View source for Whyalla

{{Short description|City in South Australia}}
{{Other uses|Whyalla (disambiguation){{!}}Whyalla}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2011}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                     = city
| name                     = Whyalla
| state                    = sa
| image                    = View from Hummock Hill, Whyalla, 2017 (02).jpg
| caption                  = View of the city from Hummock Hill
| image_alt                = 
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| coordinates              = {{coord|33|02|0|S|137|34|0|E|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_label_position   = 
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| pop                      = 
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| poprank                  = 
| density                  = 
| density_footnotes        = 
| established              = 1920
| established_footnotes    = 
| abolished                = 
| gazetted                 = 
| postcode                 = 5600<ref>[https://auspost.com.au/postcode/5600 Whyalla Postcode] Australia Post</ref>
| elevation                = 
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| area                     = 
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| timezone                 = [[UTC9:30|ACST]]
| utc                      = +9:30
| timezone-dst             = [[UTC10:30|ACDT]]
| utc-dst                  = +10:30
| dist1                    = 395
| dir1                     = 
| location1                = Adelaide
| lga                      = [[City of Whyalla]]
| region                   = 
| county                   = 
| stategov                 = [[electoral district of Giles|Giles]]<ref name=Giles>{{cite web |title=District of Giles Background Profile |url= http://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/component/edocman/?task=document.download&id=500&Itemid=0 |publisher=Electoral Commission SA |access-date=20 August 2015}}</ref>
| fedgov                   = [[Division of Grey|Grey]]<ref name=AEC>{{cite web|title=Federal electoral division of Grey, boundary gazetted 16 December 2011 |url= http://www.aec.gov.au/profiles/sa/files/2011/2011-aec-a4-map-sa-grey.pdf |publisher=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=20 August 2015}}</ref>
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| maxtemp                  = 23.7
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| mintemp                  = 11.5
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| rainfall                 = 263.4
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}}
'''Whyalla''' {{IPAc-en|w|aɪ|ˈ|æ|l|ə}} is a city in [[South Australia]]. It was founded as '''Hummock's Hill''', and was known by that name until 1916. It is the fourth most populous city in the Australian state of South Australia after [[Adelaide]], [[Mount Gambier]], and [[Gawler]], and along with [[Port Pirie]] and [[Port Augusta]] is one of the three towns to make up the "Iron Triangle".  It is a [[seaport]] located on the east coast of the [[Eyre Peninsula]] and is known as the "Steel City" due to its integrated steelworks and shipbuilding heritage. The [[Whyalla Steelworks]] is the major employer in the town, and has in February 2025 been put into [[voluntary administration]] by the [[Government of South Australia]]. The port of Whyalla has been exporting iron ore since 1903.

==Description==
The city consists of an urban area bounded to the north by the railway to the mining town of [[Iron Knob]], to the east by [[Spencer Gulf]], and to the south by the [[Lincoln Highway, South Australia|Lincoln Highway]]. The urban area consists of the following suburbs laid from east to west extending from a natural hill known as Hummock Hill: Whyalla, [[Whyalla Playford]], [[Whyalla Norrie]], [[Whyalla Stuart]], and [[Whyalla Jenkins]]. A port facility, a rail yard serving the railway line to Iron Knob, and an [[Whyalla Steelworks|industrial complex]] are located to the immediate north of Hummock Hill.<ref name="map2011">{{cite map|url=http://www.landservices.sa.gov.au/1Online_Services/55Place_Names/_files/NoticeIntentWhyalla_1.pdf |title=City of Whyalla – Additional Locality Boundaries |id= Rack Plan 1017|publisher=[[Department for Infrastructure & Transport|Department for Planning, Transport & Infrastructure]]|date=2011 |access-date=5 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=propertybrowser>{{cite web|title=Search result for " Whyalla (GTWN)" (Record no SA0055894)|url=http://maps.sa.gov.au/plb/|publisher=Department of Planning Transport & Infrastructure|access-date=30 August 2015|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012010923/http://maps.sa.gov.au/plb/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=map>{{cite web |title=Whyalla Street Map 2013 |url=http://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=730&c=32933 |publisher=City of Whyalla |date=2013 |access-date=4 September 2015 |archive-date=18 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818175533/http://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=730&c=32933 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Whyalla Barson]] and the [[Whyalla Conservation Park]] are located about {{convert|10|km}} north of the city. It is an iron-rich exporting town that supplies China.

== Nomenclature ==
The origin of the name Whyalla is disputed. In 1916 it was referred to as the "native" name, having been ascribed during a survey conducted a few years beforehand.<ref name=RegisterPg6/> During the 1940s, [[Norman Tindale]], the ethnologist at the [[South Australian Museum]] believed that the name could have been derived from aboriginal words "Wajala", meaning "west" in a language common to [[Port Pirie]], or "Waiala", meaning "I don't know" in a language more common to [[Port Augusta]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195948881 |title=Nobody knows origin of name Whyalla |date=1941-10-17 |work=[[The Whyalla News]]|access-date=2017-09-27 |page=2 |via= Trove}}</ref> In 1945, [[BHP]] advised that the name had been taken from nearby Mount Whyalla, which lies northwest of Whyalla, roughly midway between the town and Iron Knob.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://maps.sa.gov.au/plb/ |title=PLB |website=maps.sa.gov.au |language=en |access-date=2017-09-27 |archive-date=12 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012010923/http://maps.sa.gov.au/plb/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other meanings ascribed to the word Whyalla include "dingo", "by the water",<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195958856 |title= Origin of the name Whyalla |date=1945-02-23 |work=The Whyalla News|access-date=2017-09-27 |page=1 |via= Trove }}</ref> and "a place of water".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62388800 |title=Whyalla |date=1919-10-11 |work= Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929) |access-date=2017-09-27 |page=8 |via= Trove }}</ref> Another hypothesis is that the name was brought by European settlers and was derived from a place called Whyalla in [[Durham, England]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196826300 |title= Origin of the name Whyalla |date=1949-03-11 |work=The Whyalla News|access-date=2017-09-27 |page=1 |via= Trove}}</ref>

==History==

=== Early history ===
Whyalla is part of the [[Barngarla]] Aboriginal country.<ref>[[Ghil'ad Zuckermann|Zuckermann, Ghil'ad]] (2020), [[w:en:Revivalistics|''Revivalistics: From the Genesis of Israeli to Language Reclamation in Australia and Beyond'']], [https://global.oup.com/academic/product/revivalistics-9780199812790 Oxford University Press]. {{ISBN|9780199812790}} / {{ISBN|9780199812776}}</ref>{{rp|230}}

A mariner named William Morgan Burgoyne purportedly recommended the site for the establishment of a port on False Bay to Harry Morgan of [[BHP]]. Burgoyne had spent several weeks there on a trip out from Port Augusta hunting kangaroo with his brother and another man called Alf Rowarth. At that time there was no settlement between Middleback Station and the [[Point Lowly Lighthouse]], and kangaroos were plentiful there.

