WHYALLA

About Whyalla

Whyalla is a steel city. With a population of more than 20,000 (although it rises and falls according to the economic viability of the city), Whyalla is South Australia’s fourth largest centre after Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Gawler. Larger than Ceduna or Port Lincoln it is one of the three major centres on the Eyre Peninsula. The city’s primary appeal lies in the fishing available in the Spencer Gulf; the enduring interest in the steel industry which is now over 100 years old; and the interesting museums and lookouts in the local area (sourced from the Aussie Towns website – click for more).

TIP: The links below are “short-cuts” to each section on this page…

Our Accommodation

Staying at:Discovery Parks - Whyalla Foreshore (click for website)Park Map (click to open)
Address:51 Broadbent Tce Whyalla (click for location)WikiCamps (click to open web page)
Contact: Tel: (08) 8645 7474Email (click to send)
Arrive:Monday 11th September 2023
Stay for:3 nights
Depart:Thursday 14th September 2023
Notes:The park has a dump point
There is a Communal Fire pit but not sure about BYO fire pits - all subject to CFS approval
They have 2 camp kitchens, one of which is enclosed and could accommodate up to 40 guests

PLEASE NOTE: Sites will be assigned on arrival. No-one is to occupy another site other than the one they have been allocated by the caravan park management.

Here’s some images (from the internet) of Discovery Parks – Whyalla Foreshore…

Dining out in Whyalla

These are the top 10 eateries in Whyalla – as rated on TripAdvisor (listed by distance from the CP)…

EateryAddressCallDistance from CP
Seaview Café on Whyalla Foreshore - Café12 Watson Tce, Whyalla(08) 8645 88771.1kms
The Watersedge Restaurant (in the Foreshore Motor Inn)12 Watson Tce, Whyalla(08) 8645 88771.2kms
Breeze Bistro (on Facebook) - Café94 Essington Lewis Ave, Whyalla0473 839 4351.4kms
Percy's on Playford Restaurant (in the Alexander Motel)99 Playford Ave, Whyalla(08) 86459 4882.3kms
Hotel Eyre - Bar/Pub39 Playford Ave, Whyalla(08) 8644 48002.8kms
Tandoori Guru Restaurant - Indian76 Essington Lewis Ave, Whyalla(08) 8645 55862kms
Whyalla Curry House (no website) - Indian3 Mills St, Whyalla Norrie(08) 8644 25623.3kms
Sumthin' Tastee (no website) - CaféBroadbent Ave (Whyalla Wetlands), Whyalla0455 554 1993.5kms
Sundowner Motel Hotel - Bar/PubLincoln Hwy, Whyalla(08) 8645 76883.9kms
Lam Inn Chinese Restaurant - Asian167 Jenkins Ave, Whyalla(08) 8645 09996.9kms

TIP: There’s plenty more eateries to check out on TripAdvisor in the Whyalla area

Activities & things to do in the Whyalla region

Tourist Info

The Whyalla Visitor Centre is located on the Lincoln Highway, Whyalla - 4.5km north of the CP. Tel: (08) 8645 7900 Open 9am-4pm weekdays & 10am-4pm weekends
TIP: Most caravan park offices have stacks of tourist information brochures and the staff are usually helpful on places to visit

Drive or Walk to the Hummock Hill Lookout

The Hummock Lookout is a good starting point to help get your bearings and help with what to do in Whyalla. It’s a good hike up the hill to the top, or there is a road up for driving too. At the top there are various viewpoints, some overlooking the steelworks, others overlooking the Whyalla marina, beach and city.

There is also a small sliver of history at this Whyalla tourist attraction too – a large gun that was used during WWII as protection for the shipyards and steelworks, both of which were instrumental in the Australian war efforts.

Visit the Whyalla Maritime Museum & HMAS Whyalla

As you arrive it’s hard to miss the most prominent of Whyalla attractions, a ship sitting near the side of the highway. This is HMAS Whyalla, the first ship to be built in the newly opened shipyards in 1941. It served in WWII and spent some time as a mine sweeper. At the end of her life, she was bought by the City of Whyalla for the huge sum of $5,000 and brought back to be dry-docked in the exact same location where she was originally slipped into the sea. Now she sits 2km inland, and is the focal point of the Whyalla Maritime Museum.

