The Breakaways Reserve, about 30 km north of Coober Pedy, is the essential half-day trip from town. A loop track of unsealed but normally car-passable road takes you through about 27 square kilometres of multi-coloured mesas, painted desert hills, and salt-pan plains. There are several signed viewpoints; sunrise and late afternoon are when the colour really comes alive.
You need a permit (sold in town at the visitor centre and at most fuel stops); proceeds go to the local Aboriginal corporation that co-manages the reserve. Stay on marked tracks and carry plenty of water — there is no service of any kind out here.