SA History Festival - Past. Present. Wonder.
The SA History Festival is on now, with this year’s festival celebrating the many wonders of the past.
Whyalla will host three official events this History Festival, along with the Maritime Museum celebrating the anniversary of the HMAS Whyalla, giving an opportunity to visit the Maritime Museum and gardens for FREE from Monday 8 May until Sunday 14 May. Read all about the events taking place in Whyalla throughout May below.
Early European Exploration of Northeast Eyre Peninsula 1802-1901
Join Paul Mazourek for a talk on the Early European Exploration of Northeast Eyre Peninsula 1802-1901.
The western shores of Spencer Gulf and the lands stretching to Middleback Range in the west and Gawler Ranges in the north were intermittently explored, forgotten, rediscovered, and initially settled with caution. This is the account of the first explorers, pastoralists, and miners.
When: Wednesday 17 May 11am-12pm
Where: Whyalla Public Library, Ekblom Street, Whyalla Norrie, SA, 5608
Cost: FREE
Bookings: Not required, simply arrive prior to 11am
For more information: paul.mazourek@whyalla.sa.gov.au
The Largest Ships in Southern Hemisphere: Whyalla Shipyards in the 1970s
The ‘in the middle of nowhere’ Whyalla shipyards were constructed on a land reclaimed from the sea, containing five building berths.
In the 1970s, BHP Whyalla produced 14 commercial vessels which were, at the time, some of the largest ships ever built in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of those ships also received worldwide recognition thanks to the engineering innovations created and applied by the shipyards’ workforce.
When: The month of May
Where: Whyalla Maritime Museum, Lincoln Highway, Whyalla, SA 5600
Cost: Access to the Maritime Museum – Adult $15, Concession $12.00, Children $9.00, Family $40.00
Bookings: Not required
For more information: paul.mazourek@whyalla.sa.gov.au
We Wonder What’s Happening at the Whyalla RSL
The Whyalla RSL’s charter was established in 1920 and has been in the current historic building since 1948. The Whyalla RSL is the one of the oldest RSL subbranches in South Australia. The exhibition features photos of Whyalla ANZAC marches, a display of service uniforms and pictures of past and present veterans. The RSL is a history war museum acknowledging the people who served our country. The RSL bar will be open, light lunches, tea and coffee are available.
When: Every Sunday in May from 1pm – 5pm
Where: Whyalla RSL, 77 Essington Lewis Avenue, Whyalla, SA, 5600
Cost: FREE
Bookings: Not required
For more information: ellenzed@bigpond.com
Celebrate our Maritime History with FREE access to the gardens and Maritime Museum.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit the Museum and Gardens, here’s your chance! The Whyalla community is invited to enjoy the beautiful gardens and the interesting displays in the museum FREE OF CHARGE from Monday 8May until Sunday 14 May 2023.
The museum will be open from 10.00am-4.00pm each day and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch or utilise the free barbecue while enjoying the beautiful gardens.
A cost will apply for those who would like to climb aboard the HMAS Whyalla for the guided tour at either 11.30am or 1.30pm. Bookings are essential for ship tours. Please note: Access to the HMAS Whyalla is by guided tour only, and enclosed footwear is a must.Please contact the Whyalla Visitor Centre & Maritime Museum on 1800 088 589 for more information, or to book a tour of the ship. The centre is located on the Lincoln Highway, Whyalla. Visit www.whyalla.com for more information on visiting Whyalla.
The South Australian History Festival is held across Adelaide and Regional South Australia from 1-31 May 2023 visit their website for the full program of events
