An hour south of Port Augusta,SA’s third biggest city is often known as “Steel City” for its now-dwindling steel industry, but there’s plenty of surprises to be found here: from an abundance of marine life such as dolphins and giant cuttlefish, to enjoying the spectacular views from Whyalla Beach of the sun setting over the sea. Whyalla is a great getaway destination.
Of course, the steel industry that has been the heart of the city for decades makes it an exciting destination in itself – you can learn about steelmaking and see massive fires emanating from blast furnaces when you visit a working steelworks.
Whyalla is over a century old, so there’s plenty of lovely heritage buildings to enjoy, including the museum at the Mt Laura Homestead in the centre of the city. The Visitors Centre is also well worth a visit, as it is home to the Maritime Museum, an excellent collection which includes the former HMAS Whyalla (built in 1941) and a natural history gallery.
A short drive from Whyalla, the town of Point Lowly boasts a heritage listed lighthouse which was completed in 1883, as well as two lighthouse keepers’ cottages. The lighthouse makes an extraordinary backdrop for your holiday snapshots, especially at dusk or dawn.
Whyalla is renowned for its teeming marine life and maritime history, and it’s also a great place for a seafood meal; in fact, the Eyre Peninsula is known as the “seafood frontier of Australia”! Whether you’re out fishing for your dinner, or savouring the delicious oysters at the Watersedge Restaurant in the Foreshore Motor Inn, gourmands can end a day of adventure with tantalized tastebuds and a satisfied stomach at Whyalla.