Burgoyne recalled that the tug ''Florrie'' ferried a crew there a week later and pegged out the settlement first known as Hummocky.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92381906|title=Out Among The People|date=1942-12-10|work=[[The Chronicle (South Australia)|The Chronicle]]|access-date=2020-04-24|page=33}}</ref> 

=== 20th century ===
Whyalla was founded as "Hummock's Hill", and was known by that name until 1916.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204679870 |title= Clashing place names |date=1916-11-08 |work=Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1923) |access-date=2017-09-27 |page=2 |via= Trove }}</ref><ref name=RegisterPg6>{{Cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59904148 |title= Clashing place names |date=1916-11-08 |work=Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929) |access-date=2017-09-27 |page=6 |via= Trove }}</ref>  It was officially founded as Hummock's Hill in 1901 by the [[BHP Whyalla Tramway]], which transported iron ore from [[Iron Knob]] in the [[Middleback Range]] to the sea. Its first shipment was transported across [[Spencer Gulf]] to [[Port Pirie]], where it was used in lead [[smelter]]s as a [[flux (metallurgy)|flux]]. A jetty was built to transfer the ore and the first shipment was sent in 1903. The early settlement consisted of small cottages and tents clustered around the base of the hill. The post office opened in 1901 as Hummock's Hill.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | publisher= Phoenix Auctions History | title = Post Office List | url = http://www.phoenixauctions.com.au/cgi-bin/wsPhoenix.sh/Viewpocdwrapper.p?SortBy=SA&filter=*Whyalla* | access-date =9 February 2021}}</ref>

In 1905 the town's first school opened. It was originally called Hummock Hill School but was subsequently renamed to Whyalla Primary School and Whyalla Higher Primary School. The school's current name is Whyalla Town Primary School.

The arid environment and lack of natural fresh water resources made it necessary to import water in barges from Port Pirie.

The Post Office was renamed Whyalla on 1 November 1919,<ref name=":0" /> and on 16 April 1920 the town was officially proclaimed with its new name. The ore conveyor on the jetty was improved, and the shipping of ore to the newly built [[Newcastle Steelworks]] commenced. The town grew slowly prior to the development of steelmaking and shipbuilding facilities in the late 1930s.

[[File:Wyalla SLNSW FL20820767.jpg|thumb|BHP shipbuilding and freight wharves, Whyalla, South Australia,  c. 1950]]

The ''BHP Indenture Act'' was proclaimed in 1937 and provided the impetus for the construction of a [[blast furnace]] and harbour. In 1939 the blast furnace and harbour began to be constructed and a commitment for a water supply pipeline from the [[Murray River]] was made. A [[shipyard]] was built to provide ships for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] during [[World War II]]. The population began to rise rapidly and many new facilities, including a hospital and abattoirs, were built.

In 1941 the first ship from the new shipyard, {{HMAS|Whyalla|J153|6}}, was launched and the blast furnace became operational. By 1943 the population was more than 5,000. On 31 March 1943, the [[Morgan - Whyalla pipeline]] became operational. In 1945 the city came under combined company and public administration and the shipyard began producing commercial ships. In 1948, [[displaced person]]s began arriving from Europe increasing the cultural diversity of Whyalla.

In 1958 BHP decided to build an integrated [[Whyalla Steelworks|steelworks at Whyalla]] and it was completed in 1965. In the following year, salt harvesting began and [[coke (fuel)|coke]] ovens were built. The population grew extremely rapidly, and the [[South Australian Housing Trust]] was building 500 houses each year to cope with the demand. Plans for a city of 100,000 were produced by the Department of Lands. A second water supply pipeline from Morgan was built to cope with the demand.

In 1970 the city adopted full local government status. Fierce competition from Japanese ship builders resulted in the closing of the shipyards in 1978, which were at the time the largest in Australia. From a peak population of 38,130 in 1976, the population dropped rapidly. A decline in the BHP iron and steel industry since 1981 also impacted employment.<ref>Stanley, Peter [https://theconversation.com/diminishing-city-hope-despair-and-whyalla-69988 Diminishing city: hope, despair and Whyalla] ''The Conversation'', 20 February 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2021.</ref>

=== 21st century ===
The BHP long products division was [[divestment|divested]] in 2000 to form OneSteel, which is the sole producer of rail and steel [[railroad tie|sleeper]]s in Australia. On 2 July 2012, OneSteel changed its name to [[Arrium]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://onesteel.com/|title = Onesteel becomes Arrium mining and materials|access-date = 2014-12-20|website = Onesteel.com|publisher = Arrium}}</ref> After going into administration in 2016 Arrium was purchased by UK entity [[GFG Alliance]] with the steelworks placed under [[Liberty Steel Group]] and called Liberty Primary Steel and Mining. 

From 2004 onward, northern South Australia enjoyed a mineral exploration boom, and Whyalla found itself well placed to benefit from new ventures, being situated on the edge of the [[Gawler craton]]. The city experienced an economic upturn with the population slowly increasing and the unemployment rate falling to a more typical level.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

===Heritage listings===

Whyalla has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

* Broadbent Terrace: [[Whyalla High School]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=16500 | title=Whyalla High School (former Whyalla Technical High School) | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016 | archive-date=15 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215212605/http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=16500 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 13 Forsyth Street: [[Hotel Bay View, Whyalla]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=26027 | title=Bay View Hotel | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016 | archive-date=15 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215212759/http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=26027 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 5 Forsyth Street: [[Spencer Hotel, Whyalla]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=26028 | title=Spencer Hotel | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016 | archive-date=15 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215212624/http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=26028 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Gay Street: [[World War Two Gun Emplacements, Hummock Hill]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=16499 | title=World War Two Gun Emplacements, Hummock Hill | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016 | archive-date=15 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215212951/http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=16499 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 3 Whitehead Street: [[Whyalla Court House]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=25672 | title=Whyalla Court House | publisher=Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources | work=South Australian Heritage Register | access-date=11 February 2016 | archive-date=15 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215212757/http://apps.planning.sa.gov.au/HeritageSearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=25672 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Port ==
[[File:Iron ore exports from Whyalla, South Australia (2007-2014).PNG|alt=Iron ore exports from Whyalla, South Australia (2007–2014)|thumb|272x272px|Iron ore exports from Whyalla, South Australia (2007–2014)]]
Since its beginnings as Hummock Hill, the town has served as a port for the shipment of iron ore from deposits along the Middleback Range.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

