A mining town in Australia’s outback appears to be completely deserted, but its residents have escaped the scorching heat by living in underground caves. The town of Coober Pedy is home to over 1,500 people, as well as hotels, restaurants and churches, all of which are located up to 100ft below ground. “Coober Pedy is renowned for its below-ground residences, called dugouts, which are used to avoid the scorching daytime heat,” says photographer Abigail Varney, who visited the unusual town, located 846km north of Adelaide.
These are the men with one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
A diver explores the crystal clear waters of the Silfra canyon in southern Iceland, which is the only place on Earth where you can dive or snorkel between two continental plates .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
SAT ON top of a Brazilian turtle’s head, this little ladybird looks content as he studies his environment from a new height .
MESMERIZING night sky photographs offer a spellbinding look at the stars .
Is your cat bored? Do his usual playthings simply not do it for him anymore? Not to worry - there's an app for that .