bargain- i definitely make that clear... that is because it's only really available for people wanting the experience or who need space for a large group wanting to stay together. My cleaner requires the same amount if the stay is one or 3 nights - as the whole place does still get turned over - definitely making a single night stay a lot more when considering value - i pay them $165 (as they are the only reliable cleaners in town, I've had to fork out to be able to offer the experience) so if you take that in account, my taking is very minimal. I do apologise you couldn't find the dishwashing liquid - i wish you'd called and i would have told you where to find the stored bulk containers. And I wish I'd known sooner about the shower head - my cleaner cant see the problem when she is turning it on. As for the TV the stations, they aren't always available in the middle of the outback desert - but I have 100s of DVDs to enjoy a movie & TV shows "old school style" - and we are one of the only dugouts that gets phone/data as we have Windows and natural light so the reception is mostly available throughout (except the very back room) - as for a soft tiny bed - i don't understand this review (it's like it's for somewhere else) - as both my double beds are Queen sized (and extremely comfortable) and my 2 single beds are normal single bed sized - also, no sofa?? We have multiple... I don't understand this part? - the only bed that is only a double sized is our fold out futon Sofabed (which is actually a larger double than normal as we use Queen sheets) - it is recommended for young adults/teens/kids - as it is a futon. I'm sorry, I have never heard our beds were otherwise ever "too soft" or tiny - I'm assuming you stayed on one of the single beds, as it's the only soft bed - but it's my Mother's favourite bed by far. I'm inclined to prefer firmer beds too, but many like softer, and I've slept very comfortably on that bed myself. I may need to pull my single-night stays again, (I removed them for over 2 years) as this review is understandable if money is tight, but i opened it up at the request of many returning guests who think our accommodation is 2nd to none especially for large families who live in Alice Springs but stay overnight when travelling to Adelaide. As well as time poor bucket-Listers. I did make it clear that value for a single night isn't thr best if you are after anything other than those reasons. Being in a huge underground house - particularly in ALL NATURAL (unpainted) WALLS on one of the biggest blocks of land in Coober Pedy, does come with a price tag. If we are 2 nights or more, for more than 4 people, we actually work out far cheaper than any motel in town. I hope others see that. I'm very sorry you didn't see the value. I wish you well.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ray W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Recommended

I have lived and visited Coober Pedy over 50 years and often the living standards can be poles apart from what city living can offer as essentially this is a mining town dominated by male miners living on the edge, however this place ( Earthworm ) was a real surprise ( thankfully ) it had generous rooms all spaced around for privacy and convenience . Amenities , kitchen, air conditioning, BBQ, entertainment systems all worked well and super kid friendly, kids had a better time than adults. Cheers Ray
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! - I'm so grateful you took the time to review our place and that you even know what you're talking about when comparing our accommodation to a city - it's wonderful to be appreciated, and in kind we appreciate you immensely!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ric S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Very good

Dugout very clean apart from some crumbling of walls mainly bathroom walls could do with resealing.very happy with our stay would stay there again thankyou
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ROBIN M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the Earthworm House

Great stay! Thanks for having us, Jess!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 May 2021
I'm so glad you had a great stay... We hope you're back very soon.
Verified

8/10 Good

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

First time underground

Loved it very unique and amazing
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Underground adventure

This was an excellent option to really experience Coober Pedy - so cool to stay in an underground house!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dugout

Very clean and comfortable property. Warm. Has everything you need there. Great spot.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
I'm so glad you had a great time!!  Look forward to having you again, and we might be able to throw in an extra special returning guests discount.  Thanks for the lovely review and leaving the dugout so beautifully.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place

Amazing place - loved it and loved Coober Pedy. Thanks Jess!
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
It's it just the most incredible place!? - I'm thrilled you enjoyed the dugout and Coober Pedy so much... I'm so glad you had a great time!!  Look forward to having you again, and we might be able to throw in an extra special returning guests discount.  Thanks for the short but super accurate review!! ;)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacob H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