The port's first conveyor-belt loading system was installed in 1915 and was capable of loading 1,000 tonnes of ore per hour. In 1943, it took 5½-to-6 hours to load a single 5,000-ton freighter.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

In 2007, new [[transshipment]] handling processes were implemented, which allowed [[Arrium]] (formerly Onesteel) to load iron ore onto larger [[capesize]] bulk carrier vessels in deeper water. The transshipment process involves filling barges with ore that is then transferred into the receiving vessels at one of three transshipment anchorages.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

In the financial year 2014–15, 12.5 million tonnes of [[haematite]] ore was exported from Whyalla using the transshipment process.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.arrium.com.au/~/media/Arrium%20Mining%20and%20Materials/Files/ASX%20Announcements/FY2015/2015%20Annual%20Report.pdf|title=Arrium Mining & Materials Annual Report 2015|publisher=Arrium Ltd|year=2015|page=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217225629/http://www.arrium.com.au/~/media/Arrium%20Mining%20and%20Materials/Files/ASX%20Announcements/FY2015/2015%20Annual%20Report.pdf|archive-date=17 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In October 2015 Arrium loaded its largest capesize cargo via transshipment. The FPMCB Nature was loaded with approximately 205,698 wet metric tonnes (wmt) of iron ore – significantly more than the average load of about 170,000 wmt.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.arrium.com/about-us/latest-news/fy14/arrium-mining-sets-cape-vessel-record-1-apr-2014?command=|title = Arrium Mining sets Cape vessel record|date = 1 April 2014|access-date = 2014-12-20|publisher = Arrium|archive-date = 9 July 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150709142610/http://www.arrium.com/about-us/latest-news/fy14/arrium-mining-sets-cape-vessel-record-1-apr-2014?command=|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The port's inner harbour receives shipments of coal that is used to produce coke for the Whyalla steelworks and exports smaller cargoes of finished steel products.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

==Economy and energy==
===Whyalla Steelworks===
{{main|Whyalla Steelworks}}
Much of the town's economy is centred around the [[Whyalla Steelworks]].<ref name="renaissance2024"/>

After changes of ownership from BHP to its spin-off Arrium, which went into [[voluntary administration]] in 2017, the steelworks were bought by [[Liberty Steel Group]], a subsidiary of the British-based international company [[GFG Alliance]].<ref name=timeline2025>{{cite web | last=Garcia | first=Sara | last2=Calvert | first2=Alana | title=A quick timeline of the Whyalla steelworks | website=ABC News | date=22 February 2025 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-23/timeline-whyalla-steelworks/104955888 | access-date=22 February 2025}}</ref> On 20 February 2025, the [[Australian Government|federal government]] under [[Anthony Albanese]] announced a $2.4 billion joint state-federal support package for Whyalla and its steelworks, after GFG had got into financial difficulties and own tens of millions of dollars to its suppliers.<ref>{{cite web | last=Keane | first=Daniel | last2=Pestrin | first2=Stacey | title=Prime Minister says $2.4 billion package for Whyalla steelworks is an 'investment in the nation' | website=ABC News | date=20 February 2025 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-20/whyalla-financial-support-as-steelworks-in-administration/104958510 | access-date=21 February 2025}}</ref>

===Energy===
[[Santos Limited|Santos]] has supplied gas to the steelworks for several years, and in February 2024 signed an [[Memorandum of understanding|MoU]] with [[GFG Alliance]] to start discussions to reduce emissions from the steelworks.<ref name="renaissance2024">{{cite web | title=Whyalla at the epicentre of a hydrogen-powered industrial renaissance | website=Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia | date=25 February 2024 | url=https://www.ohpsa.sa.gov.au/home/news/whyalla-at-the-epicentre-of-a-hydrogen-powered-industrial-renaissance | access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref>

{{anchor|whf}}<!--for redirects, until/unless article is created--->The Whyalla Hydrogen Facility (WHF, aka Hydrogen Jobs Plan) was a proposed 250MWe hydrogen electrolyser (producing [[green hydrogen]]), a 200MW combined cycle gas turbine generator, and 3600-tonne hydrogen storage facility.<ref name=whf>{{cite web | title=Whyalla Hydrogen Facility | website=Infrastructure Pipeline | date=16 December 2022 | url=https://infrastructurepipeline.org/project/whyalla-hydrogen-power-plant | access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=WA hydrogen project is almost four times larger than Whyalla's | website=[[InDaily]]|first=David |last=Simmons | date=19 March 2024 | url=https://www.indaily.com.au/business/economy/2024/03/19/wa-hydrogen-project-is-almost-four-times-larger-than-whyallas | access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> A [[Government of South Australia|South Australian Government]] company called Hydrogen Power South Australia was established to own and operate the plant, which is expected to be completed in 2025 and begin operations in 2026.<ref name=whf/> [[ATCO|ATCO Australia]], [[BOC (company)|BOC]], and [[Epic Energy]] would deliver the plan,<ref>{{cite web | title=Hydrogen Partners Announced | website=Whyalla City Council | date=22 October 2023 | url=https://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/our-city/news-and-events/latest-news/hydrogen-partners-announced | access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref> in which the government has invested {{AUD|593}} million.<ref>{{cite web | last=Grubnic | first=Peter | title=South Australian Government Hydrogen Facility | website=HyResource | date=28 February 2024 | url=https://research.csiro.au/hyresource/south-australian-government-hydrogen-facility/ | access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref> In February 2024, the government signed an agreement with GFG Alliance reaching "to explore opportunities for hydrogen offtake" from the WHF.<ref name=renaissance2024/> It would supply power to the steelworks to produce [[green steel]].<ref name="renaissance2024"/> The project was cancelled in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=South Australia disbands Hydrogen Power office as Whyalla project officially cancelled |url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/south-australia-disbands-hydrogen-power-office-as-whyalla-project-officially-cancelled/ |website=RenewEconomy |language=en-AU |date=2 May 2025}}</ref>

