Whyalla Things to Do

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This is another good lookout, and I just loved the stick figures of Flinders and Louis-Claude de Freycinet.

In 1802 Matthew Flinders was the first European to navigate and chart this unknown coast of SA, then 10 months later, in January 1803, Louis-Claude de Freycinet navigated and charted the isolated coast. He and his crew were impressed by the local scenery.

"Encounter 2002" was built to recognise French exploration. The two contemporary sculptures of Flinders and Freycinet were made and now overlook the area where they once landed.
From the lookout, I could see upper Spencer Gulf, Southern Flinders Ranges and Middleback Ranges.

I was hoping to see this Museum, but as it turned out, we were here on a public holiday and it was closed. I had to view what I could from the outside.

Mt Laura Homestead was built in 1922 as the homestead for a sheep station that was several miles from Whyalla. In the 1960's, the town of Whyalla encircled the homestead, and so it became a National Trust building. Now as museum, it's a chance to see a photos and memorabilia displayed like everyday household items used by the earliest residents of Whyalla to the first BHP switchboard and a printing press from the Whyalla News.
In the compound is the furnished Gay Street Cottage, an original workman's cottage built by BHP in 1914, the Nicolson Engine Shed contains stationary engines from early this century and the Telecommunications Museum covering Australian telecommunications history. An extensive collection of morse code, telephone, telegraph, radio and associated equipment can be viewed.

OPEN.... Weekdays 10:00am - 2pm Sunday 2:00pm - 4:00pm
ADMISSION IN 2012...Adults $4.00.....Children $1.00...Concession $3.00
Family $10.00

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This Museum adjoins the Whyalla visitor centre. As you would imagine, on display is exhibits and artifacts on World War Two Naval History, BHP Shipbuilding, Maritime Heritage, and some natural and Aboriginal History.

The main display is the HMAS Whyalla, constructed in 1941, which was the first modern warship built in South Australia.

Opening Times .....Museum Hours:10am - 4pm, 7 days per week.
Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day.

The ship can only be seen on a guided tour which commences at............
10am, 11am, noon, 1pm & 2pm.

ADMISSION IN 2012.....ADULTS ....$12 CHILDREN.....$7

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THE LOADED DOG is a statue situated infront of the Whyalla Vetinerary Surgery. It was the principal Vet, "Dr. Andrew Melville-Smith," who come up with the idea.

He employed Andy Scott from Glasgow, Scotland to make the dog, which he did in his workshop and then shipped the finished statue out to Whyalla.

So, who was the Loaded Dog.

Well, it turns out to be a story written by a famous Australian Poet "Henry Lawson," about a Golden Retriever known as "Tommy."

The story goes, that Bush miners Dave, Jim, and Andy were sinking a shaft at Stony Creek in search of gold and having no success. As Andy and Dave were fishing enthusiasts, they tried fishing, also with no success, that was until one of them had the bright idea to use explosives to blow up the fish, an easy way of catching fish.

The three men owned a young retriever dog named Tommy, "an overgrown pup," who happened to pick up the explosive cartridge in its mouth and ran around the campfire, lighting the fuse on his way.
The three miners ran from the “loaded dog," only to find Tommy chasing after them with explosive in his mouth, he thought they were playing a game, and they weren't! Dave sought refuge in the local pub, only to have Tommy charge inside after him, causing the Bushmen inside to head for cover.

Outside again, Tommy comes across a "vicious yellow mongrel cattle-dog" who pinches the cartridge from Tommy. Soon other dogs are curious and gather around the explosive cartridge as the fuse burns away eventually exploding, blowing apart the nasty yellow cattle-dog, and scattering the other dogs.

The Bushmen laughed hysterically, Dave apologized for the happenings, and Tommy trotted after him as pleased as Punch!

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This is an EXCELLENT LOOKOUT that overlooks the eastern end of Whyalla.

To reach here, follow the Brown Tourist signs, and then head up the sealed ONE WAY ROAD to the top of Hummock Hill for 360 degree views.
It was developed by BHP as a gift to the city to commemorate the company's centenary year, and opened during the 1986 SA Jubilee Royal Visit.

Heritage interpretive signage is sighted on important parts of the lookout. It was interesting to read, that during World War II it saw service as a gun battery with four guns and command and signals posts, some which are still on display today.
Some of the work was done by BHP workmen, but the majority of the work was carried out by gunners of the 26th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery in 1942. When the battery reached full strength there were approx 120 men located here.under the command of Captain R L Moorfoot.

I loved the view from here, for I could see the OneSteel operations, Whyalla Foreshore and Marina, across Spencer Gulf to the Southern Flinders Ranges and over the city towards the iron ore rich Middleback Ranges.

Facilities include a restored wartime gun, sheltered viewing and picnic area.

A MUST SEE WHEN IN WHYALLA

On the northern entrance to the city it's a bit hard not to that there's a ship out of water astride the Lincoln Highway. This marks the Whyalla Maritime Museum and a tourist information centre.
The ship is, perhaps not surprisingly, the HMAS Whyalla, one of four corvettes constructed for the Second World War in this very town. There are five guided tours daily (the only way you can get on board) and it's open from 10 to 4.
In addition there's the 1814 edition of Matthew Flinders' journals and charts plus a terrific model railway, a wooden fishing vessel and lots of remains of sea creatures.
It costs less than $10 with concessions for families and is a recommended way to spend a couple of hours.

The Whyalla Visitor Centre is situated on Lincoln Highway at the norhern approach to Whyalla, next to the HMAS Whyalla.
Apart from information on tourist attractions and accommodation, Steelworks tours can be booked through here.

Opening Hours:
9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sundays.

It was the minerals around here that made Whyalla what it is today and one of the more prominent mounds left is that of Iron Knob.
Though it's a few kilometres away it stands in stark contrast to the surrounding countryside, not the least reason being the colour exhibited by the iron oxide on the slag heaps that remain.
There are other ore bodies around, such as Iron Baron and others, still in use and still feeding the steelworks but you can take tours of Iron Knob so it has an added attraction.