Galleries, Museums and Collections

Whyalla Maritime Museum specialises in naval, BHP shipbuilding, maritime and natural history of the upper Spencer Gulf. Its prime exhibit, HMAS Whyalla, the first modern warship built in 1941 in South Australia stands on dry land, two kilometres from the sea.

The collection documents the areas diverse marine habitats including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, sea dragons, blue ring octopuses and more. Plus the 1814 edition of Matthew Flinders journals and collections of items recovered from shipwrecks. Singing to the Sharks exhibition documents the indigenous Aboriginal people of the area and their connection with the sea. The HO gauge Model Railway is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Access to the HMAS Whyalla is by guided tour only, bookings are essential. Closed-in footwear is required.

Entrance to the Maritime Museum is via the Whyalla Visitor Centre