Day 15 - Coober Pedy and Port Germein

Before leaving Coober Pedy, we visit Tom's Working Opal Mine. Opals are still being mined in this mine. We would have liked to take a guided tour of the mine, as the nice guide shows the guests how the different equipment works. But unfortunately, it requires a minimum of 4 people and there were only two of us.

Nevertheless, we were allowed to explore the mine on our own. At least the part where no more active digging is taking place. Before we start, the nice gentleman explains to us where the most interesting points are and equips us with helmets and blacklight lamps.

Already at first glance, the mine is huge. No comparison to the abandoned mine from the previous day. However, Tom's Mine was also excavated with machines.

We stroll along the corridors and in many places, the walls sparkle in the blacklight because of the opals.

Before the mine, you are allowed to search for opals in the rubble piles and take them home if you find any. We found something, but whether it's a piece of opal... imagination will probably turn it into one 😄

After that, we head south again. It's now 45°C and we are looking forward to the slightly milder climate on the coast. After nearly 600km, we reach Port Germein, a small village 240 km north of Adelaide. When we arrive, it's low tide. It's the first time, since our trip, that we can clearly see the tides.

Port Germein is small and initially seems inconspicuous. The highlight is the approximately 1.5km long pier. Even the campsite is quite cozy, although we feel a bit exposed on our pitch. Our first impression of Port Germein is mixed. It's hard to explain, I think you have to experience it yourself.