Whyalla

Whyalla SA 5600 (Pop 22 500)

Whyalla, the Eyre Peninsula’s northern gateway, is a modern steel city located 381 km n-w of Adelaide. What began as the small settlement of Hummock Hill in 1860s is today SA’s largest provincial centre. The mining giant BHP turned Whyalla into a major production and shipbuilding centre. Australian Amateur Snapper Fishing Championship (Easter), Whyalla Show (Aug).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Whyalla Maritime Museum, Lincoln Hwy a fascinating look at Whyalla’s maritime history with excellent displays, photographs and memorabilia together with HMAS Whyalla, the first and most famous ship built here. Open (10am-4pm) Wed-Mon. Mt Laura Homestead Museum, Ekblom St National Trust-classified and featuring the old homestead, a restored cottage (1914), original wood and iron lockup, a telecommunications museum and display of old engines. Open (10am-noon) Mon-Fri and (2pm-4pm) Sun. Whyalla Wetlands, Lincoln Hwy, walking trails. Hummock Hill Lookout, Queen Elizabeth Dr a former WWII observation post with panoramic city, steelworks and coastal views. Flinders & Freycinet Lookout, Farrel St. Foreshores and Marina pretty recreational area with good fishing, swimming and boat ramp.

Nearby:
Whyalla Conservation Park (10 km north) scenic 30 min walk over Wild Dog Hill and native flora areas. Port Bonython & Port Lowly (34 km east) picturesque coastal areas with spectacular Spencer Gulf views, rock fishing, swimming beaches and historic Port Lowly Lighthouse (1883). Cuttlefish (coast north of Whyalla) between May-Aug divers/snorkelers are rewarded with observing large concentrations of giant cuttlefish spawning. Iron Knob (53 km n-w) famous mining town with museum and lookout tours.

Accommodation:
Whyalla has about a dozen motels/hotels, a B&B, holiday apartments/cottages and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Lincoln Hwy. Tel (08) 8645 7900 or 1800 088 589.

Airport:
Whyalla Airport (WYA), off Lincoln Hwy. Tel (08) 8640 3426. (7 km west).

Hospital:
Whyalla Hospital & Health Services, Wood Terrace. Tel (08) 8648 8300.