The museum itself contains information about the local area, from the shipbuilding industry to exploration to sea-life to Indigenous stories. There is also a model railway depicting the local area and plenty of models of the ships built in the area. Make sure you also watch the video that shows moving the HMAS Whyalla from the water to it’s location today.

To visit the HMAS Whyalla, you will have to join one of the tours that are run twice a day, at 11:30am and 2pm. The tour is included with admission to the museum.

  • Located on Lincoln Hwy, Whyalla – 4.5kms from the CP
  • Open Daily 10am-4pm
  • Ship Tours:
    • Daily 11.30am and 1.30pm,(Bookings are essential). *Closed in footwear required.
    • Cost Adult $15.00; Concession $12.00
    • PLEASE NOTE – access to the ship is by guided tour only, and ship tours may be restricted or modified in extreme weather conditions. Access requires being able to traverse stairs and ladders.
  • Want more info? – check their website or call (08) 8645 7900
  • Read the reviews on TripAdvisor

Tour the Whyalla Steelworks

Whyalla exists primarily thanks to the steelworks which have been the basis of much of the industry of the city even up to present day. So while in the city, a visit to the steelworks will fill you with stories of over 100 years of history as well as the processes from ore to finished products.

The Whyalla Steelworks are a fully-integrated operation, starting with the mining of raw materials and ending with the distribution of finished steel products. 

Approximately 1.2 million tonnes of raw steel is produced in the steelworks each year, with about 65% of that product then transferred by rail to the steelworks Market Mills in billet form for further processing. The balance of the steel is then converted to finished products in the Whyalla Rolling Mill. These products service the construction and rail transport industries.

About the tours

Whyalla Steelworks Tours are available Monday (only day or group can do), Wednesday and Friday at 9:30am and leave from the Whyalla Visitor Information Centre.

Depending on production and maintenance schedules you will get to see different parts of the process operating around the 1000 hectare site. Your tour will take you past the blast furnace, coke ovens, reed beds, steel-making and casting plant and the rolling mills, where structural steel, rail line and steel railway sleeper sections are made.

PLEASE NOTE: Owing to safety requirements the tours are conducted along an agreed and authorised route and passengers do not leave the vehicle or enter any of the buildings whilst on the steelworks site. As this is an industrial site which operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, at times production schedules, plant shut downs, maintenance issues and road works can impact on the tour and certain operations may not be viewed. These factors are outside of their control.

Take a stroll along the Whyalla Jetty

Take a self-guided tour of the impressive once-in-a-generation Circular Jetty at the Whyalla Foreshore. The only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Watch the time-lapse video from demolition, to construction, to finalisation.

Opened in September 2020, the Jetty has been designed and built to last the next 80 years in this ever-changing world. Take a walk after the sun goes down to experience the Jetty under lights!

Collect a brochure and map from the Whyalla Visitor Centre and enjoy a self-guided walk along the unique circular jetty.

Take a Break in the Ada Ryan Gardens

Ada Ryan Gardens is Whyalla’s most popular park, a haven for recreational relaxation with beautiful grounds. Featuring shady lawns and gardens, free BBQ’s and picnic facilities, bird aviaries, free tennis courts, beach volleyball, toilets, a playground and paved wheelchair- accessible paths.

The Ada Ryan Gardens is linked to the Whyalla Foreshore with a walk way creating a large and lush recreational area. It’s also just a short stroll from the caravan park.

Visit the Mount Laura Homestead Museum

This part of Whyalla was originally the Mount Laura Sheep Station, and the main museum building was originally the homestead, hence the name. The whole museum is based on the history of Whyalla and the surrounding area, and includes lots of steam engines and other memorabilia from that time including an old locomotive that hauled iron ore in 1902. There are also displays on local telecommunications, a blacksmith’s display, horse drawn vehicles and even the first police lock up.

Be Amazed at the Elvis Presley Museum

The last thing you would be expecting to find when looking for Whyalla things to do was an Elvis Presley Museum, but yes, there is one.

It is more of a private collection that the owner, Peter, has put together over a lifetime of fandom, and he is happy to show anyone who is interested.

