By submitting your email you are agreeing to Fairfax Media's terms and conditions and privacy policy. Slowly a tiny settlement began to grow up around Hummock Hill. It was known until the s as 'Hummocky'. Fresh water was shipped across the Gulf from Port Pirie, a general store was built , the telephone was installed and just a month before the arrival of the first policeman the town officially changed its name to Whyalla, an Aboriginal word probably meaning 'deep water place'.
For most of its life probably for all of its life Whyalla has been a town totally dependent on the economic decisions of BHP. On 8 January ore from Iron Knob was shipped to Newcastle thus ensuring the city's existence as the major port for the Middleback Ranges iron ore deposits. The development of the town-city from the turn of the century until was heavily influenced by BHP. Effectively a company town from it then became a 'city commission' by a special Act of Parliament.
From three local members, three BHP representatives and a chairman appointed by the South Australian government ran the town it was proclaimed a city in It finally achieved full local government autonomy in Between BHP turned the town from a port to a major production centre. In two years the harbour was dredged, a blast furnace was built and a shipyard was constructed. Between sixty-three ships were built. At its peak Whyalla was the biggest shipbuilding port in Australia with a capacity to build ships up to 83 tonnes.
The largest ship ever built in Australia, a bulk carrier called the Clutha Capricorn, was launched from the Whyalla shipyards in It now stands like some kind of strange vessel which has lost its way glaring down over the Lincoln Highway at the northern entrance to the city.
Whyalla Maritime Museum This is an ideal starting point for any visit to Whyalla. The Whyalla Maritime Museum, a really excellent and comprehensive display, combines a history of local shipping through models, photographs and audio visual displays with a guided tour of the HMAS Whyalla and a huge model railway display. The museum and Visitor Information Centre are open from 9. November - March. Tours and the Visitor Information Centre It is really quite difficult to enjoy the attractions of Whyalla without a good map and some directions.
The Whyalla Fauna and Reptile Park and the Mount Laura Homestead Museum are both located on the outskirts of the city and the Steelworks Tour, the highlight of any visit, should be organised well in advance. Start your search on Essington Lewis Avenue for some of the best art. Not only are there great views, but there are some interesting sculptures commemorating the parts both Matthew Flinders and Louis-Claude de Freycinet played in charting this section of the coast back in the early s.
The main Whyalla beach runs the length of the foreshore. If you want to swim in deeper water with the protection of a cage, head to the swimming enclosure in the nearby marina.
You will also find facilities along the shore such as a cafe, toilets, playgrounds, BBQs and some shade-sail areas, all making it possible to spend a whole day here. 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 city is currently building a new circular jetty which will provide ample space for recreational fishing. Over the summer months crabs can be caught from the beach with a rake too.
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 Whyalla Fishing Charters 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. If you are looking for another way to explore the coastline, why not hire either a kayak or stand up paddle board and spend some time out on the water exploring? As you paddle around, keep an eye out for the dolphins who love to come and say hello. Look up rates and book your hire through Dolphin Treasure Hire.
The Whyalla Marina. The start of the new jetty can be seen at the top. 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.
Here you can see lots of snakes and lizards, birds and other native animals such as kangaroos. There is a small petting enclosure which children can hand feed during your visit. It takes about a half an hour to do the drive, which will be a great opportunity to spot the local kangaroos and emus.
Besides swimming with the cuttlefish at nearby Stony Point, there is a lighthouse to explore, built here in the s, before Whyalla itself existed. There are two little cottages here that were built around the same time that are available as accommodation see the Whyalla Tourist Information Centre to book.
Located in the park, Wild Dog Hill is a a sandstone outcrop that can be climbed to admire views over the surrounding landscape. This is also the place to book a minibus tour, for panoramas of the first Iron Knob pit and the Iron Princess and Iron Monarch mines.
Flinders and Freycinet on the lookout for a new dawn. Posted by Whyalla Tourism on Wednesday, 1 March At this vantage point you can take in a big tranche of the upper Spencer Gulf, backed by the southern Flinders Ranges to the east, while the last humps of the Middleback Range are visible some 20 kilometres to the south-west.
For families with restless children, Wilson Park has a playground, as well as picnic tables, a shelter and barbecue facilities. Run, walk or cycle… our Wetlands is the perfect backdrop. Posted by Whyalla Tourism on Tuesday, 23 May Shopping Shopping for travelling, every day or for relaxation? Whyalla will inspire and deliver.
Whether you enjoy a mall, a plaza or the intimate experience of a local precinct Whyalla has it all. The origin of the name is open to debate, but it is believed to have been named after a nearby ridge, Mount Whyalla.
Unearth lifetime memories. Wildlife Encounters Wildlife encounters can be discovered under the sea, with Giant Cuttlefish and Dolphins and on the land with spectacular birdlife and native animals everywhere. Unearth Whyalla's natural wonders. Where the outback meets the sea, and industry cohabits with nature and vice versa in the most remarkable ways. Fishing Connecting with nature, catching a meal, relaxing or just for the thrill of it; Whyalla is renowned for great fishing in the bountiful Spencer Gulf waters of Eyre Peninsula.
Diving and Snorkelling Aquatic experiences attract divers and snorkelers where ocean and sea life-loving adventure seekers unearth the natural wonders of Whyalla under the sea.
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