Whyalla may have been built by heavy industry, but there is a new and fascinating side to this city at the head of the
Eyre Peninsula.
Originally called Hummock Hill, Whyalla grew from small beginnings to be the largest provincial city in South Australia. Iron ore mining was established in the Middleback Ranges, and the iron and steel works which used the mine's output were built in Whyalla, together with a shipyard which operated for almost 40 years.
Today, Whyalla is a clean city which enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate, perfect for outdoors activities such as beach swimming, fishing from the jetty, sailing and windsurfing.
The city also boasts the Whyalla Maritime Museum, whose centrepiece is the 650-tonne corvette, The Whyalla. Built in the local shipyard, The Whyalla is the largest, permanently land-locked ship in Australia. To the south-east of the city is a wildlife and reptile sanctuary, open from dawn till dusk each day.
Tours are available of the steelworks - visitors must wear long sleeves, pants and closed shoes.
Things to do:
Viist the Maritime Museum
Fishing, swimming, sailing, windsurfing
Visit the wildlife and reptile park
Take a tour of the steelworks
Find out more about the
Eyre Peninsula.
Australia - plan it, book it