TIP: Before you visit, contact Peter through his Facebook page or call 0413 062 838 to arrange a time. Entry is by donation.

Drive or walk to the Flinders & Freycinet Lookout

The lookout offers magnificent views of the Upper Spencer Gulf, Southern Flinders Ranges and Middleback Range in the west. In 1802 Matthew Flinders was the first European to navigate and chart this unknown coast of South Australia, solving the centuries old mystery as to whether Australia was one continent or two.

Ten months later, in January 1803, Louis-Claude de Freycinet (1779 – 1842) navigated and charted the isolated coast for the Baudin expedition. He and his crew spent a night at False Bay, off what was to become Whyalla, and were impressed by the local scenery.

Don’t forget to take your selfie with the iconic contemporary sculptures of these famous explorers.

Look for the Public Art

Throughout Whyalla there are many examples of public art, just waiting to be discovered. Look out for the Loaded Dog outside of the Whyalla Veterinary Clinic, the Diver Sculpture located on the Whyalla Foreshore, and the nearby Peace & Harmony Globe and Sundial.

Street art is popping up around the streets of Whyalla, so as you travel around town, keep your eyes peeled for some of the incredible murals. Start your search on Essington Lewis Avenue for some of the best art.

1. Cuttlefish Craig

Every year between May and August, the cuttlefish come in their tens of thousands to mate and reproduce, in the process creating an amazing spectacle of cunning games, predation, underwater light shows and colourful kaleidoscopic displays.

As a tribute to this unique event the Whyalla community, led by artist Karen Carr, have created this installation to celebrate the amazing creatures, habitats and biodiversity of Whyalla’s coast and marine environment.

2. The Loaded Dog

The Loaded Dog sculpture was created by world-famous sculptor Andy Scott. The sculpture is based on the dog from Henry Lawson’s famous Australian bush tale ‘The Loaded Dog’. The story is about a playful mischievous retriever, Tommy, who makes off with a stick of explosive. Tommy drags the fuse through the campfire, lighting it and creating mayhem in the chase that follows.

3. Diver Sculpture

The sculpture of a diver was created by Yvonne Dorward; it is free standing measuring 2.2 x 2 metres. Whyalla is famous for its rich fishing grounds and a world phenomenon of cuttlefish breeding. It is a story of mutual interaction and celebration of the sea.

4. Peace and Harmony Globe and Sundial

The Rotary Club of Whyalla has erected a 2.5m stainless steel globe of the world and a sundial at the Whyalla Foreshore. The steel globe honours the multi-cultural heritage of Whyalla, recognising the countries of origin of the city’s immigrant workforce. The steel used in the manufacture of the globe was mined and smelted at OneSteel Manufacturing Plant in Whyalla.

5. Cuttlefish Mural

6. Sanaa Wall Art

Here’s some images from the internet of Whyalla’s public art…

Hike one of the City Trails

In 2001, the city of Whyalla celebrated one hundred years since its establishment.

To commemorate this significant event and to promote the city’s unique history and environment, Whyalla City Council developed three heritage walking trails – the City Walk, Education and Cultural Walk, and the Wetlands Walk – jointly known as The Centenary Trailways Project. Before embarking on any of the trails, please ensure that you have enough drinking water and remember to use sun protection.

City Walk Trail

This walk, at the north-eastern end of the city, encompasses many of the city’s historical sites and first buildings were located.  Hummock Hill is included in the walk and the panoramic view of the city, Spencer Gulf and Flinders Ranges makes the climb to the top worthwhile. Whilst at the top of the hill you can examine the guns used to protect the township during WWII.

Beginning and ending at the corner of Jamieson and Horwood Streets, the trail follows the OneSteel fence on the northern side of Hummock Hill to the top and then winds down to the CBD. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the history of the settlement, industrial history, natural and maritime heritage, and the city’s unique architecture.

  • Length of the trail: 1.9km. Follow the red route markers.
  • Warning: there is a steep incline on Hummock Hill and the trail merges with the road on the southern slope.

Education & Cultural Trail

The Education and Cultural walk is situated geographically in the centre of Whyalla and encompasses the main education and cultural precinct of the city including the campus of the University of SA, TAFE SA, Leisure Centre, Regional Development Australia and Middleback Art Centre.

