Whyalla, South Australia, Australia
We hadn't originally planned to visit Whyalla: however, while en route to Port Augusta, we listened to a news story on ABC radio about Cuttlefest, a community cuttlefish festival, and which was being held today in Whyalla. It is in the waters around Whyalla.that the cuttlefish come to mate and breed annually during the winter months. Diving and snorkelling tours are available to experience this up close. Dad would have loved to do this, but that will have to wait for another adventure...
Our parents love a festival, especially a unique festival, so despite the additional 150km this would add to our drive today, off to Whyalla we went.
As an added bonus, our Warmshowers host Mike and his friend Doug were also headed to Whyalla for the day.
Mike also owned a small yacht; however, he chose to moor it at the Whyalla marina. He invited us for another sail on the Spencer Gulf. They also suggested we stop and tour the HMAS Whyalla. Of course, said our parents: Cuttlefest, sailing, museum visit and a long drive to Coober Pedy. All in a day's holiday!
Before leaving Port Augusta, Doug gave us a demonstration of his steam engine. It was fascinating for us kids.
Arriving in Whyalla, you are greeted by the steel works, which are not such a pretty sight, especially with the plumes of exhaust being expelled into the air.
Once you reach the waterfront, the sole hill in Whyalla, known as the Hummock (just like in Bundaberg, Qld), blocks the ugly manufacturing side (and the main economic driver of the town) and you are greeted with a pretty waterfront.
Today, there were food vans, inflatable children's activities, live music, a cuttlefish sand sculpture and more! We couldn't wait to check it out!
First stop was the marina. Mike and Doug quickly had us on the water, and with the sails unfurled, we were sailing! We both had a turn at the wheel again and it was another glorious day on the water.
All too soon we had to head back to shore. We could get used to a life on the water everyday!
The HMAS Whyalla is a site to behold, built as one of sixty Australian minesweepers (commonly known as corvettes) during WWII. She survived the war and was renamed Rip, and used as a maintenance vessel in Port Phillip Bay.
In 1984, she was retired and was about to be sold for scrap when the Whyalla council purchased the ship for $5000. It cost them another $200,000 to relocate the ship to its current location in 1987.
The HMAS Whyalla has been almost fully restored to its former glory as a minesweeper.
We all enjoyed touring this ship and hearing about her service history.
The HMAS Whyalla is one of only two Bathurst class ships restored as museums. The other is the HMAS Castlemaine located in Williamstown, Victoria.
Entrance to the Whyalla Maritime Museum is included and a must visit. A video highlights the relocation of the HMAS Whyalla and there was limited OH & S back in 1987!
Abigail busily decoded the children's activity and learnt a lot about cuttlefish in the process! Dad enjoyed the shark and scuba diving component of the museum. Jackson enjoyed the military history as well as the miniature train section.
We bade Mike and Doug farewell here and again can't thank them enough for their generosity and time showing us their part of Australia.
Back to the waterfront, it was time for a quick lunch and festival fun. We loved the inflatable maze and were impressed by the cuttlefish sand sculpture. We would loved to have stayed longer in this part of Australia, but alas it was time to hit the road to the opal capital of the world: Coober Pedy.
Thank goodness the kangaroos don't like the cold as we didn't see a single one in our late afternoon/evening drive.
2025-05-22