== Geography ==

=== Climate ===
Whyalla has a [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen:]] BSk/BSh), with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures vary throughout the year, with average maxima ranging from {{convert|30.2|C}} in January to {{convert|17.1|C}} in July, and average minima fluctuating between {{convert|17.9|C}} in January and {{convert|5.3|C}} in July. Annual precipitation is low, averaging {{convert|269.4|mm|in|abbr=on}} between 77.9 precipitation days. The town has 62.7 clear days and 46.6 cloudy days annually. Extreme temperatures have ranged from {{convert|48.5|C}} on 24 January 2019 to {{convert|-3.2|C}} on 12 June 1984 and 16 July 1982.<ref>{{cite web 
|url = https://www.farmonlineweather.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=18120 |title = Whyalla Climate (1945-2024) |website = FarmOnline Weather |access-date = July 28, 2024}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Whyalla (33º03'00"S, 137º31'12"E, 9 m AMSL) (1945–2024 normals and extremes)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 48.5
|Feb record high C = 48.0
|Mar record high C = 44.1
|Apr record high C = 40.4
|May record high C = 32.9
|Jun record high C = 26.3
|Jul record high C = 27.0
|Aug record high C = 32.1
|Sep record high C = 38.0
|Oct record high C = 42.1
|Nov record high C = 45.5
|Dec record high C = 46.8
|Jan high C = 30.2
|Feb high C = 29.6
|Mar high C = 27.4
|Apr high C = 24.0
|May high C = 20.5
|Jun high C = 17.2
|Jul high C = 17.1
|Aug high C = 18.5
|Sep high C = 21.7
|Oct high C = 24.1
|Nov high C = 26.5
|Dec high C = 28.3
|Jan low C = 17.9
|Feb low C = 17.8
|Mar low C = 15.7
|Apr low C = 11.9
|May low C = 8.7
|Jun low C = 6.1
|Jul low C = 5.3
|Aug low C = 6.0
|Sep low C = 8.2
|Oct low C = 10.8
|Nov low C = 14.0
|Dec low C = 16.0
|Jan record low C = 5.9
|Feb record low C = 7.8
|Mar record low C = 5.5
|Apr record low C = 2.2
|May record low C = -0.4
|Jun record low C = -3.2
|Jul record low C = -3.2
|Aug record low C = -2.0
|Sep record low C = 0.0
|Oct record low C = 0.3
|Nov record low C = 4.4
|Dec record low C = 4.7
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 20.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 21.9
|Mar precipitation mm = 17.1
|Apr precipitation mm = 21.0
|May precipitation mm = 22.4
|Jun precipitation mm = 27.3
|Jul precipitation mm = 21.3
|Aug precipitation mm = 21.4
|Sep precipitation mm = 25.4
|Oct precipitation mm = 22.9
|Nov precipitation mm = 23.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 24.7
|year precipitation mm = 269.4
|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 3.4
|Feb precipitation days = 3.0
|Mar precipitation days = 3.8
|Apr precipitation days = 4.9
|May precipitation days = 8.2
|Jun precipitation days = 10.7
|Jul precipitation days = 10.0
|Aug precipitation days = 9.7
|Sep precipitation days = 7.4
|Oct precipitation days = 6.6
|Nov precipitation days = 5.2
|Dec precipitation days = 5.0
|Jan afthumidity = 38
|Feb afthumidity = 40
|Mar afthumidity = 40
|Apr afthumidity = 44
|May afthumidity = 49
|Jun afthumidity = 54
|Jul afthumidity = 53
|Aug afthumidity = 48
|Sep afthumidity = 44
|Oct afthumidity = 41
|Nov afthumidity = 39
|Dec afthumidity = 41
|Jan dew point C = 10.3
|Feb dew point C = 11.3
|Mar dew point C = 9.4
|Apr dew point C = 8.4
|May dew point C = 7.6
|Jun dew point C = 6.2
|Jul dew point C = 5.3
|Aug dew point C = 4.7
|Sep dew point C = 4.8
|Oct dew point C = 5.2
|Nov dew point C = 7.3
|Dec dew point C = 9.5
|source 1 = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] (1945–2024 normals and extremes)<ref>{{cite web 
|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_018120_All.shtml
|title = Whyalla Aero Climate Statistics (1865–2024) 
|publisher = [[Bureau of Meteorology]]
|access-date = July 28, 2024}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
In the [[2021 Australian census]], the population of Whyalla was 20,880.<ref name="ABS2021">{{Cite web |title=2021 Whyalla (Urban Centres and Localities), Census All persons QuickStats |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/UCL412004 |website=Australian Bureau of Statistics |language=en}}</ref><!---per what is picked up in the infobox – not sure why "Significant urban area" has slightly different border--->

===Past===
As of June 2018, Whyalla had an urban population of 21,742,<ref name=ABSSUA>{{cite web|title=3218.0 – Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2017-18: Population Estimates by Significant Urban Area, 2008 to 2018|url=http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3218.02017-18|website=Australian Bureau of Statistics|date=26 March 2019|access-date=25 October 2019}} Estimated resident population, 30 June 2018.</ref> having declined at an average annual rate of –0.75% year-over-year over the preceding five years.<ref name=ABSSUA/>

According to the [[2016 Australian census|2016 census]] of Population, there were 21,751 people in Whyalla, comprising:<ref name="Census2016">{{Census 2016 AUS|id=4008 |name=Whyalla (Significant Urban Area) |access-date=18 December 2017 |quick=on}}</ref>
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 4.7% of the population. 
* 73.8% of people were born in Australia. The nextmost common countries of birth were England 7.2%, Scotland 2.4%, Philippines 1.4%, South Africa 0.8% and Germany 0.7%.   
* 87.0% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Afrikaans 0.7%, Tagalog 0.6%, Greek 0.5%, Italian 0.5% and Filipino 0.5%.
* The most common responses for religion were No Religion 38.7%, Catholic 19.5%, Anglican 10.5%.
* Of the employed people in Whyalla, 12.4% worked in Iron Smelting and Steel Manufacturing. Other major industries of employment included Iron Ore Mining 7.3%, Hospitals 4.2%, Supermarket and Grocery Stores 3.8% and Primary Education 3.4%.
* There were 9,452 people who reported being in the labour force in the week before Census night. Of these 52.5% were employed full-time, 29.5% were employed part-time and 12.5% were unemployed.
* The median weekly household income is $989.

