 Attractions
BHP Steelworks: In Whyalla, the process of steel making from coke ovens to rolling mill is demonstrated on a bus tour of the BHP plant. Visitors see the pouring of molten steel, the shaping of various products and all components in between. Book through the Whyalla Tourist Centre.
Cowell Jade & Gemstones: A magnificent array of black and green jade together with some of the world's most colourful marble is on display for both viewing & purchasing. There is a jade processing plant opposite where the cutting of the giant jade boulders can be seen. Located on Second Street, Cowell.
Mount Laura Homestead Museum: This National Trust museum housed in a former sheep station homestead displays much local history. A 1920's BHP worker's cottage, blacksmith's workshop and engine shed containing more than 50 stationary engines are all open for inspection. Located on Ekblom Street in Whyalla.
Mount Wudinna Rock: This is the largest granite monolith in the region, standing 261 metres high, and offering panoramic views and wildflowers in spring. The clumps of weathered granite have formed intriguing shapes, such as nearby Turtle Rock.
Tuna Farms & Dangerous Reef Cruises: A delightful 2 hour cruise to a commercial tuna farm. See the fish being fed and view these magnificent creatures close up from the Underwater Marine Viewing Platform. Dangerous Reef is located 14 kilometres off shore from Port Lincoln.
Whale Watching: From Nullarbor to the WA border, the highway closely follows the coastal cliffs. Along this highway, five lookouts provide panoramic views of the Bight and its rugged coastline.Southern Right Whales visit this coastline between June and October on their annual breeding migration.
Whalers Way: This incredible area is on the southern-most tip of Eyre Peninsula and contains some of the most accessible, dramatic and beautiful coastal scenery in South Australia. Cliffs, caves, crevasses, blow holes and beaches abound.
Whyalla Fauna & Reptile Park: One of the largest of its type located in an arid climate. Within the bushland setting, visitors can see hundreds of birds, including eagles; reptiles; free-ranging kangaroos and emus; Australia's deadliest snakes; wombats; dingoes; sugar gliders and much more.
Whyalla Maritime Museum: The HMAS Whyalla is a prize exhibit. It was the first ship built at the Whyalla Shipyard in 1941. The city's important shipping past is captured in photos and memorabilia inside the Tanderra Building. One of the largest 00 gauge model railways in Australia is also housed here.
Bon Accord Mine Complex: Displays include the history of the Burra cooper mine and the working and living conditions of its miners. There's also a forge containing a selection of artifacts and forging tools used to repair mine equipment.
The Burra Mine and Engine house Museum: This extensive archaeological site features the world's only reconstructed Cornish engine house, an excavated tunnel with access to the pumping shaft, walking trails and lookouts, and 1884 power magazine and ore dressing tower.
Galdstone Gaol: It was first used for "inebriates, debtors and other prisoners". In World War 2 it became an internment camp for Italian and German nationals, later it was used as a military detention barracks, and finally, until 1975, as a medium security prison.
Geralka Farm: Geralka Farm has a wealth of things to do and see. These include an underground cooper mine, Clydesdale horses, farm machinery museum, wagon and pony rides; merino sheep demonstrations, modern farm practices, hay rides and blacksmith's operations.
Market Square Museum: The Market Square Museum is an authentic recreation of an 1870 general store, post office and family home, which have all been furnished with original fittings.
Martindale Hall: This fine Georgian mansion in pastoral seclusion just outside Mintaro was young bachelor Edmund Bowman's attempt to lure his British fiancee to marry him and settle in Australia. He failed, but the house was a statement in 19th century style.
Miners' Dugouts: In the 1840s, as many as 2000 miners and their families lived in these dugouts along the river bed. Although floods drove many out and into homes built by the mine company, some miners remained in the dugouts rather than pay rent.
Port Pirie Aerodrome Pictorial Museum: Port Pirie played a significant role in World War 2, when 4,000 civilians were taught to fly. The training camp was based at what is now the Port Pirie Aerodrome. The pictorial history of the base is on display.
Redruth Goal: The Redruth Goal was built in 1856 and used to confine prisoners until it closed in 1894. It was then used as a girls' reformatory. The gaol now features a collection of relics depicting prison conditions in the 19th century. A key can be obtained from the Burra Tourist Office.
Unicorn Brewery Cellars: The Unicorn Brewery, built in 1873 was closed in 1902 and many of the buildings were demolished for their stone. The remaining buildings and cellars were recently restored. A key can be obtained from the Burra Tourist Office.
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