Big Winch 360 — Attraction in Coober Pedy

Nestled atop a hill in Coober Pedy, South Australia, Big Winch 360 offers a unique blend of history, stunning panoramic views, and exceptional dining experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or someone seeking breathtaking vistas, this destination has something special for everyone.

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🏗️ The Big Winch & Historical Significance

The centerpiece of the complex is the Big Winch, a large mining hoist that once played a crucial role in the town’s opal mining industry. Visitors can explore the area surrounding the winch, which includes the “Blower” (a vintage mining truck) and the “Steel Tree,” each with its own intriguing backstory. These installations provide insight into Coober Pedy’s rich mining heritage and are perfect for photography enthusiasts seeking unique subjects. 

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🍷 Big Winch 360 Café & Wine Bar

The on-site café and wine bar elevate the experience with a menu showcasing the best of South Australian cuisine. Dishes are crafted using local produce, offering a taste of the region’s flavors. Guests can choose to dine indoors in a relaxed setting or outdoors on the lush lawn, all while enjoying the mesmerizing sunset views over Coober Pedy and the nearby Kanku Breakaways Conservation Park.  

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🎥 360° Cinematic Experience

For those interested in immersing themselves further into the local culture, the Big Winch 360 complex features Australia’s first permanent Circlevision experience. This 360-degree cinematic journey offers an authentic portrayal of life along the Explorer’s Way and the quirky charm of Coober Pedy. Shows run every half hour, providing a captivating visual narrative of the region. 

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🌅 Visitor Tips • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to catch the sunset. • Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, ample parking, and family-friendly amenities. • Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. 

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⭐ Final Thoughts

Big Winch 360 is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a celebration of Coober Pedy’s heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring the historical artifacts, savoring a meal with a view, or enjoying the immersive cinematic experience, a visit here promises to be memorable. Highly recommended for anyone traveling through...

If you have a dog, don’t bother going here! If you want to get treated like a human, don’t bother going here!

We called up and pre booked an outside table to accommodate our dogs. We double checked dogs were allowed and yes, they said dogs are welcome.

Come to the day we arrive… we were met with an older lady who had the worst customer service. She was rude, hostile and confrontational. A simple, sorry we don’t allow dogs would suffice, yet she went out of her way to be rude.

As someone who works in customer service/hospitality, I understand it can be stressful and exhausting but in no way did my ‘How do we get our dogs to the lawn?’ question need an aggressive and disrespectful response.

I’m sure some of the staff are nice, but unfortunately the staff we were met with was absolutely atrocious at customer service. She acted as if she’d never smiled in her life.

I feel sorry for the staff that work with her as she discriminated all the ‘Non-Australian’ staff, calling them useless and incapable.

To the owner of Big Winch 360, I highly recommend you update staff and/or put them through a ‘how to be a decent human’ training program.

Much regards, An...

Dinner with a view—and a side of existential joy Stopped by The Big Winch for dinner and left wondering if I’d just eaten my way into a higher plane of existence. We ordered the pesto pasta and the grilled chicken burger, which I’m convinced were cooked by someone who made a blood pact with the flavor gods.

The pesto pasta was so good I briefly considered proposing to it. Fresh, herby, and just the right amount of garlic to make you question your relationships. The grilled chicken burger? Juicy, crispy, and stacked like it was trying to win a bodybuilding competition. I took one bite and forgot my PIN number. Washed it all down with an Asahi and a Guinness, because why choose between light and dark when you can have both and pretend you’re sophisticated?

The staff were legends—friendly, fast, and didn’t judge me when I tried to lick the plate. Bonus points for the view: you can sip your beer while watching the sun set over a landscape that looks like Mars if Mars had better hospitality. 10/10 would eat here again. Might...