PLACES TO VISIT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
“Whyalla is known as a steel and shipbuilding powerhouse, but it is also endowed by the natural environment, with more than 300 days of sunlight every year.”
Twisting coastlines, beautiful beaches, marine wildlife, and red-dyed conservation parks embrace what is today known as, Whyalla. As the fourth largest city in South Australia and bigger than the renowned Port Lincoln, this quiet town has a lot to offer for a South Australian Weekend Escape. 300 days of sunlight each year and turquoise oceans will entice almost everyone to come here.
Whyalla is an industrial town that is dominated by the steel and petroleum sectors. It has a rich history, which tourists may learn about through museums and local excursions. As the largest city on the Eyre Peninsula, you’ll find everything you need right in town, from accommodation to eating to shopping. Let’s find out.
- TAKE THE CITY WALK TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT WHYALLA
A variety of historical landmarks and some of the area’s oldest structures can be seen near the north-eastern end of Whyalla. Take the City Walk to discover a little about the city’s history. The trek brings you to the summit of Hummock Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city, Spencer Gulf, and the Flinders Ranges. Informational trail signs describe the stories of settlement and industrial history, as well as surrounding natural assets and marine heritage. Red route markers point the way!
- SWIM AND INDULGE AT WHYALLA FORESHORE
Whyalla Foreshore is a handy and centrally located destination to spend the morning, with a fresh new and unique round jetty and a purpose – built swimming enclosure, as well as a playground for the kids, electric grills, and beach shelters.
The distinctive circular jetty over the blue Whyalla waters is always lined with local fishermen and ladies, making for a lovely morning walk. Meanwhile, a walkway from the shore’s playground leads to the serene Ada Ryan Gardens, complete with a duck pond and excellent for a stroll or a retreat from the South Australian heat.
- THE FREYCINET TRAIL
Hike, bike, or drive – it’s only 12 kilometres one way, so it’s up to you how energetic you want to be! This walk is divided into two portions that lead you down the coast to Point Lowly. The Fitzgerald Bay Hiking Trail is 4 kilometres long, while the Fitzgerald Bay-Lowly Point Hiking, Cycling, and Driving Trail are 8 kilometres long. The interpretive signage along the path makes it both instructive and beautiful! Point Lowly also includes a lighthouse, and you can reserve a stay in one of the lighthouse cottages for a night or two.
- TRAVEL TO POINT LOWLY
Port Lowly Lighthouse, built in 1883, helps keep an eye out for marine activity at Point Lowly. Point Lowly is becoming a popular destination for photographers. A trip here doesn’t take long and is worth it if just for a plunge in the surrounding crystal blue waters. It’s located at the tip of a small peninsula north-east of Whyalla. If you want to spend the night in a historic and picturesque site, contact the Whyalla Visitor Information Centre.
- EXPLORE THE WHYALLA MARITIME MUSEUM
The history of the city is presented in this museum, which also contains the Visitor Information Centre and is dominated by a landlocked WWII warship. You may learn more about this and the three other corvettes built by BHP at Whyalla during WWII. Singing to the Sharks delves into the indigenous history of the Whyalla region, discussing the link of diverse cultural groups with the water. Outside the museum, there is an attractive Australian native plant garden and free BBQ places.
- SPOT OTHER MARINE LIFE
Swimming with Giant Cuttlefish is a once-in-a-lifetime, one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else, so it is well worth the trip.
Dolphins are also known to visit the Whyalla coastline. For many years, local dolphins have followed fishing vessels from the sea to the land in the hopes of feeding on fish scraps. It is claimed that some dolphins have become friends with people in Whyalla because of this unlikely situation. Hiring single and double kayaks, as well as SUP boards, will let you get closer with the creature-rich sea here.
- EXPLORE THE REGION’S PRISTINE SANDY BEACHES
Aside from the Whyalla Foreshore, several beaches in the region provide ideal swimming conditions and peaceful beach days. Vehicles are permitted on the sandy beaches from Port Bonython Road to Sida Cove, as well as at Point Lowly. Ada Ryan Gardens, as well as wide open lawns, a shaded children’s playground, free electric grills, a cafe, bathrooms, and changing rooms, can be found on the Whyalla Foreshore, just behind the beach. This beach is open to all tourists, however please keep in mind that the trip needs a 4WD vehicle.
- EXPLORE THE WHYALLA CONSERVATION PARK AND WILD DOG HILL
The Whyalla Conservation Park and Wild Dog Hill are located 10 kilometres to the north on the Port Augusta to Whyalla route. The park depicts the natural scenery of the area and is best seen in late winter/early spring after the wildflowers bloom.
In the park, Wild Dog Hill is a sandstone outcrop that you can climb to see views of the surrounding landscape. There is also a walking trail here, and it only takes around half an hour to walk the entire course. Wild Dog Hill is an excellent location for seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the surrounding forest.
- CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN WHYALLA
Visitors to Whyalla are expected to try some local cuisine and, most likely, take away some morning coffee. While there are several cafés in Whyalla, we have selected only a few to suggest.
Whyalla Beach Cafe is the only cafe on the beach in Whyalla, and it provides wonderful food with ocean views. Throughout the day, coffees, teas, and shakes, as well as breakfasts and lunches, are available. This cafe, located only steps from the ocean, may be your go-to spot for a Weekend Escape.
City Plaza Espresso Cafe is another option for coffee lovers and those looking for a nice glass of white in the evening. The cafe, which is located next to the tranquil Ada Ryan Gardens and the Whyalla Foreshore, is quite cosy and provides both fresh juices and hot beverages.
WRAPPING UP
It’s good to get lost sometimes, but it’s also good not to get too lost. Hopefully, this article will assist you in planning your vacation to Whyalla in the best way possible.