The trail starts and finishes at the Whyalla Leisure Centre. There are interpretive signs along the way providing interesting facts about the significance of the buildings and the area.

  • Length of the trail: 2.1km.  Follow the blue route markers.

Wetlands Walk Trail

The wetlands walk traverses the site of the Whyalla Wetlands. Part of this land originally incorporated the city’s first airport. Interpretive signage along the trail provide information about the city’s first airport, the city’s water management initiatives and a wealth of historical information. There are many indigenous and introduced plants to admire as you meander the pathway whilst listening to the local bird life.

  • Length of the trail: 0.9 to 2.5km depending on where you walk
  • Read the reviews on TripAdvisor

TIP: Information and a map of Whyalla including all three walks can be picked up at the Whyalla Visitor Information Centre.

Catch some Fish

The location on the gulf is perfect for fishing in Whyalla. From the jetty and marina it is possible to catch Tommy Ruff, Whiting, Garfish, Squid and Crabs. The circular jetty provides ample space for fishing and it should definitely be on your list of what to see in Whyalla. All along the coastline there are dozens of small beaches both to the north and south of Whyalla that provide a wide range of fishing opportunities.

If you are keen to go after some bigger fish, look into some of the local fishing charters such as Steve’s Spencer Gulf Adventures (Facebook) who can take you out for a day a great fun and big fish.

Always be aware of fishing restrictions in the area, especially the marine sanctuaries where fishing is not allowed. The best way to get the most up to date information is to ask at the Visitor Information Centre.

Spot the Dolphins at the Whyalla Marina

The Whyalla Marina might not be comparable to many of the other big marinas around, but it is worth a walk around to see if you can spot the local dolphins. The pod here is well known for being friendly, and come right in close. They can often be spotted darting between the boats looking for small fish to eat. Remember thought that these are wild dolphins, so feeding or handling them is not recommended.

Check out the Point Lowly Lighthouse

While in the area, it’s worth heading out to Point Lowly to check out the lighthouse, built here in the 1880s, before Whyalla itself existed.

It takes about a half an hour to do the drive, which will be a great opportunity to spot the local kangaroos and emus. There are two little cottages here that were built around the same time that are available as accommodation (visit the Whyalla Tourist Information Centre to book)

If looking for more things to do in Point Lowly, there is also what is being – confusingly – called the Cuttlefish Boardwalk Whyalla. It actually isn’t a boardwalk at all, but there are some signs and other information about the giant cuttlefish and their migration to this area. It can be found not right at the lighthouse, but a little further back down the road where the glass bottom tours leave from.

Explore the Whyalla Conservation Park and Wild Dog Hill

The Whyalla Conservation Park and Wild Dog Hill is located 20 kms to the north of Whyalla on the Port Augusta to Whyalla highway. The park shows the natural landscape of this area, and is best seen late winter/spring after some rain makes the wildflowers bloom.

Located in the park, Wild Dog Hill is a sandstone outcrop that can be climbed to admire views over the surrounding landscape. There is also a walking track here, and walking the whole track will only take around half an hour. Wild Dog Hill is a great spot to enjoy a picture perfect sunrise or sunset over the wilderness surrounding it.

Red and Grey Kangaroos are found in the park, and Emus can sometimes be seen on the slopes of Wild Dog Hill at sunset. Smaller, inconspicuous mammals are also present; the Common Dunnart is a carnivorous mouse sized marsupial which eats grasshoppers and small lizards. This park is great for bird watching with over 80 species of birds observed.

Nearest Supermarkets & Bottle Shops

Our next stop

Our next stop is for 4 nights in Port Lincoln staying at the Port Lincoln Tourist Park located at 11 Hindmarsh St, Port Lincoln.

Google maps say it’s approximately 269kms from Whyalla and you should expect about 2 hours & 52 minutes traveling time.

Check this out on the way

Here’s a couple of things to check out along the Lincoln Hwy on your way to Port Lincoln:

TIP: Buddy up with another Bailey to make the trip and maybe even arrange to meet up with others along the way for a cuppa at a bakery – just google bakeries in a town you’re passing through ☕