White Cliff is home to just 156 people, many of whom live underground to escape the scorching sun in the outback of New South Wales. If you are into unusual experiences, you can live like the locals while staying at the White Cliffs Underground Motel.
With record summer temperatures of 48.6 °C (119.5 Fahrenheit), the town's residents decided to use mining equipment to dig underground homes for themselves and visiting travelers. It meant a massive change in life quality as the cave dwellings offer a temperate climate of around 23 °C (73 Fahrenheit) even in scorching weather.
Then came the mini-eco revolution. The tiny opal mining town had Australia's first solar power station and started producing energy in 1981. Today, White Cliff is targeted at tourists because of its unique landscape, underground accommodations, and mining history.
The settlement has sprawled in all directions, with dusty roads leading around several hills.
The mesa hills of an estimated 50,000 mining sites are best seen from the air.
Here, you will find opal shops, underground motels, and B&Bs, as well as some locals who may invite you to their cave dwellings for a nightly fee.
One fun stuff to do around the town is to try your luck finding opal in the opal fields or purchase a unique piece from an underground jewelry shop.
The commercial hunt for the pretty mineraloid is no longer part of daily life here. There are only about ten opal cutters left in White Cliffs. The field has been overgrazed, and the machinery cost has become too high – so opal mining is no longer profitable.
Above ground, you'll find an eerie moonscape formed by years of mining for the elusive opal.
White Cliffs Underground Motel was constructed into the belly of a mesa hill over 20 years ago. Since then, it has offered unusual accommodations for brave travelers navigating deep into Australia's outback.
Entrance to the underground world of White Cliffs
White Cliffs is not as touristy as the much more famous Coober Pedy, but it is the place to be if you want serenity without crowds.
Staircase leading into the underground dwelling
When you check in at the reception, you'll get detailed information on how to avoid getting lost in the underground cave system and find your room. The white-walled labyrinth can easily mess with your head.
The ground is made of solid sandstone, so the temperature underground remains constant, and the risk of collapse is very low.
Communal dining
The cave interiors are impressive because of their spaciousness and brightness, and they don't feel cramped at all.
Food in the motel is tasty and the portions are big
Aboriginal artworks and artifacts are exhibited in the motel's mini museum.
The air shafts ensure proper ventilation, preventing musty air while maintaining even warmth throughout the year without needing air conditioning or heating.
Each of the 44 rooms is laid out differently, sometimes with a double bed and sometimes with two or up to four separate beds. All have a small wardrobe and nightlights. Plus, towels, shower gel, and shampoo are provided by the beds.
The shower/toilet is outside the rooms for shared use.
When the temperature drops in the evening, the staff lights a campfire for a cozy evening get-together.
There is a telescope on top of the hotel where you can observe the universe on a clear night sky. The starry sky in the outback is always a unique experience, as you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
129 Smiths Hill, White Cliffs NSW 2836, Australia
