Things to Do in Whyalla, Australia

Whyalla Things to Do

Whyalla was once known as “Steel City.” The mining and steel industries helped create the history of Whyalla, and along with the wonderful views, give tourists plenty of things to do in Whyalla.

Hummock Hill and Flinders & Freycinet Lookouts

Hummock Hill was originally used for defensive purposes during World War Two, and now serves as a lookout offering views of Whyalla and its surroundings. BHP, a large steel company, developed the lookout as a gift to Whyalla to commemorate the company’s centennial year. Along with the 360 degree views, Hummock Hill has a restored wartime gun, sheltered viewing and a picnic area.

Flinders & Freycinet is another lookout and features large stick-figure statues of Matthew Flinders and Louis-Claude de Freycinet. Matthew Flinders was the first European to navigate and chart the coast of South Australia and later Louis-Claude navigated and charted the isolated southern coast. Views from the lookout include the upper Spencer Gulf, southern Flinders Ranges and Middleback Ranges.

Whyalla Maritime Museum

The primary display at the Maritime Museum is the HMAS Whyalla, which was constructed in 1941 and was the first modern warship built in South Australia. There are guided tours of the ship daily, and you must take a guided tour to board the ship. In addition to the ship, you can see the 1814 edition of Matthew Flinders‘ journals, a model railway, a wooden fishing vessel, World War Two exhibits and artifacts, and some natural and Aboriginal history.

Steelworks

Touring the steelworks is a chance to hear about the 100 years of Australian iron and steel-making history. You can learn about the $350 million OneSteel Project as you travel around the huge site by bus. A guide explains the technology of turning mined iron ore into 90 different grades of steel. Depending on production and maintenance schedules you will get to see different parts of the steel-making process, and the tour shows you the blast furnace, wharf, coke ovens, reed beds, the casting plant and railway.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Whyalla.