== Transport==

===Road=== 
The [[Lincoln Highway, South Australia|Lincoln Highway]] passes directly through Whyalla. The city is served by a coach bus service operated by [[Stateliner]] which operates four services to and from [[Adelaide Central bus station|Adelaide]] (via Port Augusta) each week day (less on weekends) and one service each way to [[Port Lincoln]]. There are however occasional exceptions to the week day route due to lack of demand to travel through Whyalla.

===Rail===
The [[BHP Whyalla Tramway]] was built to [[Iron Knob]] to supply iron ore originally used as flux when smelting copper ore.<ref>See Griffiths, David. "BHP Tramways Centenary History". (1985, Mile End Railway Museum) {{ISBN|0959507345}}</ref> This ore became the basis of the steelworks.  As the Iron Knob deposits were worked out, the railway was diverted to other sources of ore at [[Iron Monarch]], [[Iron Prince, South Australia|Iron Prince]], [[Iron Duke, South Australia|Iron Duke]] and [[Iron Baron, South Australia|Iron Baron]].

To enable interchange between the BHP's other steelworks in [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] and [[Port Kembla, New South Wales|Port Kembla]] of specialised rollingstock, the railway system within the Whyalla steelworks was converted to [[standard gauge]] in the 1960s.<ref>[[Australian Railway History|Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin]], September 1963 pp133-136</ref>

Although the steelworks produced railway rail, for several decades there was no railway connection to the mainland system. Finally in 1972, the [[standard gauge]] [[Whyalla railway line|Whyalla line]] to [[Port Augusta railway station|Port Augusta]] was completed and [[Whyalla railway station]] opened. The station was served daily from [[Adelaide railway station|Adelaide]] until 1975, then again from 1986 to 1990 by the ''[[Iron Triangle Limited]]''. The station was demolished in 2012.

Some iron ore is exported from Whyalla. In 2007, steps were being taken to export iron ore mined at Peculiar Knob near [[Coober Pedy]], 600&nbsp;km away. To meet this increased demand, a [[balloon loop]] was installed in 2012 at the port for both gauges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railcontrol.com.au/rcs-project/whyalla-port-expansion/ |title=Whyalla Port Expansion |publisher=RCS Australia |date=2015 |access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref>

===Air===
[[Whyalla Airport]] is {{convert|4|nmi}} southwest of the city. It was served by [[Rex Airlines]] flying into Whyalla from [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]] it served the airport several times a day however due to passenger security screening charges [[Rex Airlines]] ceased flying into Whyalla on 1 July 2023,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.rex.com.au/BlobViewer/BlobViewer.aspx?attachtype=MR&filename=2F32476D436A384F3754654C5945734153646C72314A50303156734C49326A484B76563733775766414166562F7077786B644A5935486479487778765759517A397163744D684D696B516978655A5261636E66706E5A7142704A7352416649485457394B646C486A6742513D#:~:text=Rex%20Airlines%20today%20announces%20that,legally%20required%20to%20be%20screened| title=REX exits Whyalla-Adelaide route due to council imposed security charges | date=2023-05-18 | website=www.rex.com.au}}</ref> and [[QantasLink]] which operates twice daily services from Adelaide.<ref>[http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantaslink-adds-whyalla-to-its-map QANTASLINK adds Whyalla to its map], 18 December 2014, Media Releases, Qantas News Room</ref>

===Sea=== 
There is a small boat marina (populated by a number of dolphins), a sailing club, and a boat ramp on the coastline below Hummock Hill, where there is a fish-cleaning station situated nearby. Iron ore is exported through an off-shore facility.

==Media==
Whyalla is served by several radio and TV stations. Radio stations include [[5YYY]] FM (Local community station), [[Magic 105.9|Magic FM]] (Commercial station based in Port Augusta), and [[5AU]]/5CS (Commercial station based in Port Pirie). The local TV stations are [[GTS/BKN|Seven]], [[GTS/BKN|Nine]], and [[SGS/SCN|Network 10]].

The local newspaper, [[The Whyalla News|''The'' ''Whyalla News'']]'','' was first published on 5 April 1940, and is currently owned by [[Australian Community Media]]. Historically, another short-lived monthly newspaper called the ''Whyalla Times'' (January – October 1960) was also printed for the town by E.J. McAllister and Co., from its premises in Blythe Street, Adelaide.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.catalog.slsa.sa.gov.au/record=b1524201~S1|title=Whyalla times [newspaper]|date=1960|publisher=Whyalla times|location=Whyalla, S. Aust.}}</ref> Another publication called ''Scope'' (May 1973 – November 1982) was also printed in the town. According to the [[State Library of South Australia|State Library]], ''"Scope was a monthly regional magazine in newspaper format published by the Willson family of the Whyalla News. It was issued as an insert to six local newspapers: the Recorder (Port Pirie), Transcontinental (Port Augusta), Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Cleve), Port Lincoln Times, West Coast Sentinel (Streaky Bay) and Northern Argus (Clare)."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.slsa.sa.gov.au/c.php?g=410317&p=2796357|title=LibGuides: SA Newspapers: S|last=Laube|first=Anthony|website=guides.slsa.sa.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref>

==Tourism==
[[File:Whyalla-corvette.JPG|thumb|HMAS ''Whyalla'', a locally built World War II-era corvette]]
[[File:Sepia apama 2.jpg|thumb|Giant Australian cuttlefish|alt=Giant Australian cuttlefish]]
The industrial and cultural history of Whyalla is accessible to tourists via several museums and public tours.

Visitors can view the ex-[[HMAS Whyalla (J153)|HMAS ''Whyalla'']] from the Lincoln Highway and take a guided tour of it via the Whyalla Maritime Museum. The ship is a retired World War II-era corvette and was the first ship built in the city of Whyalla during the war. It was relocated to the highway in 1987. The Whyalla Maritime Museum features various displays commemorating the town's ship building and mining history, including miniature replicas of various ships and a model railway diorama. Further displays introduce visitors to the region's natural and indigenous cultural histories.

Tours of the [[Whyalla Steelworks]] allow visitors to view the production of long products at the working plant. Tours depart from the Whyalla Visitors Centre.

