This city, originally known as Hummocks Hill until 1916, is the fourth-largest city in South Australia and part of the Iron Triangle. Its history is rooted in the mining industry, and you can experience this firsthand by visiting the Whyalla Maritime Museum, Hummock Hill Lookout, Point Lowly Lighthouse, and the Whyalla Marina.
Whyalla Maritime Museum
If you love history and have never been to the Whyalla Maritime Museum, now is the time. Located near the Lincoln Highway, this museum digs into the maritime history of this city. The museum features HMAS Whyalla, the alleged largest landlocked ship in Australia. The museum also features the former Whyalla Shipyard, which was the site of more than sixty ships. Tours of the shipyard take you on a journey through the wartime, maritime, and natural history.
The Whyalla Maritime Museum houses a wide range of historical artefacts and items, from Aboriginal culture to the history of the local shipbuilding industry. The World War II Gallery details the story of the four wartime corvettes built in Whyalla. The BHP Shipbuilding Gallery highlights the diverse maritime environment of Whyalla, which was home to shipyards for over sixty years from 1940 to 1978. The Natural History gallery documents the rich marine environment of the region. It also includes an 1814 edition of Matthew Flinders’ journals and charts that show the area’s early maritime heritage.
Hummock Hill Lookout
If you love panoramic views of Whyalla and the surrounding area, you must visit Hummock Hill Lookout in Whyalls. Developed by BHP, this lookout was opened during the jubilee Royal Visit of 1986. The site was also the site of the first settlement in the area, which was around the turn of the century. The hill is now used as a scenic viewpoint, and the area has heritage interpretive signage.
There are a number of vantage points that provide a contrasting view of the area. You can observe the massive steelworks that are a feature of the Whyalla skyline, the picturesque Whyalla Foreshore, and the harbor, home to resident dolphins. Or you can take a stroll through the city’s history by stopping at the Whyalla Panorama. This view reveals the discoveries of the early explorers as well as the development of the city.
The area has a rich history dating back to 6000 years. The local Aboriginal people, called Barngarla, lived in the area. They wore kangaroo-skin cloaks and hunted both land and marine life. You can also learn about these people at the Whyalla Maritime Museum. There is a lot to explore when you visit Whyalla. And don’t forget to visit the Hummock Hill Lookout!
Point Lowly Lighthouse
The Port Lowly Lighthouse is a heritage listed building that was built in 1883. If you’re a lover of sunsets and stargazing, this is the spot for you. The rocky shoreline at Point Lowly is a popular fishing spot. And if you’re a photographer, there’s no better spot than Point Lowly. The historic building is only about 20 minutes from Whyalla.
If you’re in the area during winter, you can see the famous mass breeding of the giant Australian cuttlefish. In addition to attracting thousands of tourists each year, the breeding grounds also attract researchers and internationally renowned underwater photographers. While you’re in the area, make sure you check out the Point Lowly lighthouse and the grounds that surround it. You can even swim with these amazing creatures!
While you’re at Point Lowly, you might want to check out the Sundowner Cabin and Tourist Park, which are just outside the town center. These places are clean, have balconies to dry wetsuits, and have good pub meals. There’s also a museum in town that details local history. The museum was originally built in 1922 as a sheep station. The museum has old photos of life in the area and offers many interesting information. You can also take a picnic and enjoy the outdoors.
Whyalla Marina
The Whyalla Marina in South Australia is close to Hummock Hill and the Whyalla Yacht Club. The city of Whyalla, South Australia, is located on the northeastern tip of the Eyre Peninsula. Its growth was based on its nearby iron ore deposits and steelworks. Nowadays, the marina has a large population of recreational fishers. There are several other options for boaters in the region.
In the past, the Whyalla Marina has been the home to an annual Snapper Fishing Competition. This event attracted fisherman and tourists from across the world. However, due to overfishing, the competition is no longer held. Today, the marina offers boat ramps and other amenities. The town has a fascinating history, including the coal mining industry. It was named a regional centre by the government of South Australia in 1991.
Ada Ryan Gardens
If you’re visiting Whyalla, South Australia, you’ll definitely want to visit the park known as Ada Ryan Gardens. The park is located near the city’s Foreshore Motor Inn and the beach cafe. It’s located near the Ada Ryan Foreshore Park, which is a popular place for picnics and barbecues. The grounds also feature picnic tables, playground equipment, and wheelchair access. Ada Ryan Gardens is an interesting historical feature, as the park used to be Whyalla’s first cemetery, which was moved there from Broadbent Terrace.
The Garden is also home to the Butterfly Wall, which honors people whose ashes have been scattered outside of Whyalla Cemetery. The Butterfly Wall contains three lines of text with the name, date of birth and death, and location where the ashes were scattered. Despite the cemetery’s pity for the family members of the recently deceased, this tree will always be a permanent reminder of a loved one.
Whyalla Conservation Park
The Whyalla Conservation Park is a natural, protected area located about 10 kilometres north of the city. Located on the Lincoln Highway, the park protects the surrounding area from agricultural activities. If you are looking for some great places to go for a day trip in Whyalla, you should consider stopping in the park. You can experience the natural beauty of the area while strolling the pristine trails.
The HMAS Whyalla Museum has a range of information on the area’s history, including a model railway and models of ships built in the area. You can even watch a video about how the HMAS Whyalla was transported from the sea to its current location. You can also go on a guided tour of the museum. The admission fee includes a tour of the museum.
Another attraction in Whyalla is the Cuttlefish Boardwalk. Here, you can watch the cuttlefish swim, and you can even go snorkelling – you won’t need a tank. The council has set up change rooms in the marina, and there are even chains to take you out to see the cuttlefish! Make sure to bring along your camera so you can snap some great pictures.
Fitzgerald Bay
The waters of Fitzgerald Bay have many things to offer visitors. The waters are home to the Giant Cuttlefish, the largest aggregation of these colourful creatures anywhere in the world. You can witness their magnificent mating ritual by swimming alongside them as they glide out of the water. This is a fun dive that is both easy and rewarding. Aside from these fascinating creatures, the water here is also a hub for industry is very much alive here.
If you enjoy swimming in the turquoise water, this is a great way to spend your time in Whyalla. You can also take a hike along the coastline of Fitzgerald Bay. The trail includes information boards and vantage points that offer panoramic views of the bay. If you enjoy hiking, make sure to take plenty of water, wear a hat, and sunscreen. The views will be spectacular, and you’ll have lots of fun exploring the area!
Cuttlefish Boardwalk
If you’ve never seen giant cuttlefish in the wild, now is your chance to do so. In winter, the waters of Whyalla are filled with tens of thousands of these beautiful creatures. Each year, this unique gathering occurs in a mass gathering called the Whyalla Cuttlefish Festival. The Festival includes food, stalls, music, citizen science events, markets, and more.
You can swim with cuttlefish at two separate beaches, Stony Point and Black Point, each offering a unique experience. The boardwalks provide easy access to the water and interpretive signage. In the winter, the water temperature is 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, so you may want to wear a thick wetsuit. The boardwalks are located near the Westlands shopping centre. Cuttlefish can be viewed both day and night, so you may want to plan your visit according to the weather.
Visiting Whyalla as a family is a great way to get to know its culture. There are many places to stay in the area, including bed and breakfasts and hotels. You can also explore the area’s many attractions, from shopping to the Elvis Museum. A list of attractions and places of interest is available for those seeking to learn more about this unique city. And, for those who’re not into diving, you can visit the Whyalla Maritime Museum, Ada Ryan Gardens, OneSteet Whyalla steelworks tour, and Wilson Park.