Our first experience in an underground home and we were not disappointed! Beautiful home, spotlessly clean, close enough to town. We only stayed one night but wish we stayed more! Coober Pedy was such an interesting town, one of the highlights of our trip. My 4 year old particularly enjoyed all the toys as she had been missing hers back home. We would definitely stay here again. Thanks Jessica. Amazing!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
I'm so very glad you had a great time!! The place is sort of magical, I agree. Look forward to having you again, and we might be able to include an extra special returning guests discount.  Thanks for the kind review and leaving the dugout so well looked after.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hayley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Earthworm Stay Coober Pedy

A great family dugout with plenty of space for the family to enjoy this unique experience. Good location to the town centre of Coober Pedy and a nice distance away so you get to relax and unwind.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margarita B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay in Coober Pedy

This has been the best home stay on our trip to Uluru. The house was beautifully presented and immaculately cleaned. Will go out of my way to stay here again. Thank you to the property owner.
Verified

8/10 Good

Sally C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So interesting!

This was a great insight into living underground! We enjoyed our stay amongst the opal diggings!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Kerstin K.

Great start to our outback adventure!

Only stayed 1 night but it was the best place we could have hoped for. Very authentic Coober Pedy, giving you a great feel of the place.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay A.

It was the experience we were hoping for

This house was amazing. It was clean, roomy and had everything needed. It was not claustrophobic and the beds were very comfy. Plenty of games and DVDs for the kids to. The views of the sunset sitting up in the roof were beautiful. The communication and assistance from the owners was first class. Would definitely come straight back here if we ever pass through Coober pedy again. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
I'm so glad you all had a great stay, and got to add a truly unique experience to your memories. If you ever do find yourself back we will make sure to give you a very special return guest discount or gift. Thank you kindly for your lovely review, and for how well you looked after the house, both are extremely appreciated.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Adrian M.

Great house, a few little things let it down.

Couldn't ask much more of the house exactly what we expected. The over flowing wheelie bin at the front door wasn't the best start. We put it out the front at the owners request only to come back with the wind blowing it open and crows spreading rubbish 100m down the street. No washing up detergent supplied ( we left ours there). Big tin of coffee but only 2 tea bags, again left some of ours there. These things took the shine off the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

About the host

Hosted by Jess

Host profile image
I love living and sleeping underground... but not in any cramped or dank cave; I like lots of space and plenty of fresh air and natural daylight! - I fell in love with Coober Pedy along with daughter who was a toddler at the time (she's now 11, with a new toddler little brother - you can see them showing off their CP home together on Playschool), and my elderly Mum.
Setting up our spacious underground "dugouts" has been a labour of love - with so many issues and problems in the initial years. For example, when dugouts were first plumbed to have kitchen and bathrooms they didn't know the copper piping would erode so badly in our rock/earth... so everything over time has been leaked numerous times/been replaced/dug out and replaced again... we also need to seal the rock yearly to keep dust at bay, but as you can see in the photos, it's worth it to keep the natural colour of the rock and see the beauty that is our walls and ceilings. Our love for underground living, and having a safe and beautiful space to experience it, has meant we love sharing our home, and really love when people "get it" - we've had literal "A-List" Hollywood Stars and local celebrities even stay - and ALL have called me personally to say how much they love staying at our underground homes. But it's the families we love to cater for the most. Having designated areas for the littler ones to let off steam after a long drive, or just play and explore - plus we are the #1 choice for the regular film crews, pilots, teachers and Specialist Medical staff - we just love offering our place - and will ALWAYS do what we can to offer the best stopover or long stay possible. Obviously being 800kms from the nearest city has its challenges; beyond no IKEA or Kmart nearby - only 1 x parttime licenced electrician, 1 x extremely busy plumber; it is reliable cleaning staff that is the hardest to secure. We have managed after a few hard years to have the best possible that town has to offer and we are very grateful.

Why they chose this property

The safest and most beautiful spot in town- with plenty of space for multiple cars, caravans and trucks

What makes this property unique

It's really large, has high ceilings, lots of natural air flow, has natural daylight, has the most beautiful walls of coloured natural stone, and is in a very safe and secure location.
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