The town's development and social history is presented at the volunteer-run Mount Laura Homestead National Trust Museum, which is located near the Westlands shopping centre.

One of the main tourist attractions of Whyalla is the world-renowned beach, and the many attractions based around it. Especially the shops and pop-ups in the car park.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dreamingofdownunder.com/whyalla-south-australia/ | title=Whyalla South Australia: The Ultimate Guide for 2022 | date=28 June 2018 }}</ref>

=== Ecotourism ===
In the late 1990s the annual migration of the [[giant cuttlefish|Australian giant cuttlefish]] ''Sepia apama'' to shallow, inshore rocky reef areas in [[Spencer Gulf]] north of Whyalla became recognised by divers and marine scientists.<ref>[http://www.marinebiology.adelaide.edu.au/projects/cuttlefish.html Sepia apama: the giant Australian cuttlefish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630170417/http://www.marinebiology.adelaide.edu.au/projects/cuttlefish.html |date=30 June 2017 }}, Dept of Marine Biology, University of Adelaide</ref><ref>[http://www.whyallacuttlefish.com/cuttlefish/index.htm Whyalla Cuttlefish] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120235414/http://www.whyallacuttlefish.com/cuttlefish/index.htm |date=20 November 2008 }}</ref> Divers and snorkellers can see the aggregation of animals from May through August each year, in water one to six metres deep. The most popular places to view the aggregation are Black Point, Stony Point and [[Point Lowly]]. Car parking and boardwalks or stairs to the waters edge are present at each location, making access easy.

Dolphins frequent the Whyalla marina, but concerns have been raised that their confidence around humans may increase their vulnerability.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/01/13/4161441.htm|title=Concerns over plight of 'friendly dolphins' in Whyalla|website=[[ABC North & West SA]]|language=en-AU|access-date=2016-03-21}}</ref>

The [[Whyalla Conservation Park]] provides an example of the natural semi-arid environment accessible via walking trails. A gentle climb to the top of Wild Dog Hill provides a view of the surrounding landscape and information on native vegetation via a series of interpretive signs.

=== Fishing ===
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2021}}
Boat launching facilities exist at Whyalla and Point Lowly North marinas. The Whyalla Marina also has a jetty which is illuminated at night for the convenience of fishers.

Whyalla was home to an annual [[Lutjanidae|Snapper]] Fishing Competition. The largest of its kind and renowned for attracting tourists and fisherman from all over Australia, if not the world. However, due to major over fishing, a blanket ban was put in place to help population growth until 30 June 2026.<ref name=":2" /> Subsequently, the annual fishing competition was closed.

==Politics==

===State and federal===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left:1em"
! colspan="3" | 2006 State Election<ref>[http://www.seo.sa.gov.au/election2006/pdf/Results_and_Outcomes_Booklet3.pdf SA 2006 election results and outcomes] (PDF), {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821041516/http://www.seo.sa.gov.au/election2006/pdf/Results_and_Outcomes_Booklet3.pdf |date=21 August 2006 }} (a) P.14 (d) P.13, State Electoral Office, South Australia, 2006.  Retrieved on 25 June 2008.</ref>
|-
| {{Australian party style|Labor}}|&nbsp;        || [[Australian Labor Party|Labor]]         || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right|66.3%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Liberal}}|&nbsp;      || [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]]   || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right|21.8%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Family First}}|&nbsp; || [[Family First Party|Family First]]      || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 6.5%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Greens}}|&nbsp;       || [[Australian Greens|Greens]]             || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 4.0%}}
|-
| style="background:#d8d8d8;"|&nbsp;                      || [[Independent (politician)|Independent]] || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 1.4%}}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left:1em"
! colspan = 3 | 2007 Federal Election<ref>[http://results.aec.gov.au/13745/website/HousePollingPlaceFirstPrefs-13745-6983.htm Whyalla Norrie Polling Booth], Division of Grey, House of Representatives Division First Preferences, 2007 Federal Election.  Retrieved on 25 June 2008.</ref>
|-
| {{Australian party style|Labor}}|&nbsp;        || [[Australian Labor Party|Labor]]         || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right|57.07%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Liberal}}|&nbsp;      || [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]]   || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right|29.50%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Greens}}|&nbsp;       || [[Australian Greens|Greens]]             || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 5.19%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Family First}}|&nbsp; || [[Family First Party|Family First]]      || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 4.59%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Nationals}}|&nbsp;    || [[Australian National Party|National]]   || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 1.60%}}
|-
| {{Australian party style|Democrats}}|&nbsp;    || [[Australian Democrats|Democrats]]       || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 1.16%}}
|-
| style="background:#d8d8d8;"|&nbsp;                      || [[Independent (politician)|Independent]] || style="background:#ff9;"| {{right| 0.88%}}
|}
Whyalla is part of the state [[electoral district of Giles]], which is presently held by [[Australian Labor Party|Labor]] MP [[Eddie Hughes (Australian politician)|Eddie Hughes]]. Giles was previously held by Labor MP [[Lyn Breuer]] from 1997 until her retirement in 2014. In federal politics, the city is part of the [[division of Grey]], and has been represented by [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] MP [[Rowan Ramsey]] since 2007. Grey is held with a margin of 8.86% and is considered safe-liberal. The results shown are from the largest polling station in Whyalla Norrie – which is located at Nicolson Avenue Primary School.

===Local===
Whyalla is in the [[City of Whyalla]] [[Local government in Australia|local government area]] along with Point lowly and some sparsely inhabited areas around it.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.whyalla.com/ | title=Whyalla South Australia for extraordinary Natural Wonders | website=www.whyalla.com}}</ref>

==Education==

===Primary schools===
Primary schools in Whyalla include Whyalla Town Primary School, Fisk Street Primary School, Long Street Primary School, Hincks Avenue Primary School, Memorial Oval Primary School, Whyalla Stuart Campus, Nicolson Avenue Primary School, Sunrise Christian School, St Teresa's and Our Lady Help of Christians (both Samaritan College).

===Secondary schools===
Until 2021 Secondary Education was provided by [[Whyalla High School]], [[Stuart High School (Whyalla)|Stuart High School]], Samaritan College, [[Edward John Eyre High School]] and [[Saint John's College, Whyalla]]. Saint John's College is one of the three schools that make up Samaritan College.

