Whyalla, located in South Australia, was founded under Hummocks Hill in 1916. It is one of the fourth most populous cities in Australia.It is one of three times after Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Gawler to make up the Iron Triangle, along with Port Pirie and Port Augusta. It is bounded to the north by the railway to the mining town of Iron Knob, to the east by Spencer Gulf and to the south by the Lincoln Highway. The area consists of various natural hills, hence its name, Hummocks Hill. Whyalla is an iron-rich, exporting town that supplies China. There are some amazing things to do in Whyalla, such as exploring the city’s hills and waters.
Things To Do In Whyalla
Here are some adventurous and amazing activities to do in Whyalla to explore the natural beauty of the city of hills.
1. Visit Whyalla Maritime Museum
The Whyalla Maritime Museum is the home of HMAS Whyalla, the first ship built in the Whyalla Shipyards in 1941. It is a high and dry place 2 km from the sea and 2 m from the ground. Thousands of visitors throughout the year enjoy the unique experience of walking under the ship before boarding along with their tourist guides. The museum building has a treasured collection of artefacts and memorabilia. There are also documents related to World War II in the gallery of the two wartime corvettes built in Whyalla.
The BHP shipbuilding gallery represents it’s shipbuilding era, and the shipyards were open from 1940 to 1978, during which 66 vessels were built along with warships, carriers, tankers, ferries, container ships, barges and an oil rig. The museum is surrounded by large, tranquil Australian native plants with electric BBQs, a walk to the museum’s pond and plenty of shady lawns. The museum grounds of the 19th-century heritage are on display, and a shipyard crane hook was constructed in 1943. The Singing to the Sharks exhibition explains the story of the indigenous people of Whyalla and their rituals connected to the sea.
Location: Whyalla Maritime Museum, Lincoln Hwy, Norrie SA 5608, Australia
Timings: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Saturday and Sunday
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2. Picnic At Whyalla Wetlands
Wetlands are the perfect spot for a picnic and to spend time out. Astrol along the extensive pedestrian parts along the lake gives an amazing view of the bridge, the gazebo atop the central hill, and the park benches. Various parts around the lake are equipped with disabled access ramps as well. There are many adventure activities for children, like climbing, sliding and enjoying the flying fox. The Whyalla Council has developed the wetlands and includes 7 hectares of artificial lakes with a combination of underground seepage and stormwater runoff. Many aquatic plants, animals and birds utilize the water from the lake.
This wetland was initially known as Jim Pollock Whyalla Wetlands, based on the remaining 24.8 hectares of the original aerodrome. The Whyalla Norrie Rotary Club was tremendously involved and worked with the city council to develop many facilities in the area, including a viewing parking area with a BBQ, shelter, picnic benches, lawn, landscaping, environment-friendly hybrid toilets, baby changing facilities, disabled access and many more. Various species of birds are breeding and raising their young here, which are not usually seen here. This wetlands is a place that Jim wanted for Whyalla’s city, with beautiful attractions and wonderful places for tourists and the whole community to enjoy.
Location: Whyalla Wetlands, 157 Broadbent Terrace, SA 5600, Australia
Timings: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Saturdays and Sundays
3. Trek To Hummock Hill Lookout
Image Credit: Kr.afol for Wikimedia Commons
Hummock Hill offers a 360-degree view of the eastern end of Whyalla. BHP developed this point as a gift for the company’s centenary year during the 1986 Jubilee royal visit. The hammock hill was the site of the first settlement, and at the turn of the century, the development of the lockout area was utilized by the old guns and placements, which are still visible today. A one-way sealed road takes vehicles to the parking area adjacent to the lockout.
There are many facilities, like restored wartime guns, heritage interpretive signage and a sheltered viewing area with a picnic area. During World War II, Hummock Hill saw service as a battery with 4 guns, commands and signal posts. The Hummock Hill provides a beautiful view of Whyalla and other last Onesteel operations like the foreshore and marina across Spencer Gulf, the Santos plant at Port Bonython and the Point Lowly Lighthouse.
Distance: Hummock Hill Lookout, Queen Elizabeth Dr, SA 5600, Australia
Timings: Open 24 hours throughout the year
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4. Visit The Whyalla Conservation Park
Whyalla Conservation Park, located on the Lincoln Highway, is a protected area 10 km north of Whyalla and 8 km away from Port Bonython. The wild dog hill, the sandstone outcrop, rises in the northwestern corner and takes only 10 minutes to readily claim and get amazing views, especially during dusk and dawn. This is a great place for taking amazing pictures.
A walking trail leads to the top, giving a clear view of the park and surrounding areas. It takes nearly half an hour to walk around the full length of the trail. This park is closed half an hour after sunset and open half an hour before sunrise. There are many other activities here, like walking, bird watching, native animal spotting, sunset and sunrise, and picnics. This conservation park is controlled by National Parks and Wildlife South Australia. The major tracks are also convenient routes except when there is heavy rainfall.
Location: Whyalla Conservation Park, Barson SA 5601, Australia
Timings: Open 30 minutes before sunrise and closed 30 minutes after sunset every day
5. Visit Mount Laura Station
Image Credit: Airman Laura Turner for Wikimedia Commons
Mount Laura Homestead Museum consists of a station homestead constructed in 1922. It has nine rooms filled with artefacts and information about Whyalla’s past. Each room has a different theme, with many photographs, other information, and memorabilia about industry education, sports, and business history. The gay street cottage and washhouse were rescued from demolition and transported to the site in 1976.
The Gaol, built in 1914, has been transported to this museum for preservation. Other places inside this museum include the Nicolson and Lions Engine Sheds, the blacksmith shop, the Brian Barber Harness Shed, the telecommunications museum, the steam train, and the ore truck.
Location: Mount Laura Homestead, Norrie SA 5608, Australia
Timings: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Saturdays
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Whyalla is a beautiful town in the South of Australia. It is worth visiting and spending a few days here to experience everything the place offers. Now that you have a list of things to do in Whyalla plan your trip to Australia to experience the natural beauty of the city of hills.
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Cover Image Credit : Kr.afol for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Whyalla
What is the best time to visit Whyalla?
The best time to visit Whyalla is in January because the temperature is ideal to explore nature and the coastal area with a warm temperature for many activities.
How is the climate in Whyalla?
The summers in Whyalla are warm and in the winters it is cold, dry and windy, but it is mostly clear throughout the year. It also receives heavy rainfall. There are many warm-weather activities from early December to late March.
How to reach Whyalla?
There are many cars from Adelaide on National Highway 1, which is only 45 minutes southwest of Port Augusta. There are also many buses, cabs and public transport available on different routes throughout the day.
What are some famous places to visit in Whyalla?
There are many places like Ada Ryan Gardens, Hummock Hill, Whyalla Jetty, Whyalla Maritime Museum, Whyalla Conservation Park and many more.
What is Whyalla city famous for?
Whyalla is known to be the steel city because of its integrated steel works and shipbuilding heritage. The Whyalla port has been exporting iron ore since 1903. There are also many captivating cuttlefish, dolphins and many nature-based activities.
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