On 1 November 2017 a new high school was announced by [[Department for Education (South Australia)|Department for Education & Child Development]] for Whyalla which would combine [[Edward John Eyre High School|Edward John Eyre]], [[Stuart High School (Whyalla)|Stuart High]] and [[Whyalla High School|Whyalla High]] Schools into a new purpose built facility located between the [[University of South Australia#Whyalla|University of South Australia]] and [[TAFE SA]] campuses.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.education.sa.gov.au/department/media-centre/news/new-school-whyalla |title=New school for Whyalla |date=2017-11-01 |language=en |access-date=2018-04-16 |publisher=Department of Education, Government of South Australia |archive-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416201013/https://www.education.sa.gov.au/department/media-centre/news/new-school-whyalla |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2022 Whyalla Secondary College opened, with capacity for 1500 students and amalgamating Edward John Eyre High, Whyalla High and Stuart High.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-10-22 |title=Superschool: Whyalla Secondary College recognised in national building award |url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/7952253/superschool-whyalla-secondary-college-recognised-in-national-building-award/ |access-date=2023-01-16 |website=Whyalla News |language=en-AU}}</ref> The building firm who undertook the construction won an [[Australian Institute of Building]] award for construction.<ref name=":1" />

===Tertiary education===
Tertiary education is provided by the Spencer Institute of [[Technical and Further Education|TAFE]], and the Whyalla Campus of the [[University of South Australia#Whyalla|University of South Australia]]. UniSA Whyalla's academic programs include business, social work, nursing and research opportunities in rural health and community development.

===Arts===
The [[D'Faces of Youth Arts]] community youth arts organisation has run workshops and activities for young people aged 7 to 27 in theatre, dance, visual arts and music since 1994.

The Whyalla Recording Scholarship is awarded annually for Whyalla residents aged from 12 to 21.<ref>[http://www.whyallarecording.com/ Whyalla Recording Scholarship], www.whyallarecording.com</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Promoting local music |date= 2 August 2016 |author= Louis Mayfield |work= Whyalla News |url= http://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/4070740/promoting-local-music/ |access-date= 18 August 2017 }}</ref> The Inaugural (2017) Winner was seventeen year old Breeze Millard from Whyalla.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/4313608/breezing-through-recording-scholarship/|title=Breezing through recording scholarship|first=Louis|last=Mayfield|date=24 November 2016|website=Whyalla News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/4521739/is-breeze-the-next-adele/|title=Is Breeze the next Adele?|first=Louis|last=Mayfield|date=10 March 2017|website=Whyalla News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/4606944/breeze-thrilled-with-unearth-the-library/|title=Breeze thrilled with uneARTh the Library|first=Louis|last=Mayfield|date=19 April 2017|website=Whyalla News}}</ref>
The Second (2018) Whyalla Recording Scholarship was launched on 23 April 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/5367655/tricks-of-the-trade/|title=Tricks of the trade|first=Louis|last=Mayfield|date=27 April 2018|website=Whyalla News}}</ref> with 2 Winners (17 year old Liberty Tuohy from Port Neill and 19 year old Shakira Fauser from Whyalla) and 1 Runner-Up (15 year old Jaylee Daniels from Whyalla) being announced on 17 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/5650515/trio-in-tune/|title=Trio in tune|first=Louis|last=Mayfield|date=17 September 2018|website=Whyalla News}}</ref> On 24 February 2019 Jaylee Daniels' Debut Single "Papa's Song" reached Number 7, and Shakira Lea's "I Miss You" Number 18 on the iTunes Australia Country Chart<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/5921974/singers-show-their-talent/|title=Singers show their talent|first=Greg|last=Mayfield|date=25 February 2019|website=Whyalla News}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=205624 Unknown]{{dead link|date=March 2021 | fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.magic899.com.au/news/local-news/86425-eyre-peninsula-teens-win-whyalla-recording-scholarships-2019 |title=Magic899 - Eyre Peninsula Teens Win Whyalla Recording Scholarships 2019 |access-date=11 March 2019 |archive-date=7 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307221600/https://www.magic899.com.au/news/local-news/86425-eyre-peninsula-teens-win-whyalla-recording-scholarships-2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2021 both Jaylee (with "Tonight") and Shakira (with "Drowning") released their second Singles.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/7131178/jaylee-launches-second-single/ | title=Jaylee launches second single | date=17 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/7164238/scholarship-winner-to-release-new-single/ | title=Scholarship winner to release new single | date=11 March 2021 }}</ref> On 21 February 2021 Jaylee Daniels' "Tonight" reached Number 3 on the iTunes Australia Singer Songwriter Chart.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/7140542/jaylee-soars-to-the-top-of-the-charts/ | title=Jaylee soars to the top of the charts | date=23 February 2021 }}</ref>

==Sport==
The [[Whyalla Football League]] is an [[Australian rules football]] competition supporting half-a-dozen clubs. In 1998, Bennett Oval hosted a [[National Rugby League]] match between the [[Adelaide Rams]] and [[Illawarra Steelers]]. The Steelers won 39–4.

But Whyalla also has sports for Basketball, Hockey, Soccer & Boxing. Out of the 4 just mentioned, The '''Whyalla Basketball Association''' is the most popular, along with the '''Whyalla Soccer Association'''.  

Hockey is still popular across Whyalla, with its league, the '''Whyalla Hockey Association''', getting many players and even schools to join in with the Hockey Games. '''Fishing''' is also pretty popular in Whyalla as well, with its good beaches and wonderful jetty, it's one of the best places to fish in the '''Eyre Peninsula'''.  

Whyalla Speedway (also known as Westline Speedway) takes place 3 kilometres northwest of the city, off Speedway Road ({{coord|32|59|41|S|137|30|31|E|}}). It opened on 30 April 1972 and holds racing for many classes, including sprint cars, sedans and stock cars.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwayaustralia.org/sa/westline-speedway-whyalla |title=Westline Speedway, Whyalla | website=Speedway Australia |access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref> The venue hosts [[motorcycle speedway]] and held the [[South Australian Individual Speedway Championship]] in 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.speedwayandroadracehistory.com/whyalla-westline-speedway.html |title=Whyalla (SA)| website=Speedway and Road Race History |access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref>

==Sister cities==
Whyalla's sister city is [[Texas City]], [[Texas]]. It was proclaimed in 1984, during the sesquicentennials of both Texas and South Australia.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/14033525/whyalla_guest_home_program_begins/|title=Whyalla guest home program begins - Texas City, USA (1985) |date=1985-02-10 |work=Mainland Extra |access-date=2017-09-27 |page=7}}</ref>

Ties with a former sister city, [[Ezhou]] in China, were cut in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/cities-of-the-sisterhood/news-story/2f60115d53d66820356120a7416e8a61?sv=8900683fba204894d9a0f084c0ec0cb1 |title=Sister cities can come to each other's rescue in times of need |work=The Advertiser |date=6 September 2012 |author= Brad Crouch |access-date=2017-09-27}}</ref> In 1997, both cities signed an agreement reestablishing their sister city relationship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sistercitiesaustralia.com/images/images_media/Documents/Aust_SCA_Affiliations.pdf |title=2020 Directory of Australian Sister Cities and Friendship City Affiliations |website=Sister Cities Australia |access-date=April 5, 2021 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713192607/http://www.sistercitiesaustralia.com/images/images_media/Documents/Aust_SCA_Affiliations.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Notable people from Whyalla ==
{{refimprove |section|date=August 2024}} 
<!-- Alphabetic by surname each one needs a citation proving the connection -->
* [[Robert Bajic]] – soccer player
*[[Shantae Barnes-Cowan]] – actress<ref name=dcp>{{cite web | title=Bright lights beckon young Whyalla actor who grew up in care | website=[[Department for Child Protection (South Australia)|Department for Child Protection]] | date=24 August 2023 | url=https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/dcp-news/bright-lights-beckon-young-whyalla-actor-who-grew-up-in-care | access-date=30 August 2024}}</ref>
* [[Lachlan Barr]] – soccer player with [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Commanding Centre-back Barr Added to Glory Squad |url= https://perthglory.com.au/news/commanding-centre-back-barr-added-to-glory-squad/ |publisher=[[Perth Glory]]|access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref>
* [[Edwina Bartholomew]] – journalist and television presenter
* [[Max Brown (politician)|Max Brown]] – politician
* [[Brett Burton]] – former AFL player with the [[Adelaide Football Club|Adelaide Crows]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Brett Burton's town of footy-mad kids |url= http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/brett-burtons-town-of-footy-mad-kids/story-e6frf9jf-1226459390815# |publisher=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=12 September 2013}}</ref>
* [[Alan Didak]] – AFL player with the [[Collingwood Football Club]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Alan Didak |url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/alan-didak/#.UjImkdKjOVY |publisher=AFL Players Association |access-date=12 September 2013 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201005/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/alan-didak/#.UjImkdKjOVY |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Karyne Di Marco]] – hammer thrower
* [[Alistair Edwards]] – Australian soccer player
* [[Connie Frazer]] &ndash; poet, feminist, and writer
*[[Sophie Gonzales (writer)|Sophie Gonzales]] – author and psychologist<ref>{{cite web|title=ABOUT {{!}} Sophie Gonzales {{!}} Books|url=https://www.sophiegonzalesbooks.com/about|access-date=2021-02-20|website=Sophie Gonzales|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Gary Gray (politician)|Gary Gray]] – [[Special Minister of State]] in the Gillard government<ref>{{cite web |title=About Gary Gray |url=http://www.garygray.com.au/about/ |publisher=Australian Labor |access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref>
* [[Levi Greenwood]] – AFL player with the Collingwood Football Club
* [[Leigh Hoffman]] – cyclist
* [[Graeme Jose]] – Australian Olympic cyclist
* [[Catherine Ordway]] - Australian lawyer
*  [[Rex Patrick]] – South Australian senator
* [[Ben Pengelley]] – cricketer
* [[Ian Rawlings]] – television actor
* [[Barrie Robran]] – [[South Australian National Football League]] player with [[North Adelaide Football Club]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Barrie Robran|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/7427.html|publisher=ESPN Sports Media Ltd|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref>
* [[Vern Schuppan]] – former [[Formula One]] driver 
* [[Robert Shirley (footballer)|Robert Shirley]] – AFL player with the [[Adelaide Crows]]
* [[Peter Stanley]] – historian<ref>{{cite web|title=Peter Stanley – about me|url=http://www.peterstanley.com.au/about-me/|publisher=Peter Stanley|access-date=3 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809184659/http://www.peterstanley.com.au/about-me/|archive-date=9 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Carl Veart]] – international soccer player who played 18 games for the [[Australian men's national soccer team|Socceroos]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Veart, Carl|url=http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/V/VE.html|publisher=Australian Player Database|access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref>
* [[Darryl Wakelin]] – AFL footballer
* [[Shane Wakelin]] – AFL footballer
* [[Isaac Weetra]] – AFL player with the [[Melbourne Football Club]]
* [[Sean Williams (author)|Sean Williams]] – science fiction author 
* [[Douglas Wood (engineer)|Douglas Wood]] – engineer and Iraq war hostage<ref>{{cite web|title=Douglas Wood|url=http://www.saxton.com.au/douglas-wood/|publisher=Saxton Speakers Bureau|access-date=12 September 2013}}</ref> 
* [[Bianca Woolford]] – para-cyclist
* [[Stephen Yarwood]] – Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide 2009–2014

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Whyalla Jetty.jpg                   | Whyalla Jetty
File:Whyalla Foreshore.jpg               | Whyalla foreshore
File:Whyalla Institute building, 2017 (01).jpg | Whyalla Institute facade
File:Whyalla-ore-handling.JPG            | Ore handling at the port
File:Whyalla-port.JPG                    | Port facility
File:QF 3.7 inch AA gun Whyalla 2007.JPG | [[QF 3.7-inch AA gun]] from [[World War II]] at Hummock Hill
File:Whyalla-coast.JPG                   | View of the coast from Hummock Hill
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.whyalla.com/site/page.cfm Whyalla City Council's tourist information site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050121043138/http://www.whyalla.com/site/page.cfm |date=21 January 2005 }}
*[http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDS60801/IDS60801.95664.shtml Whyalla's Weather for the last 72 hours]

{{South Australia}}
{{Eyre Peninsula}}
{{City of Whyalla localities |state=collapsed}}
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[[Category:Whyalla| ]]
[[Category:Cities in South Australia]]
[[Category:Coastal cities in Australia]]
[[Category:Eyre Peninsula]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1920]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in South Australia]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of South Australia]]
[[Category:Spencer Gulf]]
[[Category:Underwater diving sites in Australia]]